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Mt Archer National Park On the north-east outskirts of Rockhampton in the Berserker Ranges, this park provides a backdrop to the city. Take a scenic drive up the mountain to Frazer Park for panoramic views. Explore the open forest and subtropical vegetation of the mountain on the 11 km walk from top to bottom. Be advised that the return trip is quite strenuous. Other shorter walks lead to scenic lookouts. Access to the summit is via Frenchville Rd; to the base via German St; (07) 4936 0511.Botanic Gardens Set on the Athelstane Range, these heritage-listed gardens are over 130 years old. There are tropical displays, an orchid and fern house, a Japanese-style garden and the bird haven of Murray Lagoon. The city zoo has free entry and koala and lorikeet feedings at 3pm daily. Access via Spencer and Ann sts.Customs House: this heritage building (1901) houses the visitor centre and 'Rockhampton Discovery Centre' exhibition, which introduces the visitor to the history, culture and lifestyle of Rockhampton; Quay St. Archer Park Station and Steam Tram Museum: interactive displays document the history of rail transport in Rockhampton. A fully restored Purrey Steam Tram operates 10am–1pm every Sun; closed Sat; Cnr Denison and Cambridge sts. Kershaw Gardens: follow the Australian native flora Braille Trail; Bruce Hwy. Rockhampton City Art Gallery: changing exhibitions featuring various well-known Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan; Victoria Pde. Great Western Hotel: operates weekly rodeos at an indoor arena; Stanley St. Fitzroy River: a great spot for watersports, rowing and fishing. A barrage in Savage St that separates tidal salt water from upstream fresh water provides opportunities for barramundi fishing. Capricorn Spire: marks the line of the Tropic of Capricorn; Curtis Park, Gladstone Rd. Heritage walk: self-guide trail around city centre; brochure available from visitor centre.

Dreamtime Cultural Centre: displays on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture set on ancient tribal site. Guided tours available; open 10am–3.30pm Mon–Fri; 7 km N on Bruce Hwy. Old Glenmore Historic Homestead: National Trust–classified complex of historic buildings and displays; open by appt only; 8 km N. Rockhampton Heritage Village: heritage buildings with unusual Time after Time clock collection and Life before Electricity exhibition; Parkhurst; 9 km N. St Christopher's Chapel: open-air chapel built by American servicemen; Emu Park Rd; 20 km E. Capricorn Caves: guided tours and wild caving adventures through limestone cave system. Visit in Dec for Carols in the Caverns; 23 km N. Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park: thunder-egg fossicking and sales; 38 km W. Capricorn Coast Scenic Loop tourist drive: through coast and hinterland. Great Keppel Island: catch the cruise boat from Rosslyn Bay to visit the beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue waters of the island; perfect spot for snorkelling and watersports.

Fitzroy River 2 km

Great fishing rivers flow through some of our best known cities: the Yarra in Melbourne, the Swan in Perth and the Derwent in Hobart, to name a few. One of the best city rivers I have come across is the Fitzroy, which... Find out more

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Yeppoon 38 km

Yeppoon, about 30 mins drive north-east of Rockhampton, is the main port for visitors wanting to go to the Keppel Islands. In the harbour at Rosslyn Bay I met up with fourth-generation cattle producer Richard Wilson and... Find out more

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Waterpark Creek 56 km

Unlike its namesake Corio Bay at Geelong in Victoria, best known for its snapper and King George whiting, Corio Bay in north Queensland produces trevally, barramundi, threadfin salmon and a host of other tropical... Find out more

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Lake Callide 109 km

Built on upper Callide Creek, a Dawson River tributary 20 km east of Biloela (pronounced bilo-wela), this lake supplies cooling waters for the nearby coal-burning power station that’s part of the Boyne Island... Find out more

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Lake Awoonga 112 km

The jewel in the crown of the Bass to Barra Trail, Lake Awoonga is Queensland’s premier barramundi impoundment. Clean waters, the result of a largely undisturbed watershed, contain barramundi, mangrove jack,... Find out more

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Dawson River 148 km

Moura is a two-hour drive west of Gladstone. Better known for its prime cattle production and huge coalmines, the township and the nearby Dawson River is not exactly number one on most people’s list  of top... Find out more

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Cania Dam 148 km

Located close to Monto, Cania Dam holds yellowbelly, silver perch and Australian bass to 3 kg. Cania’s big drawcard though is the saratoga. Initially stocked with only 200 individuals, the saratoga have bred to a... Find out more

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Wuruma Dam 206 km

Situated 35 km north of Eidsvold, this 18 sq km little-known water contains Australian bass, barramundi, saratoga, silver perch, yellowbelly and sleepy cod. A Stocked Impoundment Permit is required. There is a large... Find out more

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Lake Monduran 213 km

Lake Monduran is near Gin Gin, a four-hour drive north of Brisbane on the Bruce Highway. Although it appears narrow, it has a surface area of 53 sq km and a holding capacity of 585 900 ML of water, which is about 1.6... Find out more

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Emerald Botanic Garden 240 km

Pack a picnic and explore the 42-hectare Emerald Botanic Garden on the banks of the Nagoa River. It has 6 kilometres of walks, and gardens representing major plant communities in central Queensland (with 90 per cent of... Find out more

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Capricorn Resort (Championship course) 44 km

The late 1980s and early ’90s were days of a course building boom in Queensland, on the Gold Coast especially. But one developer, the Japan-based Iwasaki Group, chose a relatively isolated location near Yeppoon,... Find out more

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Pelican Island 41 km

Camping is restricted to 6 people at any one time on Pelican Island and no facilities are provided. Suitable for self-sufficient campers only.... Find out more

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Divided Island 44 km

Self-sufficient campers can pitch at tent at this small campground. The maximum number of people permitted to camp at the site is 6; there are no facilities. The beach on the western side is a recommended spot for... Find out more

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Miall Island 48 km

This tiny camping site behind the foredunes only has space for 6 self-sufficient campers and there are no facilities besides picnic tables. Reefs on the south-eastern and northern sides of the island are recommended for... Find out more

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Middle Island 49 km

Picnic tables are the only facilities here so this site suits self-sufficient campers only (maximum of 18 campers); bring a gas/fuel stove. Reefs at Olive Point headland in the north-east are good for snorkelling and... Find out more

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Humpy Island 51 km

The national park’s most popular camping area, Humpy Island has space for up to 60 self-sufficient campers. The campground is on the island’s northern beach; taps throughout the site provide bore water not... Find out more

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Upper Stony camping area 51 km

Adjacent to Stony Creek, this campground is in a great location close to swimming and bushwalking. There are 18 numbered sites and some are suitable for vans and camper trailers. Automated barbecues are in the day-use... Find out more

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North Keppel Island – Considine Beach Campground 52 km

This site with space for 75 self-sufficient campers is at the southern end of Considine Beach on the western side of the island. Sandflies and mosquitoes are common so come prepared, and secure your food well to avoid... Find out more

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Conical Island 53 km

Conical Island has a small camping area with space for 6 campers. There are picnic tables but no other facilities so you need to be self-sufficient. Coral reefs to the west of the island are easy snorkelling distance... Find out more

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Sandfly camping area 56 km

This site for self-sufficient campers is on the western boundary of the national park. As the name suggests, sandflies and mosquitoes are a major problem here, so bring repellent and wear appropriate clothing.... Find out more

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Water Park Point scout's camp (walk-in camping) 58 km

Accessed only by boat or walking at low tide from Corio Bay carpark, this small campground on the northern side of Corio Bay has room for just 20 campers and has no facilities. It’s suitable for self-sufficient... Find out more

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Riverside Tourist Park 1 km

This is a very popular council park on the banks of the river, a short walk across the bridge from the city centre. It is a place that will suit those looking for a quality, no-frills stay. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Southside Holiday Village 2 km

This is a quality park on the southern approaches to Rockhampton, 3.5 km from the city centre. Enjoy the heated swimming pool and the camp kitchen here. This is a good base for a stay in Rockhampton. Bookings are... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Rockhampton 4 km

This is a great park on the north side of Rockhampton, easily accessible from the highway. There is a licensed restaurant, half tennis court, minigolf course, pool and coffee shop. This is a good base in Rockhampton.... Find out more

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Capricorn Caves Tourist Park 24 km

This good quality park forms part of the Olsens Caves complex. It is just walking distance from the caves, which are worth a visit. The park has a cafe. We enjoyed our visit. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Mount Morgan Motel and Van Park 33 km

A very tidy basic park, ideal for an overnight stay or a few days in Mount Morgan, this spot allows you to explore the historic town from a very suitable base.... Find out more

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Island View Caravan Park 34 km

This is a popular, good quality park opposite the beach, just 14 km south of Yeppoon. It is in a great holiday area; bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over Christmas and Easter.... Find out more

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Bell Park Caravan Park 35 km

This is a great council park with large grassy areas on a picturesque coastline. Just walk over the dunes to the beach or stroll to the centre of town. There is a pool and playground beside the caravan park. Bookings are... Find out more

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BIG4 Capricorn Palms Holiday Village 36 km

Set back from the coast this is a spacious quality park on a large parcel of land. There are extensive facilities and it is a great place for a holiday. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Beachside Caravan Park 38 km

This is a popular beachside park with good basic facilities, located on the shores of Keppel Bay. Bookings are required in peak holiday periods.... Find out more

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BIG4 Barney Beach 94 km

This is a quality park with a good range of facilities and spotless amenities. It is in a quiet area away from the centre of town and just 80 metres from the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

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Coffee House Luxury Apartment Motel

Right in the CBD, this property is only a few minutes’ walk to the riverside, shops and restaurants. It’s popular with corporate travellers, so it is wise to book ahead for midweek stays. Accommodation... Find out more

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Henderson Park Farm 
Retreat

Choose to fish, swim, canoe or bushwalk on this working property with its 1200 head of cattle – a very appropriate place to stay in this part of Queensland, famous for its beef production. Accommodation is in two... Find out more

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Wilson Island 144 km

Only six couples are allowed at a time on this tiny 2-hectare coral cay, staying in minimal-impact luxury tents with wooden floors. All power is provided by solar power and batteries, and the eco-accredited resort uses... Find out more

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Yaamba Rest Area 31 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway next to the roadhouse. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 08.114 E150 22.119... Find out more

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Mount Larcom Park Area 68 km

North side of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 48.653 E150 58.802... Find out more

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Marlborough Rest Area 89 km

T/O 104 km N of Rockhampton (R) or 230 km S of Mackay (L) Large area well off the highway among some trees on the road into town. GPS: S22 48.988 E149 53.274 ... Find out more

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Calliope River Rest Area 92 km

21 km N of Benaraby (L) or 30 km S of Mount Larcom (R) Large area located well off the highway on the banks of the river. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 57.675 E151 09.142... Find out more

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Boyne River Rest Area 110 km

31 km N of Bororen (L) or 1 km S of Benaraby (R) Large area just off the highway on the banks of the Boyne River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S24 00.650 E151 20.433... Find out more

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Bororen Park Area 139 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S24 14.579 E151 29.756  ... Find out more

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Waverley Creek Rest Area 148 km

169 km N of Rockhampton (R) or 165 km S of Mackay (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S22 26.361 E149 28.516... Find out more

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