Rockhampton.

Rockhampton, on the central coast of Queensland, is known near and far as 'The Beef Capital of Australia'.

Situated on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, the city is renowned for its elegant streetscapes with majestic sandstone buildings and the iconic life-sized bull statues scattered around town that represent the country roots of the city and its status as the 'Beef Capital of Australia'.

The city's lifeline in the early days of its settlement was the Fitzroy.

Quay Street, which runs by the river and is easily accessible as part of the Central Business District, is part of the Heritage Route.

And the Fitzroy, as it meanders lazily from its source to the sea, provides pleasure for hundreds of people every day, and for many more that come on the weekend.

A house boat on the river is a great way to spend a holiday on the water or you can do any number of activities including water skiing, boating, trying your luck with a rod or just reading a book as the river travels by.

Follow the heritage trail down historic riverside Quay Street, unique for its concentration of heritage-listed buildings; discover the magnificent 19th century architecture that reflects the city's wealthy past as a gateway to the Capricorn Region.

One of the best ways to re-live the Rocky of yesteryear is to discover it via the Heritage Route.

The route takes in the grand old architecture, lovingly preserved or restored, which graces many areas of the city.

With a population of over 60,000, Rockhampton is the best of both city and country, offering authentic and easy going country hospitality as well as city-standard shopping, dining and a wide range of entertainment options.

It's reputation for warm hospitality was rewarded with Queensland's Friendliest Town' award in 2006.

In addition, Rockhampton was Central Queensland's Tidiest Town, 2008.

Rockhampton is the birthplace of many fine artists, performers and musicians and through the city's appreciation of the arts it has developed a nurturing approach to young people who decide on the arts as their path in life.

Because of this, the city has a world class theatre venue in the Pilbeam and associated theatres, many fine art galleries such as the Rockhampton City Art Gallery stocked with works from well-known national and international artists, and the Walter Reid Art Centre which houses actors, musicians and various other artists.

Visitors to the city make comment on the high standard and excellent quality of the arts and crafts stocked by the local galleries.

The city's botanic gardens have been lauded for containing some of the most extensive examples of indigenous flora and fauna in Australia and the zoo, located in the South Rockhampton Botanic Gardens' grounds, has chimpanzees, koalas, several bird species, and much more.

There’s an impressive waterfall in The Cliff Kershaw Gardens, on the main road through Rockhampton, that is lit up at night and the waterfall is surrounded by scented gardens and native flora.

If you like a little exercise the Mount Archer Lookout not only gives you the chance to test your bush-walking skills on some easy and not-so-easy tracks, but also to look over Rockhampton from its lofty heights.

Intensive work has turned the lookout into a terrific place for a day out.

Picnic tables, barbeques and walkways have been constructed to make it yet another great place to visit during your time in Rockhampton.

Yes Rockhampton is certainly “The Beef Capital of Australia” but it is also much, much more……….enjoy,

John.

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