Rockhampton is a prosperous city on the banks of the Fitzroy River, straddling the Tropic of Capricorn. It is known as the beef capital of Australia, with some 2.5 million cattle in the region. Many of the original stone buildings and churches remain, set off by flowering bauhinia and brilliant bougainvilleas. Quay Street is Australia's longest National Trust-classified streetscape, with over 20 heritage buildings picturesquely set on the banks of the river. Watch out for the bent-wing bat exodus in summer at Mount Etna just north of the town, and the summer solstice light spectacular in early December to mid-January at the Capricorn Caves.
Visitor Information
Customs House, 208 Quay St; (07) 4922 5339 or 1800 805 865
