The 6 Best Museums in Rockhampton, Queensland

Rockhampton Art Gallery was established in 1967 and houses a group of mid-twentieth century paintings and works on paper that is arguably the finest in regional Queensland, and one of the most significant in regional Australia. Artists include Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale, John Brack, Fred Williams, Grace Cossington Smith and Jeffrey Smart. The Gallery manages two art awards: the Gold Award, an acquisitive art prize worth $50,000 for contemporary Australian paintings; and the Bayton Award, a non-acquisitive prize worth $5,000 for Central Queensland residents. Through these Awards, the Gallery has re-energised its collection of paintings to now include works by contemporary artists Michael Zavros, Sally Gabori, Victoria Reichelt and Ben Quilty. The Gallery offers an innovated exhibition program, with displays drawn from the Gallery’s collection, and through hosting touring exhibitions from international, national, state, regional and university galleries. A diverse range of education and public programs are offered to visitors of all ages, from toddlers through to lifelong learners. The Gallery has a gift shop, and is supported by Rockhampton Regional Council; Rockhampton Art Gallery Trust and; Friends of Rockhampton Art Gallery.

Archer Park Rail Museum tells the story of rail in the Rockhampton district. Housed in Archer Park Station, built in 1899, it features displays of rail memorabilia, a variety of rolling stock including carriages and engines, and the only working Purrey Steam Tram in the world (operating Sundays, March to October). Experience a steam train arriving at the station with the Digital Soundscape system. Open Monday to Friday and Sundays, 9am to 4pm. Archer Park Rail Museum is owned by Rockhampton Regional Council. Rockhampton Region - gateway to Central Queensland.

** The Rockhampton Heritage Village is currently closed for refurbishment ** This township museum showcases the rich, colourful history of the Rockhampton district. Set on 11.4 hectares you'll experience life from 1850s to 1950s. Highlights include the Hall of Clocks, a collection of restored vintage vehicles and machinery, country hospital building, the old school house, doll collection, fire station, homesteads and cottages and extensive herb garden. Sunday Markets are held on site every two months..

GALA Gallery is a newly established commercial art gallery located in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. It is one of the only commercial gallery spaces outside of South East Queensland and Cairns in regional Queensland. Specifically representing unique Australian artists, GALA Gallery curates a utopia of modern Australian artistic culture.