Best 25 Things to do in Rockhampton with Kids

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Are you looking for a list of the best things to do in Rockhampton with kids? Let us help!

Rockhampton sits on the land of the Darumbal People, who are the Traditional Custodians of the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Area. We pay our respects to elders past and present. The Darumbal People’s traditional boundaries are Styx river to the north, Raglan Creek to the south, Westwood and bottom of Mt Morgan Range to the west.

Recently we took a ride on the Tilt Train, from Brisbane up the coast of Queensland, Australia and visited Rockhampton. Because we were travelling with kids, we’ve compiled a list of literally all the best things to do in Rockhampton with your children, and trust us, there are SO many Rockhampton attractions for families, you will be spoiled for choice.

Rockhampton, located in Central Queensland is the perfect destination for an Australian family holiday. From the beautiful beaches to the parks, playgrounds and museums, family-friendly activities in Rockhampton aren’t hard to come by. So if you are wondering what to do in Rockhampton, we have you covered. With so many fantastic family things to do in Rockhampton, there are a variety of activities for everyone, suited to every budget.

We have broken our list into sections, to help you plan the perfect holiday to Rockhampton. You can see from below, there are so many great things to do in Rockhampton with kids.

Best beaches and pools in Rockhampton for families

Going from north to south along the Queensland Coast, you will find HEAPS of beautiful beaches and pools near Rockhampton. They range from quiet inlets to excellent public lagoons. Only some are patrolled, so check before you head out. There is something for every swimmer, body boarder and everything else.

1. Yeppoon Lagoon

Yeppoon Lagoon is a wonderful place for families to relax in the heat of Queensland. The free to use public lagoon is over 2.5m deep and 100s of meters wide. There are cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a snack also. There is lots of shade around but most of it will already be taken, so if you plan to spend a while, get there early.

Address: 3 Lagoon Pl, Yeppoon QLD 4703

Website: Click here

2. Yeppoon Main Beach & Keppel Kraken

As the name suggests, Yeppoon Main Beach is the main beach in the centre of town. It is a wonderful beach you can visit when you visit Rockhampton and you are heading down to Yeppoon. The beach has relatively small waves which makes it perfect for families but the centrepiece is the free water-park, the Keppel Kraken (pictured above) that is great for little kids.

There are also many cafes and shops near the beach where you can grab a meal before or after a swim. We grabbed subway for lunch when we were in the area.

Address: Anzac Parade, Yeppoon QLD 4703

3. Rockhampton West Aquatic Park

Rockhampton West Aquatic Park is an outdoor aquatic centre that is perfect for the Rockhampton heat. For just $2.50 per person, you have all day access to the pool, and shade cover.

Address: 2 Graeme Acton Wy, Rockhampton QLD 4700

Website: Click here

4. Lammermoor Beach

Lammermoor Beach is a hidden beach in the Rockhampton/Yeppoon area that is very suitable for families. The waves are small making the beach perfect for smaller kids. The beach has very little people on it making it more calm and peaceful, but there are no lifeguards keeping watch.

Address: Closest street address is 96-98 Scenic Hwy, Lammermoor QLD 4703

Best playgrounds in Rockhampton

There are heaps of playgrounds in and around Rockhampton, and we have compiled a list of what we think are the best Rockhampton playgrounds that your kids will absolutely love.

5. Kershaw Gardens

Kershaw Gardens is a wonderful playground and park for families. The playground structure is huge, including a zipline, hamster wheel, and swing set. The kids loved playing in the park, but the only downside is how hot it is. We recommend going early morning or later at night if you are visiting in the summer because its so hot.

There are BBQs and drinking fountains, so you can set up for the day here too!

Address: Moores Creek Rd, Park Avenue, Rockhampton.

6. Riverside Park

Riverside Park is a smaller park right along the Fitzroy River. The park is easily accessible with parking just across the road.

Features of Riverside Park

• Accessible
• BBQ
• Bicycle Paths
• River view
• Picnic Tables
• Shade Areas
• Walking Trails Paved

The park has a climbing tower and a slide. This park is more suitable for littler kids.

Address: Quay Street, Rockhampton City.

7. Rockhampton West Rotary Park

Rockhampton West Rotary Park is located right next to the Rockhampton West Aquatic Park, and is a smaller park more suitable for younger kids. There usually aren’t that many people at the park and there is lots of shade to help hide from the heat.

Address: Sir Raymond Huish Drive, Wandal

Animal encounters in Rockhampton

We are always on the lookout for places to see animals in Rockhampton, so here are our tips of where to see a range of animals across the city.

8. Rockhampton Zoo

Rockhampton Zoo is a free to enter zoo located inside the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. The zoo has lots of animals including meercats, chimps and my personal favourite, the otters. The zoo is a great way to experience new animals, and kids will love it.

Address: 100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton.

Website: Click here

9. Cooberrie Park

Cooberrie Park is a 25 acre wildlife park home to more than 300 animals. The park is home to a Cassowary, South American Snakes, Dingos and much more. They have drinks and snacks there but you are also welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic. Once you’ve explored the park there is even a complementary swimming pool you can cool down in.

Address: 9 Stones Rd, Woodbury

Website: Click here

Parks and gardens in Rockhampton

Some of the top things to do with kids Rockhampton are the wonderful parks in Rockhampton that are dotted around the city and surrounding areas. Here are our favourite things to do with families.

10. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are home to heaps of plants and walking tracks for you to explore. The park also has a café you can stop in more morning/afternoon tea or lunch. There is also a playground you can stop at and let the kids have a run around and giant trees to climb.

Address: 100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton.

Website: Click here

11. Kershaw Gardens

Kershaw Gardens is home to the playground I mentioned above, along with a beautiful gardens to walk through, including a waterfall. The park is great to walk through and just look at the stunning plants and trees.

Address: Moores Creek Rd, Park Avenue, Rockhampton.

Website: Click here

The best indoor activities in Rockhampton

These are all of the indoor activities you can partake in, when you are next in Rockhampton

12. Rockhampton Bowling

The Rocky Bowl and Leisure centre is the indoor place to be in Rockhampton. With arcade games, bowling, bumper cars and food, what more to love? Bowling prices start from $13, bumper cars from $4 and laser tag from $12.

Address: 100 Musgrave St, Berserker QLD 4701

Website: Click here

13. Rockhampton Cinema

BCC Cinemas Rockhampton North is the most popular cinema in Rockhampton, and is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. The cinema is showing most popular movies, so there has got to be something for everyone.

Address: Highway 1 Stockland Rockhampton, QLD 4700

Website: Click here

Bike/scooter and walking paths

There are many walking and bike/scooter paths in and around Rockhampton, and these are some of our favourites.

14. Mount Archer Lookout

Mount Archer Lookout gives amazing views of Rockhampton and surrounding areas. There is no walking needed as you can drive all the way to the car park which is right next to the lookout, which houses the huge amphitheatre with great views.

If you are keen to do a little bit of easy walking, why not try the Skywalk from the Nurim Circuit. 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. (see more under our walking track heading below).

Address: Follow Pilbeam Drive all the way to the top.

Walking and hiking tracks 

If you’re a fitness fanatic, there are many walking and hiking tracks of varying difficulty throughout Rockhamptons national parks. Along the trails, don’t forget to stop and take in the stunning views and gentle breezes on the way up or down the summit. 

15. Mt Archer walking tracks

• Nurim Circuit | Directions to Nurim Circuit | Grade: Easy, wheelchair accessible | Distance: 500 m | Time: Allow 20 minutes
• Bracken Fern Way | Grade: Easy | Distance: 1.4 km return | Time: Allow 45 minutes
• Sleipner Lookout Walk | Directions to Sleipner Lookout | Grade: Moderate | Distance: 2.4 km return | Time: Allow 1 hour 
• Zamia Walk | Grade: Difficult | Distance: 14 km one way | Time: Allow up to 5 hours

16. Wreck Point scenic lookout

Out near Yeppoon, this lookout gives 360 degree views of the Capricorn Coast and Keppel Bay. There is car parking nearby and its about a 100m walk to the lookout from there. There is a beach nearby which adds to the view even more.

Address: Matthew Flinders Dr, Cooee Bay.

17. Kershaw Gardens

Kershaw Gardens is home to the playground I mentioned above, along with a beautiful gardens to walk through, including a waterfall. The park is great to walk through and just look at the stunning plants and trees.

Address: Moores Creek Rd, Park Avenue, Rockhampton.

Website: Click here

Museums in Rockhampton

These are the best museums in Rockhampton, perfect for you to visit.

18. Archer Park Rail Museum

Located on Denison Street between Archer and Cambridge Streets, the museum features a restored Purrey Steam Tram, incorporating parts of one of the original nine tramcars and six trailers that operated in Rockhampton.

Address: 51-87 Denison St, Rockhampton QLD 4700

Website: Click here

19. Rockhampton Art Musuem

The Rockhampton Art Gallery is home to heaps of exhibitions and collections on display for everyone to visit. Another great way to escape the heat and explore art at the same time!

Address: 212 Quay St, Rockhampton QLD 4700

Website: Click here

20. Dreamtime Cultural Tours

The Dreamtime Cultural Centre, based in North Rockhampton is the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre of it’s kind in Central Queensland and promotes greater awareness of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture through guided tours, educational visits and hands-on cultural activities. This includes face painting, didgeridoo demonstrations, dance routines and promotional displays.

Guided Tours operate regularly at 10.30 am and 1 pm, Monday to Friday.

Address: 703-751 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4700

Website: Click here

Other Rockhampton activities

These are the activities in Rockhampton that didn’t fit under any category.

21. Capricorn Caves

The Capricorn Caves are a great way to escape from the heat and explore the beautiful Capricorn Caves. Here you can learn how scientists are using bat poo and owl spew to research climate change.

Address: 30 Olsens Caves Rd, The Caves.

Website: Click here

22. Visit Great Keppel Island

Great Keppel Island is a wonderful day trip you can take from Rockhampton, with swimming, walking and much more, you can find out everything in our article below.

A complete guide to the best things to do on Great Keppel Island with kids? We went so you know we have detailed all the information you need!

Kid friendly places to eat Rockhampton

There are heaps of kid friendly places to eat in Rockhampton, and we have made a list of our favourites!

23. Hogs Breath Cafe

Hogs Breath Cafe is home to the famous 18hr slow cooked Prime Rib steaks. They not only do great steaks, but huge ribs, massive burgers, fresh salads, and delicious desserts. Pop in for Kids Eat Free on Mondays and Tuesdays (*conditions apply, contact store for details).

Address: 6 Aquatic Pl, Park Avenue QLD 4701

Website: Click here

24. Parkhurst Tavern

Parkhurst Tavern is an amazing place for families to eat in Rockhampton. With a kids menu and a kids play area, you can’t go wrong here.

Address: 800 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4702

Website: Click here

25. Boathouse Rockhampton

Boathouse Rockhampton is waterfront dining at its best, with breathtaking views of the Fitzroy River.

Address: 189 Quay St, Rockhampton QLD 4700

Website: Click here

Rockhampton accommodation for families

These are our top 3 places to stay in Rockhampton, in order of cheapest – most costly.

Rocky Resort Motor Inn

Located only 2 km from Rockhampton city centre, Rocky Resort Motor Inn features a restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool. Guests enjoy free WiFi.

Rocky Resort Motor Inn is a 5-minute drive from Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens. It is 40 minutes’ drive from the beaches and islands of the Capricorn Coast.

Book here

Discovery Parks – Rockhampton

Discovery Parks – Rockhampton is where we stayed when we visited, and it was amazing. With two pools, a spa and a waterpark, along with a playground and jumping pillow, the kids loved it. The only downside is that the wifi only works at reception, and the service isn’t that great for mobile data.

See more here

Quest Rockhampton

Located on the banks of the Fitzroy River, Quest Rockhampton offers self-contained accommodation with river, city or mountain views. Guests enjoy a fitness centre, free parking and free WiFi.

Book here

Yeppoon accommodation for families

These are our top 3 places to stay in Yeppoon, in order of cheapest – most costly.

NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Resort

Set in quiet surroundings, NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park features a swimming pool with slide, free on-site parking and a children’s playground. All accommodation features a patio and cooking facilities.

Book here

Bayview Tower

Located opposite Yeppoon Beach, the 3.5 star Bayview Tower features accommodation with a private balcony offering ocean and island views towards the Keppel Islands. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool and a bar

Book here

Villa Mar Coralina

Villa Mar Colina offer Mediterranean-style villas with views of the Keppel Bay Islands. Located 150 m from the restaurants and shops in Yeppoon’s town centre, it includes free satellite TV.

Book here

Things to do in Rockhampton kids

There you have it! That’s our top things to do in Rockhampton with kids! If you think we missed anything, let us know and we will be sure to add it! We hope this article has helped you find some fun things to do in Rockhampton with kids!

And if you are looking for more completely FREE things to do in Rockhampton & surrounds, check out this article!

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