Off-Track Entertainment
Good times for the whole family over the rare spares rockynats weekend
The Rockynats family entertainment program is filled with events, competitions, hands-on activities and entertainment spread across all three main Rockynats precincts.
All off-track entertainment is included in the ticket price - there’s no more to pay.
Both the young and the young at heart love the Rockynats buzz - what’s not to love about exploring everything on offer in Rockhampton’s iconic CBD and around the Showgrounds? Then there’s the drive to the high-octane Burnout precinct, or a unique Rockynats Water Taxi ride back to the CBD.
Concerned about accessibility? We’ve got you sorted. There’s accessible parking at all precincts, plus free bus transport every 15 minutes. If you don’t want to park, just pick up a scooter for the short hop between precincts. And when you need a rest, there’s no shortage of great cafes, outdoor areas and restaurants to refuel you and the family.
Live music
There’s nothing like live music to bring a festive atmosphere to the Showgrounds Precinct - guaranteed to entertain all ages.
At Rockynats 05 we welcomed local heroes Busby Marou to headline Saturday night's entertainment at the Showgrounds Precinct bringing their iconic sound to Central Queensland's biggest car and bike festival.
Support acts in 2025 included great local artists Jordan King, Chris Bax Band, Channel 56, Ben Brady’s Blues, Scott Foden and Average Like Barry plus Kenny and the Nitro Rockers bringing their renowned rockabilly vibes to the festival lineup.
The Full Throttle Awards on Sunday always kicks it up a notch and 2025 was no exception with band Playlunch delivering a cocktail of late 90s and early 2000s Aussie nostalgia with their Bogan Funk bangers giving entrants and spectators an opportunity to celebrate the weekend. There’s always a bar, plenty of food choices and seating undercover at the Showgrounds.
In 2023 legendary rockers Dragon, celebrating 50 years as a band, brought the nostalgia and latest hits. Judging by the mosh pit that quickly formed with an enthusiastic crowd that kept yelling for more, Dragon hit just the right note.
Family events
Rockynats is proud to go the extra mile to cater for all ages and preferences, bringing in arena entertainment with a regular program running the whole long weekend.
FMX Kaos Stunt Team
In 2025 we welcomed the FMX Kaos team as the official naming sponsor for the Showgrounds Precinct!
FMX Kaos have taken FMX entertainment to an all-time new level performing the most death-defying stunts that can’t be matched by any entertainment team the world over.
Hot Wheels Stunt Team
2023, 2024 and 2025 saw the Hot Wheels Stunt Team led by Stuntman Matt Mingay, who’s been in the professional sports action athlete game for 25 years deliver their crazy program in Centre Ring. Families could also check out their massive semi as part of their display, plus Hot Wheels tables and tracks for the kids to play for free.
Rev Up the Fun with Our Junior Racing Experience!
In 2025 Rev It Up Racing Junior Racing Experience delivered thousands of hands-on activities for the kids including:
- Junior Racing Simulators - Four racing simulators tailored for kids and families with realistic designs for an epic race against each other!
- Kids' Pit Stop Challenge - Test your skills by changing the tyres on a mini race car as fast as you can! Use a real rattle gun and compete for the top spot on the leaderboard.
- Drag Racing Challenge - Go head-to-head and put your reaction time to the test with a full-sized drag racing light setup.
- Podium Photo Op - Take your place on the winner’s podium and capture the moment!
- F1 Photo Booth - Strike a pose as if you're in a Formula 1 car and take home a unique souvenir!
Big Truck Display
Hold onto your steering wheels folks - we added a shiny new Static Truck Display to the Showgrounds Precinct in 2025 and it's coming back bigger in 2026.
Off-Road RC Racing
In collaboration with the Rockhampton Radio Control Car Club (RRCCC), the team delivered the excitement of Off-Road RC Racing to the Showgrounds Precinct. Over three action-packed days, a competition-level track hosted races, demonstrations, and pop-up shops.
What is RC Racing? Off-Road RC Racing is the ultimate test of speed, precision, and skill. High-performance remote-controlled vehicles take on challenging terrains, navigating obstacles and racing to achieve the fastest lap times. This adrenaline-fueled sport combines expert driving skills with meticulous vehicle tuning, creating an exhilarating experience for participants and spectators alike.
Kids Activity Zone
Located in the Walter Pierce Pavilion at the Showgrounds Precinct parents can rest their weary feet with some fun activity stations including drop-in colouring in tables.
Professional Wrestling
Wrestling Allegiance Rockhampton, along with a stellar lineup of invited wrestlers, holds on adrenaline-pumping pro wrestling displays throughout Rockynats. Hosted inside a pavilion at the Showgrounds, the crowd gets involved cheering on the underdog and booing the villains. It’s all in the name of fun and theatrical talent - but with huge and awe-inspiring athletic ability and serious muscle.
The Wrestling Allegiance of Rockhampton puts on a good show. With 20 talented wrestlers featuring in over 30 matches across the weekend, this off-track element brought excitement for fans old and new.
In the style of 60s, 70s and 80s pro wrestling phenomenon, the Rockhampton club has big plans for more thrilling action and will be sure to bring back the ‘King of Rockynats’ prize - and many more.
Family-friendly competitions
Yes, there’s room for you if you’re keen to join in one of our classic competitions at Rockynats - Mulletfest, the RockabillyNats pageant or the Tattoo competition.
RockabillyNats
The hugely popular RockabillyNats competition is all about fun, individuality and creative flair. Sit back and enjoy the fun of a pageant as the entrants show off their style, and cheer them on for ‘having a go’.
What’s it all about? Competition host Cherry Bombshell says that the RockabillyNats Pinup Competition is an opportunity for participants to meet like-minded individuals and make life-long friendships.
Modern pinup combines the romanticism of the 1940-60s style with modern-day values. Even though our styles may differ, the community as a whole aims to support everybody, regardless of their size, gender, or style.
Cherry Bombshell, Rockabilly Nats Organiser
Our finalists show off their talent at the Showground Precinct with loads of support for our RockabillyNats. Not ready to compete professionally but would love to hop on stage? Join CQ Pinups on stage as part of their Beginners Fashion Parade.
Follow the CQ Pinups Facebook page for more information.
Mulletfest
Although Rockynats is held on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, there’s no fish in sight - it’s all about the hair. If you’re wanting to step up and shake your mullet locks all for a good cause, start growing it now for 2026.
The mighty Mulletfest explained
Mulletfest celebrates the hairstyle that’s business at the front, party at the back. Mulletfest is open to entrants young and old, and fundraises for a great cause. The atmosphere is great and entrants of all ages enjoy massive crowd encouragement - some players even dress in theme.
This iconic event raises money and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation, providing research and care for those who have been diagnosed with brain cancer. Mulletfest organiser Laura Johnson runs similar events right around the country.
You can’t help but smile at Mulletfest. Every competitor is wearing their hair loud and proud
Laura Johnson, Mulletfest Organiser
Tattoo Competition
The tattoo competition needs no explanation if you’ve got awesome ink, just show up and show off to the judges and spectators - that’s all there is too it. Proudly presented by the awesome team at Mulletfest.
Stay tuned for updates on our off-track program!