What is Rockhampton known for?
Rockhampton is a city in central Queensland known as the Beef Capital of Australia. It sits near the Tropic of Capricorn and on the Fitzroy River.
The surrounding region has millions of cattle, and life-sized bull statues stand around the city. Beef Australia, a major cattle expo, is held in Rockhampton every few years.
The city was settled in the 1850s, and a gold rush at nearby Canoona in 1858 boosted its growth. Grand heritage buildings line Quay Street along the river.
Caves and the Tropic
A spire marks the Tropic of Capricorn on the city's southern approach. Capricorn Caves, north of the city, are limestone caves that offer tours and concerts.
Rockhampton is a base for visiting Great Keppel Island and the Capricorn Coast towns of Yeppoon and Emu Park. The Mount Morgan mine nearby was once one of the world's richest gold mines.
The Fitzroy River is the largest river catchment flowing to the eastern coast of Australia, and the city has faced major floods, including in 2011.
Did You Know?
Rockhampton's botanic gardens include a free zoo with chimpanzees.