Friends, picture a palm‑ringed lagoon, a grand riverside of sandstone façades, and a treetop boardwalk floating above a blue‑green valley.

On the Tropic of Capricorn, Rockhampton blends history, parks, wildlife, and short road trips to caves and coast. Use this plan with practical prices, times, and routes to shape a smooth, family‑ready visit.

Botanic Gardens

Stroll 30+ themed precincts—rainforest pockets, banyan figs, palms, and a tranquil lagoon—ideal for picnics and easy loops. Entry is free daily; allow 60–120 minutes. A café and shaded lawns make it a calm midday stop. Parking is free, and paths suit prams.

Free Zoo

Next door, meet native wildlife and a popular great‑ape family in leafy enclosures. Keeper talks run through the day. Entry is free; typical hours 9:00–16:15. Arrive early for quieter paths, then loop back to the gardens’ lagoon for lunch.

Mount Archer

Drive 20 minutes to the summit (604 m) for wide views over the Fitzroy River and ranges. It’s free; sunrise and sunset glow. Pack a light shell—the breeze can be cool even on warm days. Toilets and picnic shelters sit near the lookouts.

Nurim Circuit

Step onto the treetop boardwalk extending out from Mount Archer’s edge for a flat, 500‑meter wander. It’s stroller‑friendly and free, with interpretive panels about Country and local stories. Late afternoon delivers soft light over the valley.

Heritage Village

Explore an open‑air township of cottages, a schoolhouse, sheds, and workshops filled with period tools and vehicles. Entry is typically around $5; allow 60–90 minutes. It’s 10 minutes’ drive north with ample free parking. Check for bi‑monthly Sunday markets.

Rail Museum

Inside the heritage station on Denison Street, discover the region’s rail story and ride a restored steam tram on select days. Expect $6–$12 entry; weekend tram rides add a few dollars. Plan 60 minutes; kids enjoy the soundscape and rolling stock.

CBD Walk

Follow a 2‑kilometer heritage stroll along Quay Street for grand façades like the Criterion Hotel, Post Office, and early merchant houses. It’s free and flat; allow 45–60 minutes. Start mid‑morning, then settle into the riverside lawns at the precinct for snacks.

Museum of Art

On the south bank, this free gallery showcases Australian modernists and thoughtful rotating shows. Budget 45–90 minutes. Family activity tables appear during school holidays; a small shop stocks local design pieces.

Pilbeam Theatre

Catch symphony nights, touring productions, comedy, or dance in the city’s main performing‑arts venue. Tickets typically $25–$80. Doors open early; pre‑book for weekends and school holidays. Nearby river paths make easy pre‑show leg stretches.

Capricorn Caves

Thirty minutes north, guided tours reveal cathedral‑like chambers and fossil stories. Book ahead in peak weeks. Expect $25–$45 per person depending on tour length (45–90 minutes). Wear closed shoes; the surface can be uneven. Combine with a lookout on the return.

Mount Etna

Also north, short, steep trails lead to panoramic summits and limestone country. It’s free to walk marked paths; allow 60–120 minutes. Seasonal evening ranger tours showcase thousands of tiny nocturnal flyers leaving their roosts—reserve early.

Kershaw Gardens

This palm‑rich park offers a huge climbing web, water play, paths, and picnic shelters. Entry is free; expect 45–90 minutes for families. A man‑made cascade and riverfront lawns add photo stops. Check current notices for any facility works.

Dreamtime Centre

Join a guided experience (10:30 or 13:00, Mon–Fri) featuring stories, music demonstrations, and a walk through landscaped grounds and recreated sandstone caves. Typical admission: ~$16, concessions/children less. Book ahead for groups; allow 60–90 minutes.

Yeppoon Beach

In 30–40 minutes, reach a broad Capricorn Coast strand with a foreshore park, shaded lawns, and a zero‑depth water play area. Entry is free; check tide times—at high tide the beach narrows. Pack sun protection and snacks; weekend kiosks get busy.

Crocodile Farm

South‑east of town, guided tours run twice daily to learn about conservation, breeding, and habitat. Expect ~$30–$40; kids discounted. February–May is hatching season; book early. Closed shoes are recommended, and photos are welcome.

Riverside Walk

Back in town, finish with a golden‑hour amble along the redesigned riverfront: heritage sandstone, public art, kids’ play zones, and broad seating. It’s free, well‑lit, and pram‑friendly. Grab takeaway from nearby cafés for a relaxed riverbank picnic.

Plan & Stay

- Getting there: Rockhampton Airport is 10–15 minutes from the CBD; taxis and rideshares are reliable.

- Getting around: A rental car simplifies caves, coast, and lookouts. Street parking in the CBD is signposted; many parks are free.

- Stays: River‑adjacent hotels and serviced apartments typically run $100–$180 per night; book school holidays early.

- Food: Family cafés and casual spots cluster near the riverfront and Quay Street; kid‑friendly menus and early dinners are common.

- Packing: Light, breathable layers, sun hat, SPF, refillable bottle, and closed shoes for trails and caves.

Conclusion

Rockhampton shines when days braid one riverside hour, one green‑space pause, and one short adventure—easy, sunny, and great with kids. Which trio starts the trip: gardens + free zoo + CBD stroll, a Mount Archer sunset with a river picnic, or cathedral‑cave echoes paired with a coastal morning?