Top 7 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Rockhampton, Queensland

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are amongst the oldest public gardens in Queensland. Entry to the gardens and zoo is FREE. They open daily from 6am to 6pm. Located within the Gardens is the Rockhampton Zoo. It is home to over 50 species of native animals from across Australia and exotic animals from around the world! Its the perfect place for families to see animals in their natural surroundings. The Gardens Tearooms is the café nestled under the 150 year old Banyan Figs and offer a range of meals and refreshments as well as catering for special events. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available. The Japanese Gardens provide tranquillity and peace, while the Cenotaph honours our Australian soldiers.

Established in 1862, Rockhampton’s iconic Great Western Hotel has a rich history and is today a national tourist destination. With four bars, beer garden, award winning Bullhead Steakhouse, air-conditioned gaming room, keno, pool table, mechanical bull and a large undercover entertainment arena the Great Western Hotel is unrivalled and is often referred to as ‘Australia’s Most Unique Pub’. The venue is renowned for attracting major events to the region including bull riding and many headline music acts. The Great Western Hotel caters to in excess of 260,000 patrons each year and is a ‘bucket list’ destination where visitors can experience the unique atmosphere of the Hotel itself and the bull riding and music arena. The Great Western Hotel has featured in numerous tourism TV programs in Australia and abroad. Plus every Wednesday and Friday night there is live bull riding which is very popular with locals and tourists visiting the region.

** 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..

Nestled within the Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton Zoo has been at its present site since 1925. While the animal section at that time consisted of monkeys, cassowary, possums, guinea pigs and pea fowl, today you can discover more than 60 species of Australian and exotic animals. Whether it is chimpanzees and cassowaries, dingoes and otters, or crocodiles and koalas, there are an array of fascinating animals to meet and observe in their carefully recreated habitats. Local tip: Time your visit with one of the many daily feeding sessions throughout the Zoo for a more up close and personal experience.

Immerse yourself in Rockhampton's treetop boardwalk! Nurim Circuit is a must for your Rockhampton bucket list. Extending 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, the 500 metre flat boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River. Take your time taking in the views and checking out the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture. The boardwalk is particularly popular with locals and tourists alike wanting to catch the spectacular sunrises and sunsets so don't forget your camera! If you're a budding photographer or would like to pick up on some tips and tricks to shooting a sunset from Nurim Circuit, check out our blog 'Mastering that Sunset Shoot'. If you're a fitness fanatic, check out the many hiking and bushwalking trails throughout the national park or hit up the mountain biking trails at the First Turkey Mountain Bike Park.