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Think you know Rocky? Think again! If you haven’t visited Rockhampton in a while, we have a whole host of unique and exciting dining scenes, events and attractions to give you a whole new perspective of the Beef Capital. Read on for your guide to what’s new in 2022.

NEW EXPERIENCES

Rockhampton Museum of Art

It’s noice. It’s different. It’s unusual. And it’s finally open! The highly anticipated Rockhampton Museum of Art officially opened its doors in February, marking the beginning of a new era of culture for Rockhampton.

Located on Darumbal country in the heart of the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, the Rockhampton Museum of Art is the largest gallery in regional Queensland and home to a nationally significant collection of works from artists such as Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, John Coburn and Charles Blackman. The museum also features contemporary artists including the likes of Michael Zavros, Del Kathryn Barton, Richard Bell, Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori and Ben Quilty.

At six times the size of the previous gallery (The Rockhampton Art Gallery), Rockhampton Museum of Art consists of a lower gallery exhibition space, upper-level gallery, three education and access spaces, a retail shop and café.

Amazing artwork aside, visitors can experience a fun array of activities and events held within the museum spaces including cocktail masterclasses, pilates among the paintings, yoga in the gallery, clay sculpting classes and more.

Wellness on William

An exciting new health player on the block, Wellness on William is a collective of health professionals and retailers committed to supporting and empowering you on your health journey.

Think pilates studio, gluten-free café, cold-pressed juices, organic whole foods, herb dispensary, sustainable fashion boutique, naturopath and more.

Visitors will be sure to leave their visit feeling good.

Meerkat Encounter at Rockhampton Zoo

The cheeky meerkat mob are waiting to meet you, literally.

Visitors can make their visit to the FREE Rockhampton Zoo even more memorable and book a meerkat encounter.

The encounter will have them up close and personal with the mob of 6 and includes a feeding session and private keeper talk.

Heli-Adventures

Some exciting helicopter adventures have taken off in Rockhampton recently.

From pop up picnics on mountain tops to scenic flights over diverse terrain to heli-fishing in remote locations, the team at Roam Aviation are taking their trips to new heights and delivering one epic experience.

NEW FOOD & DRINK

Hummingbird Cafe

The newest member of the CBD flock has officially perched.

Located on the ground floor of the Rockhampton Museum of Art, the uber chic Hummingbird Café is an Instagram dream, serving up delicious coffee and tasty eats for breakfast and lunch.

The perfect place to stop by for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up after exploring the museum.

Someplace

Rockhampton’s newest local, Someplace, offers great coffee, organic boutique tea and delicious baked goods in a trendy setting, ticking all the boxes for a place to gather, eat and celebrate the small things.

The café also offers a divine retail space in their loft.

Kinsfolk Coffee

When we hear Kinsfolk, we immediately think coffee, sunshine and dreamy vibes.

This beautifully trendy café located in the leafy suburb, The Range, recently opened it’s indoor dining area, serving up seriously good coffee and a seasonal menu with items like Buckwheat Banana Pancakes and a Hash Benny with greens.

NEW ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT

Empire Apartment Hotel

Empire Apartment Hotel is Rockhampton’s largest full service apartment hotel, located in the heart of the riverfront precinct, offering stunning views of the Fitzroy River, Mount Archer (Nurim) and the city.

Rockhampton shone bright on a national stage in March when Empire Apartment Hotel took home gold at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards for the best 4-4.5 Star Accommodation.

Mercure Hotel

Located in the heart of the city overlooking the Fitzroy River (Tunuba), the newly refurbished Mercure Hotel offers an outdoor pool, fitness centre and 24 hour reception with rooms equipped with air conditioning, a balcony, mini refrigerator and tea/coffee facilities.

Their beautiful riverfront restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, offering the only elevated dining view in the city.

Bonza Airlines

Australia’s newest low-cost airline Bonza is touching down in the Beef Capital this year, running direct flights from the Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Townsville and Cairns.

Located just 5 minutes from the city centre, Rockhampton Airport (ROK) also services direct flights from Brisbane, Mackay and Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast).

Travellers can download the Bonza app to get planning.

Neuron E-Scooters

Scootin’ around Rockhampton has never been easier.

If you’re not travelling with a car, jump onto one of the bright orange Neuron scooters around town and travel between attractions like Kershaw Gardens, Rockhampton Zoo and the Quay Street Riverside Precinct.

Travellers can download the Neuron app to get started.

NEW EVENTS

Rocky Amateurs, Home of the Archer

The inaugural running of Rocky Amateurs – Home of the Archer was held at Callaghan Park, Rockhampton on Saturday May 7th.

The richest race outside of Metropolitan Queensland saw 12 first class horses compete in a 1300 metre race in an exciting new addition to the Queensland racing calendar.

This signature event on Rockhampton’s racing calendar will be back 26-30 April 2023.

Fox Superflow Mountain Biking

Rockhampton secured its first Fox Superflow Mountain Biking event to be held in region on July 9-10 at the First Turkey trails (Mount Archer National Park).

With over 6,900 competitors in 2021 across 53 event days, Fox Superflow have created the fastest-growing ‘gravity enduro’ mountain biking event series in Australia held predominantly on downhill trails with pedal sections that challenge the athlete’s endurance strength.

The Rockhampton event was secured as a feeder/qualifier for the Enduro World Series, making it the most attractive destination for riders in the calendar of events.

Surrounded by the Berserker and Dee Ranges, Rockhampton is home to two epic mountain bike parks, First Turkey and Mount Morgan. Offering over 50kms of trails open year-round, 300 days of sunshine and a sub-tropical climate, Rockhampton is a destination of choice for mountain bike riders of all skill levels.

Ariat Apra National Finals Rodeo

The best in pro-rodeo will be heading to Australia’s beef city for the 2022 Ariat APRA National Finals Rodeo with the pinnacle event to be hosted by CQLX on November 10-12.

This event is Australia’s most prestigious rodeo, where the top 15 competitors in eight events – bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping and rope & tie – compete to be an Australian Champion.

The entertainment spectacular adds to the existing bull-riding experiences on offer in the Beef Capital, with PBR Australia showing at the Great Western Hotel five times in 2022.

Check out the full events calendar at explorerockhampton.com.au/whatson

Start exploring at explorerockhampton.com.au