:Rockhampton

The Capricorn district is the traditional home of the Darumbal Aboriginal people.McDonald, L: "Rockhampton – A History of City & District", page 1. Rockhampton City Council, 1995 The Darumbal (Tarumbul, Tharoombool) language region includes the city of Rockhampton extending south towards Raglan Creek and north towards the Styx River and inland along the Broad Sound Ranges.{{cite web|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/dharumbal-7|title=Darumbal|website=State Library of Queensland|access-date=23 January 2020|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625131259/https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/dharumbal-7|url-status=live}} The Gangulu (Kangulu, Kanolu, Kaangooloo, Khangulu) language region includes the towns of Clermont and Springsure extending south towards the Dawson River, and includes parts of Rockhampton and South Rockhampton.{{cite web|url=https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/gangalu-12|title=Gangulu|website=State Library of Queensland|access-date=23 January 2020|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625131259/https://maps.slq.qld.gov.au/iyil/view/gangalu-12|url-status=live}}

The British colonisation of the area began in 1853, when the Archer brothers, Charles and William, who were seeking grazing lands arrived in the Rockhampton area. They were acting on information from earlier expeditions by Ludwig Leichhardt and Thomas Mitchell, who had explored the area in 1844 and 1846 and noted suitable land for grazing then.McDonald, L: "Rockhampton – A History of City & District", pages 17 & 18. Rockhampton City Council, 1995

Image:Gold diggers Queensland.jpg of Aboriginal people and gold diggers near Rockhampton, around the 1860s, National Library of Australia]]

In January 1854, the New South Wales government proclaimed two new districts: Port Curtis and Leichhardt (roughly today's Fitzroy Region), and the Archer brothers returned in August 1855 to set up their pastoral run at Gracemere.McDonald, L: "Rockhampton – A History of City & District", page 19. Rockhampton City Council, 1976 The Fitzroy River provided a convenient waterway for shipping of supplies and produce, and the Archer brothers constructed a wool shed just downstream of a bar of rocks that prevented further upstream navigation from the coast. These rocks were incorporated with the traditional English term for a village, and the name "Rockhampton" was first coined by Charles Archer and the local Commissioner from Crown Lands, William Wiseman.

In 1855, Scottish colonists and brothers William Thomas Elliott and George Mackenzie Elliot arrived at Gracemere and soon after, took up landholdings at Canoona, north of present-day Yaamba.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71965386 |title=ROCKHAMPTON FIFTY YEARS AGO. |newspaper=The Capricornian |volume=35 |issue=7 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=13 February 1909 |access-date=24 December 2020 |page=45 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012432/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71965386 |url-status=live }} Their father was James Elliot, 3rd Laird of Wolfelee House near Hawick in Scotland. One of their other brothers was Walter Elliot of the East India Company and secretary to the governor of the Madras Presidency.{{cite web |last1=Symes |first1=Peter |title=The Elliots |url=https://wynnesdiary.com/the-elliots-2/ |website=Wynne's Diary |date=5 May 2019 |access-date=24 December 2020 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130112053/https://wynnesdiary.com/the-elliots-2/ |url-status=live }}

In January 1856, after a massacre of local Aboriginal people perpetrated by Lieutenant John Murray of the Native Police at nearby Nankin Creek, some 200 Aboriginal men, women and children came to Canoona and began shouting at the employees of the Elliots. William Thomas Elliot and his men opened fire at random upon the group which fled after a short time. William and an employee were wounded (the employee reportedly died) and about seven of the local inhabitants were killed. Fellow colonist, Charles Archer of Gracemere and a group of Native Police troopers later pursued these Aboriginal people toward the east and punished them further. Local Aboriginal people friendly to Archer were also fired upon, killing one.{{cite web|title=History of Rockhampton & Environs: Early Settlement|url=https://www.thishappyplanet.com/history/central-queensland/rockhampton-early-settlement/|publisher=A J Thompson|access-date=21 June 2012|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012446/https://www.thishappyplanet.com/history/central-queensland/rockhampton-early-settlement/|url-status=live}}

Permanent British settlement at the Rockhampton township began in July 1856, when Richard Palmer travelled from Gladstone with an escort of Native Police under sub-Lieutenant Walter Powell to set up a store. Powell arrived at the site first and constructed the Native Police barracks. This was the first habitable British building established at Rockhampton and it was located on the south bank of the Fitzroy River at the end of Albert Street.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71948250 |title=ROCKHAMPTON IN THE EARLY DAYS. |newspaper=The Capricornian |volume=29 |issue=23 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=6 June 1903 |access-date=6 October 2017 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012444/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71948250 |url-status=live }}

With abundant grazing lands and waters from the Fitzroy River and its many tributaries and lagoons, the region continued to expand rapidly. In 1858, the town of Rockhampton was officially proclaimed. The town was surveyed at this time and the first sales of building allotments were held that year. In 1859, gold was discovered at Canoona. Miners rushed to the new field, using the site of Rockhampton on the Fitzroy River as the nearest navigable port. The Canoona field proved to be very disappointing and thousands of would-be gold seekers were left stranded at Rockhampton. Although many returned south, others stayed, adding to the new town's population.

Conflict with Aboriginal people in the region continued and further massacres occurred. In 1859, John Arthur Macartney attempted to stock his cousin's Belmont property just to the north of Rockhampton when a shepherd was killed by local Aboriginal men. 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Carr of the Native Police together with his troopers, the Macartneys, Peter Fitzallan MacDonald and Henry Brisdon, formed an armed group which set out to track down those responsible. The group followed the tracks and "dispersed" them.{{Citation | author1=Macartney, J. A. (John Arthur) | title=Rockhampton fifty years ago : reminiscences of a pioneer ; Reminiscences of the early days in Rockhampton and elsewhere | date=1909 | publisher=J.A. Macartney | url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/19246579 | access-date=17 October 2020 | archive-date=24 June 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624181502/http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/19246579 | url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55251296 |title=SIXTY YEARS IN QUEENSLAND. |newspaper=Morning Bulletin |issue=19199 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=27 February 1926 |access-date=17 October 2020 |page=7 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012442/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/55251296 |url-status=live }} One account of this incident describes how around hundred of the tribe were rounded up and "it ended in the usual way and the bulk of the wild mob were shot."{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169941980 |title=COAST PIONEERS. |newspaper=Daily Mercury |volume=61 |issue=4761 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=23 January 1928 |access-date=19 October 2020 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012442/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169941980 |url-status=live }}

File:StateLibQld 2 237138 Houses on Quay Street Rockhampton, built during the gold mining boom.jpg was planted by French botanist Anthelme Thozet in 1867]]

File:StateLibQld 2 395817 Kent Brewery, Rockhampton, 1895.jpg

By 1861, the town boasted a regular newspaper, banks, court house, and school of arts. Direct shipments of imported goods and migrants from the United Kingdom began to be received during the 1860s. In 1862, land in the Kensington Estate, described as just three miles from "the most rapidly rising town and district in the whole of the colonies" was advertised for sale.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51556488|title=Advertising|date=12 November 1862|newspaper=Rockhampton Bulletin And Central Queensland Advertiser|access-date=30 May 2019|issue=85|location=Queensland, Australia|page=1 (SUPPLEMENT TO THE BULLETIN.)|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012442/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51556488|url-status=live}}{{cite document |title=Kensington Estate near Rockhampton |date=1862 |publisher=State Library of Queensland |hdl=10462/deriv/280217 }} During the 1860s and 1870s, Rockhampton developed as the main port for the developing Central Queensland hinterland, the main export at that time being wool.

A Primitive Methodist Church opened in Fitzroy Street, Rockhampton, in January 1864.{{cite news|date=15 February 1866|title=RELIGIOUS.|volume=V|page=5|newspaper=Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser|issue=579|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123334090|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012442/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/123334090|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=24 February 1872|title=Untitled|page=2|newspaper=Rockhampton Bulletin|issue=1496|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51787542|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=17 September 2021|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012442/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51787542|url-status=live}}

File:East Street, Rockhampton, circa 1897.jpg

File:Large crowd attends opening day at St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral, Rockhampton, 1899 (4969415079).jpg, ca. 1899]]

File:Rockhampton School of Arts, 1908.jpg ca. 1908]]

File:Post Office, East Street, Rockhampton, Australia - circa 1910.jpg, East Street, – ca. 1910]]

In the 1880s and 1890s, sea ports were established on the coast, adjacent to the mouth of the Fitzroy River. Broadmount was on the northern side and Port Alma on the south. Railways were subsequently constructed to carry goods to the wharves at these locations, with the railway to Broadmount opening on 1 January 1898 and the line to Port Alma opening on 16 October 1911. Maintenance on the Broadmount line ceased in August 1929. The following month, the wharf caught fire and the line was effectively closed in July 1930. The line to Port Alma closed on 15 October 1986.The Port Railways of Rockhampton Kerr, John Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin, August 2001 pp283-306

The significant gold deposit at Mount Morgan to the southwest was discovered in the 1880s, and Rockhampton became the main port through which the wealth of Mount Morgan gold was channelled. Due to the wealth of Mount Morgan, Rockhampton weathered the severe economic depression of the 1890s, and many of the town's substantial brick and stone public buildings date from this period. The historic streetscape of Quay Street still displays a number of substantial historic buildings, built when Rockhampton was envisaged as being capital of a state of North Queensland. Most prominent of these is the sandstone Customs House (1900), which today houses an information centre. Other important 19th-century buildings include the Post Office (1892), the Supreme Court House (1888), and St Joseph's Cathedral (1892).

In September 1892 the Anglican Church in Rockhampton was the first new building in Rockhampton to be lit by electricity from the new gasworks. It was also the first church in Australia to be lit with electricity.{{cite news|date=17 September 1892|title=South Australia.|page=2|newspaper=Western Star And Roma Advertiser|issue=1406|location=Queensland, Australia|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97513787|access-date=26 September 2020|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012442/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/97513787|url-status=live}}

In 1889 the people of Rockhampton established the Central Queensland Territorial Separation League, a secessionist movement with the intentions of breaking away from the state of Queensland. The core argument of movement was that the seat of government, Brisbane was in the south-east corner of the State. It was so far removed from substantial portions of the state that these areas and their citizens were left disadvantaged and neglected as political and economic interests focused on the south. Supplementing the Central Queensland Territorial Separation League, the women of Rockhampton established their own separation league in October 1892. The inaugural meeting of the Women's Central Queensland Territorial Separation League was held at the Rockhampton School of Arts and attended by 200 women.{{SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/rockhampton-revolutionaries-dreams-secession-central-queensland-0|title=Rockhampton Revolutionaries: Dreams of secession in Central Queensland|date=21 October 2021|author(s)=Anna Thurgood|access-date=1 June 2022}} Their main focus was preparing a petition to Queen Victoria.  The introductory text set out their grievances and described the immense size of Queensland: being twelve times the area of England and Wales, and larger than France, Germany, Spain and Portugal combined.{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/central-queensland-separation-league-petition-1892-1893-treasure-collection-john-oxley-library|title=Central Queensland Separation League Petition 1892–1893: treasure collection of the John Oxley Library|author=Maxine Fischer|date=24 February 2021|access-date=21 May 2021}} The State Library of Queensland holds the original petition, signed by over 3000 women who were in support of Central Queensland becoming a separate state. The petition was forwarded to Queen Victoria but was dismissed by the Premier of Queensland, Sir Samuel Walker Griffith.{{Cite web |title=OM86-05 Central Queensland Separation League Petition 1892–1893 |url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/f/1oppkg1/slq_alma21148416870002061 |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=State Library of Queensland OneSearch Catalogue |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709091844/http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=slq_alma21148416870002061&vid=SLQ&search_scope=SLQ_PCI_EBSCO&tab=all&lang=en_US&context=L |url-status=live }}

File:Flood in Fitzroy River, Rockhampton, Qld - 1910.jpg

The City of Rockhampton was proclaimed in 1902.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockhampton.qld.gov.au/articledetail.asp?item=9630|title=History of Rockhampton City Council|publisher=Rockhampton City Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829072459/http://rockhampton.qld.gov.au/articledetail.asp?item=9630|archive-date=29 August 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=19 April 2018}} The rail connection south to Brisbane was completed in 1903, but it was not until 1921 that the northern connection to Mackay was finally completed. A railway west from Rockhampton was started in 1867 and by 1892 had reached the terminus at Longreach, {{convert|700|km|mi}} away. This further strengthened Rockhampton's role as the port for the whole of Central Queensland.

File:Walter Reid & Co. store fire, Rockhampton - 1918.jpg, ca. 1918]]

File:Trams and other vehicles on East Street, Rockhampton, 1923 (14148769909).jpg

A passenger tramway began operating on 16 June 1909, making Rockhampton the only provincial city in Queensland to have a street tramway.{{cite web|url=http://steamtram.rockhampton.qld.gov.au/showarticle.aspx?id=12512|title=History of Purrey Steam Trams|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831092444/http://steamtram.rockhampton.qld.gov.au/showarticle.aspx?id=12512 |archive-date=31 August 2007 |url-status=dead|publisher=Rockhampton City Council|access-date=19 April 2018}} Purrey steam trams ran on a number of routes throughout South Rockhampton, totalling {{convert|10|km|mi}} of track. The discomfort of passengers riding in steam trams in a tropical climate in part led to their demise in 1939, replaced by a bus network run by the City Council.Brimson, S: "The Tramways of Australia", page 169. Dreamweaver Books, 1983

Strong shaking was felt in Rockhampton when the "Great Queensland Earthquake of 1918" occurred on 7 June 1918. The earthquake was felt from Mackay in the north, to Grafton in New South Wales, and west to Charleville. Estimated to have reached a 6.0 magnitude, the earthquake caused some damage to buildings including chimney stacks crumbling, plaster being dislodged from walls and ceilings, water tanks bursting and trees being uprooted. Houses and buildings experienced considerable swaying with crockery smashing on the floor and pictures falling off walls.[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/53844880 The Earth Tremors. Felt Over Great Part Of State. From Two Seconds to Five Minutes' Duration] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031153901/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/53844880 |date=31 October 2016 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 8 June 1918. Retrieved 31 October 2016[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/56897814 Quake Shocks In Rockhampton] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031153319/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/56897814 |date=31 October 2016 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 19 March 1949. Retrieved 31 October 2016 The 1918 earthquake remains as the largest to have ever hit Queensland since European settlement.[http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2011/03/24/great-queensland-earthquake-of-1918 Great Queensland Earthquake of 1918] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101101805/http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2011/03/24/great-queensland-earthquake-of-1918/ |date=1 November 2016 }}, Jol Admin, State Library of Queensland, 24 March 2011. Retrieved 31 October 2016[http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/hazards/earthquake/basics/historic#heading-15 1918 – Queensland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702184525/http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/hazards/earthquake/basics/historic |date=2 July 2015 }}, Geoscience Australia. Retrieved 31 October 2016

File:StateLibQld 1 104272 Eleanor Roosevelt arriving in Rockhampton, Queensland, 9 September 1943.jpg arriving in Rockhampton during World War II, 9 September 1943]]

Restaurant proprietors, Emanuel, William and Nicholas Economos, trading as the Economos Bros., ran their business in East Street, Rockhampton. East Street was a bustling metropolis when the brothers opened their traditional Greek café in the 1920s.{{Cite SLQ-CC-BY|url=http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2020/01/09/economos-cafe-rockhampton/|title=Economos Cafe, Rockhampton|author=Anne Scheu|date=9 January 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}} Previously known as the Australian Café, the brothers renamed it the Busy Bee Café.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54111086|title=BUSY BEE CAFE.|date=8 February 1924|newspaper=Morning Bulletin|access-date=5 February 2020|location=Queensland, Australia|page=10|via=Trove|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012444/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54111086|url-status=live}}

During the Second World War, a US army base was established outside the city; it hosted up to 70,000 servicemen en route to action in the Pacific and New Guinea.{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicleader.com.au/index.php?search=1406|title=The Catholic Leader – Keeping Faith with You|access-date=30 April 2008|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012445/https://catholicleader.com.au/?search=1406|url-status=live}}

On 2 March 1949, Rockhampton was severely damaged by a cyclone.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49925404 |title=Cyclone moves west fast. |newspaper=The Courier-Mail |location=Brisbane |date=4 March 1949 |access-date=24 June 2014 |page=1 |publisher=National Library of Australia |archive-date=23 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223052430/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/49925404 |url-status=live }}

The Fitzroy River Barrage was commissioned in 1971. The barrage has a capacity of 81,300 megalitres and holds back a lake {{convert|60|km|mi}} long.{{cite web|url=http://www.frw.com.au/showarticle.aspx?id=10877|title=Fitzroy River Barrage|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829201803/http://frw.com.au/showarticle.aspx?id=10877 |archive-date=29 August 2007|access-date=19 April 2018|website=Fitzroy River Water}} The barrage was funded by the Rockhampton City Council to provide a reliable source of water to the city, and to effectively drought proof Rockhampton. In 2002, a study showed that salinity was increasing in the Fitzroy Basin and, while only small areas of land were severely affected by salinity, urged that steps be taken to manage salinity by good irrigation practices and better management of tree clearing.{{cite web|url=https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CouncilServices/Fitzroy-River-Water/About-us/Environment/Management-of-the-Fitzroy-River-Barrage?BestBetMatch=fitzroy%20river%20barrage|d13b95b2-5146-4b00-9e3e-a80c73739a64|4f05f368-ecaa-4a93-b749-7ad6c4867c1f|en-AU|title=Management of the Fitzroy River Barrage|publisher=Rockhampton Regional Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419124018/https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CouncilServices/Fitzroy-River-Water/About-us/Environment/Management-of-the-Fitzroy-River-Barrage?BestBetMatch=fitzroy%20river%20barrage%7Cd13b95b2-5146-4b00-9e3e-a80c73739a64%7C4f05f368-ecaa-4a93-b749-7ad6c4867c1f%7Cen-AU|archive-date=19 April 2018|url-status=live|access-date=19 April 2018}}

In 1989, two bombs exploded inside the Shark Nightclub, causing injuries and extensive damage to the building.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/fire-fighter-trevor-kidd-retirement-australia-day/752814 Veteran 'firie' retires on a high] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126134851/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/fire-fighter-trevor-kidd-retirement-australia-day/752814/ |date=26 November 2016 }}, Amy Formosa, The Morning Bulletin, 26 January 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2016. The following year, the Factory Nightclub was also damaged by a bomb. It is not known who planted the bombs.

In 2003, Rockhampton was the centre of significant national media interest after local teenager Natasha Ryan was found in the North Rockhampton home of her boyfriend, Scott Black, after being missing for five years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/national/my-life-in-a-cupboard-runaway-natasha/2007/11/26/1196036788687.html|title=My life in a cupboard: runaway Natasha|date=26 November 2007|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406161059/http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/my-life-in-a-cupboard-runaway-natasha/2007/11/26/1196036788687.html|archive-date=6 April 2008|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s847494.htm|title=Media Watch – Kerry's losers|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510111719/http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s847494.htm|archive-date=10 May 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=19 April 2018}} Serial killer Leonard Fraser had been charged with her murder, as her disappearance occurred in the period in which Fraser had abducted and murdered other women and girls. An anonymous tip-off during Fraser's trial led to the discovery of Ryan. Despite Ryan's discovery, Fraser's defence did not seek a mistrial and Fraser was convicted of the murders of other women and girls and was given an indefinite life sentence.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/twelve-months-jail-for-runaway-helper/2005/08/12/1123353489499.html|title=Twelve months' jail for runaway helper|date=12 August 2005|work=The Age|access-date=19 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222012719/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/twelve-months-jail-for-runaway-helper/2005/08/12/1123353489499.html|archive-date=22 December 2007|url-status=live}}

On 20 February 2015, Rockhampton was severely damaged by Cyclone Marcia damaging hundreds of homes and businesses with wind speeds over {{convert|150|km/h}} recorded in Rockhampton. Major flooding was experienced in the upper reaches of the Fitzroy River after more than 250mm were recorded.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-20/cyclone-marcia-damage-across-central-queensland/6163626 |title=Cyclone Marcia downgraded to category one; central Queensland towns devastated |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=20 February 2015 |access-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301025735/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-20/cyclone-marcia-damage-across-central-queensland/6163626 |archive-date=1 March 2015}} The cyclone left about 100,000 properties across Central Queensland without power.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-23/queenlsand-premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-visits-central-qld/6227918 |title=Cyclone Marcia destroyed 350 homes in central QLD; locals angry over dam operation |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=23 February 2015 |access-date=3 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226003159/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-23/queenlsand-premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-visits-central-qld/6227918 |archive-date=26 February 2015 }}

According to the {{CensusAU|2016}}, there were 76,985 people in Rockhampton. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 7.2% of the population. 82.8% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were New Zealand 1.4%, England 1.3%, Philippines 1.1%, India 0.6% and Vietnam 0.4%. 86.4% of people spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Vietnamese 0.5%, Tagalog 0.5%, Portuguese 0.3%, Filipino 0.3% and Mandarin 0.3% The most common responses for religion were Catholic 26.5%, No Religion 22.6% and Anglican 17.1%.{{Census 2016 AUS|id=3013|name=Rockhampton (Significant Urban Area)|access-date=14 June 2019|quick=on}}50x50px Material was copied from this source, which is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License{{Cite web |url=https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |title=— CC BY 4.0 |access-date=14 June 2019 |archive-date=16 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016050101/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |url-status=live }}.

{{See also|List of Rockhampton suburbs}}

File:Fitzroy River Rockhamp.jpg]]

File:Road-to-Rockhampton.jpg monuments in Rockhampton, c. 1970)]]

The town lies on the Fitzroy River, approximately {{convert|45|km}} from where the river enters the Coral Sea, and some {{convert|600|km}} north of the state capital, Brisbane. Rockhampton has a north and south side with three bridges connecting the two sides, one for trains and two for vehicles and people.

Rockhampton lies just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Central Queensland. A sculpture originally marking the latitude was later moved into town to be more accessible to tourists. Although the Tropic of Capricorn is represented on maps as a "dotted line" that lies at 23° 26' 22", there is actually a bio-geographical overlap of Tropical and Temperate zones more than {{convert|500|km|mi}} wide; Rockhampton is roughly at its centre on the East Coast of Australia.

The city is located on the banks of the Fitzroy River, approximately {{convert|40|km|mi}} from the river mouth. The Berserker Range lies on the eastern side of the city, with the Athelstane Range to the west. The coastal area to the east of the city is known as the Capricorn Coast, with the rapidly growing town of Yeppoon its major centre.

Image:2010 Flooding in Rockhampton Queensland.jpg

Rockhampton experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa/Cwa) with hot, humid summers and very mild, relatively dry winters with cool nights.[https://agrifutures.com.au/wp-content/uploads/publications/04-025.pdf Review of Agroforestry in Tropical Savanna Regions of Northern Australia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820002438/https://agrifutures.com.au/wp-content/uploads/publications/04-025.pdf |date=20 August 2023 }} By Mila Bristow. RIRDC/Land & Water Australia/FWPRDC/MDBC Joint Venture Agroforestry Program. Retrieved August 20, 2023. The city receives 116.3 days of clear skies annually, primarily in winter. The highest recorded temperature in Rockhampton was {{Convert|45.3|C}}, while the lowest was {{Convert|-1.0|C}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_039083.shtml|title=Climate statistics for Australian locations|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827210220/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_039083.shtml|archive-date=27 August 2006}}

Furthermore, the highest recorded 24-hour rainfall total was {{convert|348.0|mm}} due to the January 2013 Eastern Australia floods.

In summer, Rockhampton is subject to summer thunderstorms, and lying within the cyclone risk zone, it has experienced several large floods cyclones since European settlement. This is exemplified by the Fitzroy River; which has a lengthy, well documented history of flood records dating back to 1859. The highest recorded flood occurred in January 1918 and reached {{Convert|10.11|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/rockhampton/climate.shtml|title=CBoM – Rockhampton Climate|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810114920/http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/rockhampton/climate.shtml|archive-date=10 August 2008}} More recently, being affected by the 2010–2011 Queensland floods the Fitzroy River peaked at 9.2 metres on 5 January 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/rocky-flood-near-peak-92m/736855|title=Rocky flood near peak of 9.2m|work=The Morning Bulletin|access-date=5 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414020850/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/rocky-flood-near-peak-92m/736855/|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-01-05/rockhampton-flood-to-peak-today/1894964|title=Rockhampton flood to peak today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001194548/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-01-05/rockhampton-flood-to-peak-today/1894964 |archive-date=1 October 2016|url-status=live|work=ABC News|date=5 January 2011|access-date=19 April 2018}}

{{Weather box

|location = Rockhampton (23º22'48"S, 150º28'48"E, 10 m AMSL) (1939–2024 normals and extremes)

|metric first = Yes

|single line = Yes

|Jan record high C = 42.5

|Feb record high C = 43.3

|Mar record high C = 42.1

|Apr record high C = 36.6

|May record high C = 34.4

|Jun record high C = 32.3

|Jul record high C = 30.6

|Aug record high C = 35.1

|Sep record high C = 37.2

|Oct record high C = 41.1

|Nov record high C = 45.3

|Dec record high C = 41.9

|Jan high C = 32.1

|Feb high C = 31.5

|Mar high C = 30.6

|Apr high C = 28.8

|May high C = 26.1

|Jun high C = 23.6

|Jul high C = 23.3

|Aug high C = 25.0

|Sep high C = 27.5

|Oct high C = 29.8

|Nov high C = 31.3

|Dec high C = 32.2

|Jan low C = 22.2

|Feb low C = 22.2

|Mar low C = 21.0

|Apr low C = 18.1

|May low C = 14.3

|Jun low C = 11.1

|Jul low C = 9.8

|Aug low C = 10.9

|Sep low C = 13.8

|Oct low C = 17.2

|Nov low C = 19.6

|Dec low C = 21.3

|Jan record low C = 16.3

|Feb record low C = 16.2

|Mar record low C = 11.0

|Apr record low C = 4.7

|May record low C = 2.9

|Jun record low C = -1.0

|Jul record low C = -0.9

|Aug record low C = -0.3

|Sep record low C = 3.4

|Oct record low C = 7.0

|Nov record low C = 9.4

|Dec record low C = 10.6

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 128.0

|Feb precipitation mm = 140.5

|Mar precipitation mm = 104.3

|Apr precipitation mm = 43.8

|May precipitation mm = 45.6

|Jun precipitation mm = 36.8

|Jul precipitation mm = 32.5

|Aug precipitation mm = 26.5

|Sep precipitation mm = 23.9

|Oct precipitation mm = 49.9

|Nov precipitation mm = 67.7

|Dec precipitation mm = 103.7

|year precipitation mm = 799.7

|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

|Jan precipitation days = 8.4

|Feb precipitation days = 9.0

|Mar precipitation days = 7.2

|Apr precipitation days = 4.3

|May precipitation days = 3.9

|Jun precipitation days = 3.4

|Jul precipitation days = 3.2

|Aug precipitation days = 2.6

|Sep precipitation days = 2.7

|Oct precipitation days = 4.6

|Nov precipitation days = 5.5

|Dec precipitation days = 7.0

|Jan afthumidity = 53

|Feb afthumidity = 57

|Mar afthumidity = 54

|Apr afthumidity = 49

|May afthumidity = 47

|Jun afthumidity = 46

|Jul afthumidity = 42

|Aug afthumidity = 40

|Sep afthumidity = 40

|Oct afthumidity = 42

|Nov afthumidity = 46

|Dec afthumidity = 49

|Jan dew point C = 19.3

|Feb dew point C = 19.8

|Mar dew point C = 18.4

|Apr dew point C = 15.3

|May dew point C = 12.0

|Jun dew point C = 9.4

|Jul dew point C = 7.9

|Aug dew point C = 8.1

|Sep dew point C = 10.2

|Oct dew point C = 13.3

|Nov dew point C = 15.8

|Dec dew point C = 18.1

|source 1 = Bureau of Meteorology (1939–2024 normals and extremes){{cite web

|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_039083_All.shtml

|title = Rockhampton Airport Climate Statistics (1939–2024)

|publisher = Bureau of Meteorology

|access-date = July 12, 2024

}}

}}

File:Criterion Rockhampton.jpg]]

Rockhampton has a number of heritage-listed sites. For details see the List of heritage listed buildings in Rockhampton.

File:Rockhampton Court and Administrative Complex - Rockhampton Supreme Court.jpg

Rockhampton is governed by the Rockhampton Regional Council. The Council consists of a mayor and seven councillors. The Mayor is elected by the public, and the Councillors are elected from seven single-member divisions using an optional preferential voting system. Elections are held every four years.

Tony Williams is the current mayor after the 2021 mayoral by-election following the resignation of long time mayor Margaret Strelow.[https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/AboutCouncil/News-and-announcements/Latest-News/Tony-Williams-elected-as-Mayor-of-the-Rockhampton-Region Tony Williams elected as Mayor of the Rockhampton Region] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204065245/https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/AboutCouncil/News-and-announcements/Latest-News/Tony-Williams-elected-as-Mayor-of-the-Rockhampton-Region |date=4 February 2021 }} Rockhampton Regional Council 4 February 2021 Margaret Strelow won the mayoral elections in 2013, 2016 and March 2020. Strelow had also served as Mayor of the former City of Rockhampton from 2000 to 2008.

The present Rockhampton Regional Council area was formed as a result of the 2008 amalgamation of four local government areas. These were the original City of Rockhampton which comprised most of the Rockhampton metropolitan area, the Shire of Fitzroy comprising Gracemere and surrounding districts, and the Shire of Mount Morgan around the town of Mount Morgan itself.

The fourth local government area was the Shire of Livingstone which comprised the adjacent coastal towns and hinterland to the east and north of Rockhampton as well as some outlying Rockhampton suburbs. However, Livingstone Shire de-amalgamated from Rockhampton Region in 2014 following a referendum.

Before the 2008 amalgamation, the City of Rockhampton had a population of approximately 74,530, Fitzroy Shire approximately 11,357, and Mount Morgan Shire approximately 2,925 people.

Proposed boundary changes between Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council are under review by the Local Government Change Commission. The changes relate to three suburbs contiguous with Rockhampton City which are presently part of Livingstone Shire. The proposed changes will affect 1170 properties in the suburbs of Glenlee, Rockyview, and Glendale.{{Cite web|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/1/31/livingstone-boundary-change-referred-to-change-commission|title=Livingstone boundary change referred to Change Commission – The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory|website=statements.qld.gov.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313044912/http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/1/31/livingstone-boundary-change-referred-to-change-commission|archive-date=13 March 2019|url-status=live}}

The agricultural sector, specifically the cattle trade, is a dominant industry in Central Queensland. The latter has been visually represented around Rockhampton City with a

set of seven large statues of bulls known as the "Big Bulls".

Two large abattoirs are located on the south-eastern outskirts of Rockhampton provides employment for people living in Rockhampton and also for refugees from overseas who are recruited when the companies experience difficulty finding local workers to fill vacancies.{{cite web|url=http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/meatworks-refugees-fresh-start/531846|title=Meatworks gives refugees a start|first=Adam|last=Wratten|work=The Morning Bulletin|date=14 May 2010|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421030707/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/meatworks-refugees-fresh-start/531846/|archive-date=21 April 2018|url-status=live}}

One meat processing plant is located at Lakes Creek, operated by Teys Australia (a Cargill joint venture){{cite web|url=http://www.teysaust.com.au/facilities|title= Facilities: Rockhampton (map)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110195035/http://www.teysaust.com.au/facilities/ |archive-date=10 November 2016|url-status=live|website=Teys Australia |access-date=19 April 2018}} while the JBS meatworks is located at Nerimbera.{{cite web|url=http://www.jbssa.com.au/ourfacilities/processingfacilities/Rockhampton/default.aspx|title=Our facilities: Rockhampton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106063205/http://www.jbssa.com.au/ourfacilities/processingfacilities/Rockhampton/default.aspx |archive-date=6 January 2016|url-status=live|website=JBS S.A.|access-date=19 April 2018}}

The Teys Australia meatworks at Lakes Creek was previously owned by Kerry Packer's Consolidated Meat Group. CMG temporarily closed the facility in 2002.[http://edition.cnn.com/2002/BUSINESS/asia/07/30/aust.meat.biz/index.html Packer company closes meatworks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130184803/http://edition.cnn.com/2002/BUSINESS/asia/07/30/aust.meat.biz/index.html |date=30 November 2016 }}, Geoff Hiscock, CNN, 30 July 2002. Retrieved 29 November 2016 It was reopened in 2004, when Consolidated Meat Group announced they had formed a joint venture with Teys Australia.[http://www.abc.net.au/site-archive/rural/news/stories/s1151857.htm Meatworks to re-open in Central Queensland], National Rural News, ABC Rural, 12 July 2004. Retrieved 29 November 2016. In 2011, Cargill bought out CMG's share in the company.[http://www.theland.com.au/story/3629652/cargill-serious-about-teys Cargill serious about Teys] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130191745/http://www.theland.com.au/story/3629652/cargill-serious-about-teys/ |date=30 November 2016 }}, Andrew Marshall, The Land, 8 February 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

Due to drought, floods,[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/both-rocky-meatworks-set-open/747718 Both Rocky meatworks set to open] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412231217/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/both-rocky-meatworks-set-open/747718/ |date=12 April 2018 }}, Adam Wratten and Dan Burdon, The Morning Bulletin, 19 January 2011. Retrieved 29 November 2016 general economic conditions and disputes with workers,[http://www.abc.net.au/site-archive/rural/news/stories/s538287.htm Rockhampton meatworks to re-open despite union], ABC Rural, 23 April 2002. Retrieved 29 November 2016 both facilities have experienced a number of closures over the years including the closure of the Lakes Creek meatworks from 2002 until 2004,[http://www.abc.net.au/am/stories/s634889.htm Australia's biggest abattoir closes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130112948/http://www.abc.net.au/am/stories/s634889.htm |date=30 November 2016 }}, Tanya Nolan, AM, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 30 July 2002. Retrieved 29 November 2016. but they are both currently operating as normal.

The Central Queensland Livestock Exchange at Gracemere is one of the largest livestock sales facilities in the country, lies just to the west of the city.[http://www.cqlx.com.au/aboutus.html CQLX: About Us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106021437/http://cqlx.com.au/aboutus.html |date=6 November 2016 }}, CQLX website. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

Rockhampton promotes itself as the Beef Capital of Australia[http://www.beefaustralia.com.au/documents/RockhamptonPromo.pdf Rockhampton also claims to be more than just the Beef Capital of Australia] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409002242/http://www.beefaustralia.com.au/documents/RockhamptonPromo.pdf |date=9 April 2008 }} Beef Australia – Accessed 20 September 2007 but the title has been disputed a number of times by the New South Wales town of Casino.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-17/beef-capital-fight/5397492 An ownership row has erupted over who holds Australia's Beef Capital title] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805092025/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-17/beef-capital-fight/5397492 |date=5 August 2017 }}, Paul Robinson, Elloise Farrow-Smith and Miranda Saunders, ABC News, 17 April 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2016[http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/two-beef-capitals-lock-horns/2398568 Rockhampton says it's beef capital, Casino says that's bull] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031154114/http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/two-beef-capitals-lock-horns/2398568/ |date=31 October 2015 }}, Leah White and Pam Mackay, Northern Star, 25 September 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2016[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/landry-has-beef-federal-counterpart-casino/2647326 Landry has beef with Federal counterpart from Casino] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219132638/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/landry-has-beef-federal-counterpart-casino/2647326/ |date=19 December 2015 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 22 May 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

The tri-annual Beef Australia Expo held in the city is a celebration of the local area's cattle industry.[http://beefaustralia.com.au Overview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224061016/http://beefaustralia.com.au/ |date=24 February 2018 }}, Beef Australia website. Retrieved 30 November 2016.

There is a permanent military presence in Rockhampton with members of the Australian Defence Force based at the Western Street Army Barracks[http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/06/outside-broadcast-from-the-western-street-army-barracks.html Outside broadcast from Western Street Army Barracks] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130111650/http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/06/outside-broadcast-from-the-western-street-army-barracks.html |date=30 November 2016 }}, Jacquie Mackay, Breakfast with Jacquie Mackay, ABC Capricornia, 20 June 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2016. located near the Rockhampton Airport. To the north of the city lies the extensive Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area where large scale ground, air and amphibious operations are regularly conducted.

Due to its close proximity to the training area, the city regularly sees military movements between the Western Street Army Barracks and Shoalwater Bay, and hosts service personnel from overseas when joint military exercises are held. When these exercises occur, Rockhampton sees a noticeable increase in activity from military transport,[http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/Major-exercises/Exercise-Hamel-2012/Behind-the-scenes/Rockhampton-Gateway-to-Exercise-Hamel Rockhampton: Gateway to Exercise Hamel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130111522/http://www.army.gov.au/Our-work/Major-exercises/Exercise-Hamel-2012/Behind-the-scenes/Rockhampton-Gateway-to-Exercise-Hamel |date=30 November 2016 }}, 8 July 2016, Australian Army website. Retrieved 29 November 2016. including from defence aircraft that are frequently seen at Rockhampton Airport throughout the exercise periods.[http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/as-exercise-wallaby-2016-starts-more.html RSAF AS332M Super Puma Helicopters arrive at Rockhampton airport] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130111856/http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/as-exercise-wallaby-2016-starts-more.html |date=30 November 2016 }}, CQ Plane Spotting, 15 September 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.[http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/exercise-wallaby-2016-rsaf-boeing-f.html RSAF Boeing F-15SG "Shikra" Strike Eagles make a spectacular arrival at Rockhampton Airport] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130111559/http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/exercise-wallaby-2016-rsaf-boeing-f.html |date=30 November 2016 }}, CQ Plane Spotting, 16 September 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016[http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/antonov-airlines-antonov-design-bureau_13.html Antonov Airlines AN-124 UR-82007 returns to Rockhampton Airport to take RSAF CH-47SD Chinook Helicopters home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130111843/http://cqplanespotting.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/antonov-airlines-antonov-design-bureau_13.html |date=30 November 2016 }}, CQ Plane Spotting, 13 November 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

The local economy is significantly boosted when visiting overseas troops stay in the city while participating in the army exercises.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-19/singapore-military-exercise-fires-up-regional-economy/7853160 Singapore military fires up regional economy in Central Queensland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130111230/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-19/singapore-military-exercise-fires-up-regional-economy/7853160 |date=30 November 2016 }}, Paul Robinson, ABC News, 19 September 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/35-million-boost-to-rocky/3097792 $35billion boost for Rocky] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007211344/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/35-million-boost-to-rocky/3097792/ |date=7 October 2016 }}, Zhanae Conway-Dodd, The Morning Bulletin, 6 October 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/exercise-wallaby-sends-sales-sky-high/3097803 Exercise Wallaby sends sales sky high] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007174647/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/exercise-wallaby-sends-sales-sky-high/3097803/ |date=7 October 2016 }}, Zhanae Conway-Dodd, The Morning Bulletin, 7 October 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

Military training conducted in the Rockhampton area regularly draws the ire of nomadic peace activists who travel to the city to protest the exercises.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/four-protesters-arrested-outside-barracks-talisman/1951687 Four protesters arrested outside barracks of Talisman Saber] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809023842/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/four-protesters-arrested-outside-barracks-talisman/1951687/ |date=9 August 2017 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 19 July 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2016.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/talisman-saber-protester-sentenced-10-days-prison/1958970 Talisman Saber protester Graham Dunstan fined just under $1000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414022415/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/talisman-saber-protester-sentenced-10-days-prison/1958970/ |date=14 April 2018 }}, Austin King, The Morning Bulletin, 25 July 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2016.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/talisman-sabre-protester-appear-rocky-court-today/2798937 Dowling only Talisman Saber protester to plead not guilty] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206003735/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/talisman-sabre-protester-appear-rocky-court-today/2798937/ |date=6 February 2016 }}, Kerri-Anne Mesner, 7 October 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2016.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/protests-talisman-sabre-2015-cost-police-over-5000/2706250 Protests at Talisman Sabre 2015 cost police over $50,000] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127085434/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/protests-talisman-sabre-2015-cost-police-over-5000/2706250/ |date=27 January 2016 }}, Michelle Gately, The Morning Bulletin, 15 July 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

In 2011, during Exercise Talisman Sabre, a protester made his way onto the tarmac at Rockhampton Airport and attacked a $36 million Tiger helicopter with a garden mattock. The man was ordered to stand trial charged with wilful damage and threatening an aircraft[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/law-glad-death-machine-damaged-bryan-law/1393207 Law glad 'death machine' damaged] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414023633/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/law-glad-death-machine-damaged-bryan-law/1393207/ |date=14 April 2018 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 25 May 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2016. but died before the matter went to trial.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/peace-activist-dies-alone/1817013 Peace activist Bryan Law dies alone in Rockhampton home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602002507/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/peace-activist-dies-alone/1817013/ |date=2 June 2013 }}, Paul Butler, The Morning Bulletin, 4 April 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

Tourism is increasingly playing a role in the economic development of city and surrounds. The city is a convenient distance north from Brisbane to provide an overnight stop for tourists, who can then branch out to visit local attractions and spend money at local businesses including eateries, entertainment facilities or on recreational activities. The Capricorn Coast is a 30-minute drive from Rockhampton, with the islands of the Keppel group easily accessible from there.

Other attractions that are promoted to the tourist market include the Fitzroy River, the Heritage-listed buildings in the CBD, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, the Archer Park Rail Museum, Mount Archer National Park, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, and Rockhampton Zoo.[http://www.capricornholidays.com.au/destinations/rockhampton Destinations: Rockhampton] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130113435/http://www.capricornholidays.com.au/destinations/rockhampton |date=30 November 2016 }}, Capricorn Holidays website. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

A national promotional campaign was launched in 2013 to promote the local area as a premium tourist destination, featuring local singer-songwriter Kate Leahy[https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/kate-leahy Artist: Kate Leahy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130184830/https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/kate-leahy |date=30 November 2016 }}, Triple J Unearthed, 25 May 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2016. whose song "We Like" featured as the soundtrack to the television commercials that showed the attractions of Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/face-new-tv-ad-campaign-about-region-thrilled-we/2078191 Face of new TV ad campaign about region thrilled for "We Like"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414011938/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/face-new-tv-ad-campaign-about-region-thrilled-we/2078191/ |date=14 April 2018 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 8 November 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

Other industries in the Rockhampton area include the transport, manufacturing, mining and energy sectors.

Rail group Aurizon (previously known as QR National) has a large workforce in the city, which is the meeting point for the main north coast rail line and the line to the major coalfields to the west. However, the company announced in October 2015 that it was closing its locomotive and maintenance depots in Rockhampton with forty jobs lost from the Rockhampton site.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-07/aurizon-job-cuts-rockhampton-townsville-announced/6835510 Aurizon announces 74 jobs to be cut at Rockhampton and Townsville rail maintenance facilities] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130112952/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-07/aurizon-job-cuts-rockhampton-townsville-announced/6835510 |date=30 November 2016 }}, ABC News, 7 October 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2016. Management of Aurizon's Rockhampton site was criticised by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union in 2016 who described it as "appalling", prompting 60 workers to walk off the job citing lack of consultation, lack of adequate training for apprentices, a lack of privacy and unfair demands from management for workers to increase productivity.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/aurizon-workers-strike/3076485 Aurizon workers strike] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813131930/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/aurizon-workers-strike/3076485/ |date=13 August 2016 }}, Matty Holdsworth, The Morning Bulletin, 12 August 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

The coal fired 1445 megawatt Stanwell Power Station lies at Stanwell, {{convert|30|km}} west of the city, where Stanwell Corporation provides jobs for people living in Rockhampton.{{cite web |url=https://www.stanwell.com/energy-assets/our-power-stations/ |title=Our power stations – Stanwell Power Station |website=Stanwell Corporation Ltd |access-date=20 September 2007 }} The power station currently has a workforce of about 150 employees[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/new-stanwell-site-manager-oversee-220m-worth-upgra/2949371 New Stanwell site manager to oversee $220m worth of upgrades] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306194635/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/new-stanwell-site-manager-oversee-220m-worth-upgra/2949371/ |date=6 March 2016 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 2 March 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016 and regularly hires new apprentices from Rockhampton[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/stanwell-hires-local-talent-stanwell-power-station/1261563 Stanwell hires local talent] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419124020/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/stanwell-hires-local-talent-stanwell-power-station/1261563/ |date=19 April 2018 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 6 February 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2016.

Mining – Queensland Magnesia (QMAG)

File:KG1sitephotoAug2023 Orthomosaic export SunSep17223823924990 15000 x 27700 -93 cropped.jpg

File:Parkhurst Processing Plant.jpg

Queensland Magnesia (QMAG) is a leading producer of premium-quality magnesia products. From one of the world's largest deposits of cryptocrystalline magnesite in Queensland, Australia, they mine, process and deliver to global and domestic customers with a strong focus on sustainability.

The high temperatures of steel, iron, cement, glass and ceramics production require thermal insulation in the form of refractory bricks using DBM and EFM magnesia products. The agricultural sector uses their magnesia as a vital animal feed supplement and fertilizer to maintain plant and animal health. They support the path to net zero carbon emissions by supplying magnesia to precipitate nickel and cobalt used in EV batteries. Their magnesia is also used in numerous industrial applications such as waste water treatment and the pulp and paper industry.

The magnesia mine is located at Kunwarara (located approximately 81 km north of Rockhampton) and have a processing plant at Parkhurst, which employs over 200 locals.[https://www.qmag.com.au/ QMAG] Queensland Magnesia – Accessed 12 February 2024 QMAG was purchased by Refratechnik[https://www.refra.com/ Refratechnik] Refratechnik- Accessed 12 February 2024 in 2020 from Sibelco.[https://www.sibelco.com/en/news/sibelco-reaches-agreement-to-sell-its-australian-magnesia-operations Sibelco] Sibelco – Accessed 12 February 2024 Headquartered in Munich, the global Refratechnik Group develops, manufactures, and installs high-grade refractories for high-temperature industrial processes. As a systems supplier, Refratechnik offers customised and all-inclusive refractory solutions for all major industrial sectors. Refratechnik also owns Baymag,[https://www.baymag.com/ Baymag] Baymag – Accessed 12 February 2024 a sister company to QMAG, producing MgO products for various markets around the world.

Many local concerts, performances, events, festivals are held at the Rockhampton's numerous venues throughout the city each year.

The annual Rockhampton Cultural Festival held each August at the Rockhampton Heritage Village features a variety of market stalls, displays, international foods, music and cultural displays.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CommunityEvents/Events-Activities/CultFest2020|title=Rockhampton Cultural Festival 2020|website=Rockhampton Regional Council|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-04-13}}{{Dead link|date=May 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The Rockhampton Showgrounds plays host to numerous events each year. Most notably, the three-day Rockhampton Show is held in June each year.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockhamptonshow.com.au|title=Rockhampton Show 2016 – Rockhampton Show Society|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427111732/http://www.rockhamptonshow.com.au/|archive-date=27 April 2016|access-date=12 April 2018}}

Like many Australian communities, Rockhampton commemorates Anzac Day on 25 April each year. Rockhampton is believed to be the very first city in Australia to hold an early morning commemoration intentionally scheduled to coincide with when the landing at Gallipoli took place, as the city held a "daybreak" service at 6:30 am on 25 April 1916, in which 700 people attended.{{cite web|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/53426831/5192636|title=26 Apr 1916 – Anzac Day. Rockhampton Commemoration. – Trove|work=Trove|date=26 April 1916 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531074345/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/53426831/5192636|archive-date=31 May 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2016/04/rockhampton-can-claim-the-first-break-of-day-anzac-service.html|title=Rockhampton can claim the first 'daybreak' Anzac service|work=ABC Brisbane}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 1893, Alfred Henry Lambton wrote what is recognised as the first crime novel set in Queensland, From Prison to Power. The novel takes place at the fictitious cattle station, Banalba, located 200 miles inland from the important tropical Queensland town of "Rockington" [Rockhampton].{{Citation|author1=Lambton, A. H. (Alfred Henry)|title=From prison to power : a tale of Queensland : in two volumes|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28673241|date=1893|publisher=Eden, Remington & Co|access-date=8 May 2019|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012443/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28673241|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A41925|title=A. H. Lambton|date=1 December 2010|website=AustLit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508000727/https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A41925|archive-date=8 May 2019|url-status=live|access-date=8 May 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=slq_alma21122721890002061&context=L&vid=SLQ&search_scope=SLQ&tab=slq&lang=en_US|title=From prison to power : a tale of Queensland : in two volumes / by A.H. Lambton.|last=Lambton|first=Alfred Henry|date=1893|website=State Library of Queensland|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-date=27 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012444/http://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=slq_alma21122721890002061&context=L&vid=SLQ&search_scope=SLQ&tab=slq&lang=en_US|url-status=live}}

Pilbeam Theatre opened in 1979 and is Rockhampton's largest theatre.

The Rockhampton Art Gallery collection, also owned by the Rockhampton Regional Council, is situated next to the Pilbeam Theatre and consists mainly of works by Australian artists from the 1940s to the 1970s.[http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/common/Pages/Display/article_all_view.aspx?id=188 Rockhampton Art Gallery] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720210833/http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/common/Pages/Display/article_all_view.aspx?id=188 |date=20 July 2008 }} Rockhampton Regional Council. Accessed 16 March 2008.

Opened in 1985, closed in 2011[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/the-final-countdown-for-unpopular-venue-music-bowl/1102235 Final countdown for Music Bowl] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126004353/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/the-final-countdown-for-unpopular-venue-music-bowl/1102235/ |date=26 November 2016 }}, Adrian Taylor, The Morning Bulletin, 14 September 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2016. and then re-opened in 2015[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/music-bowl-to-host-carols-again-in-2015/2756915 Music Bowl to host Carols by Candlelight again in 2015] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126002844/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/music-bowl-to-host-carols-again-in-2015/2756915/ |date=26 November 2016 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 29 August 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2016. the Rockhampton Music Bowl regularly plays host to events including the annual Carols by Candlelight every December.

The tri-annual Beef Australia Exposition is held every third May at the Rockhampton Showgrounds.[http://www.abc.net.au/site-archive/rural/content/2008/s2567535.htm Fierce competition at Beef 2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527012445/https://www.abc.net.au/site-archive/rural/content/2008/s2567535.htm |date=27 May 2022 }}, Amy Phillips, ABC Rural, 12 May 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2016.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-08/beef-expo-celebrates-industry-achievers/3996978 Beef Expo celebrates industry achievers] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125113229/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-08/beef-expo-celebrates-industry-achievers/3996978 |date=25 November 2016 }}, Paul Robinson, Megan Hendry and Chrissy Arthur, ABC News, ABC online, 8 May 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2016.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-08/beef-expo-hailed-a-great-success-by-organisers/6455298 Organisers claim big success at Rockhampton beef expo] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125113227/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-08/beef-expo-hailed-a-great-success-by-organisers/6455298 |date=25 November 2016 }}, Craig Zonca, ABC Rural, 8 May 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2016. In 2009 as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Beef Australia Expo was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as an "event and festival".{{cite web|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|title=PREMIER UNVEILS QUEENSLAND'S 150 ICONS|last=Bligh|first=Anna|author-link=Anna Bligh|date=10 June 2009|publisher=Queensland Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524033717/http://statements.qld.gov.au/statement/id/64301|archive-date=24 May 2017|access-date=24 May 2017}}

Rockhampton has played quite an important role in the production and exhibition of films in Central Queensland.

Films shot in Rockhampton include The Kid Stakes,[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0336695 IMDB listing: The Kid Stakes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129050903/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0336695/ |date=29 January 2017 }}[http://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/film/kid-stakes NSFA listing: The Kid Stakes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829192736/http://nfsa.gov.au/collection/film/kid-stakes/ |date=29 August 2016 }}[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/55266937 Goats Galore: For "Kid Stakes" Film] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002161009/http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/55266937 |date=2 October 2016 }}, The Morning Bulletin, 7 February 1927 Buddies,[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085278 IMDB listing: Buddies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319071841/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085278/ |date=19 March 2009 }}[http://www.cqnews.com.au/news/apn-buddies-friends-and-lovers-sapphire-set/69899 Buddies, Friends and Lovers... Sapphire set secrets revealed] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002110604/http://www.cqnews.com.au/news/apn-buddies-friends-and-lovers-sapphire-set/69899/ |date=2 October 2016 }}, Di Stanley, Central Queensland News, 13 August 2008 and Broke.[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3444616 IMDB listing: Broke] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915112401/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3444616/ |date=15 September 2016 }}[http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/07/10/4043336.htm Aussie film shot at Rocky race track] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001194729/http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/07/10/4043336.htm |date=1 October 2016 }}, Alice Roberts and Paul Robinson, ABC Capricornia, 10 July 2014[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/Cameras-roll-at-Callaghan-Park-as-part-of-new-Auss/2315429 Cameras roll at Callaghan Park as part of new Aussie drama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414011945/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/Cameras-roll-at-Callaghan-Park-as-part-of-new-Auss/2315429/ |date=14 April 2018 }}, Pam McKay, The Morning Bulletin, 11 July 2014

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The Central Queensland Capras are the city's representative team in the Queensland Cup competition. The local competition, the Rockhampton District Rugby League features 6 clubs, with the Fitzroy-Gracemere Sharks, Norths Chargers and Rockhampton Brothers clubs based in the city itself.

• Australian rules football – Brothers Roos, Glenmore Bulls, Rockhampton Panthers (AFL Capricornia)
• Basketball – Rockhampton Rockets (men's); Rockhampton Cyclones (women's)
• Cricket – senior – Frenchville Falcons, North's Tigers, Gracemere Bulls, Rocky United, Capricorn Coast, Brothers, Colts Junior – Frenchville Falcons, North's Tigers, Gracemere Bulls, Capricorn Coast, Brothers, Grammar
• Football (soccer) – Capricorn Cougars and Central Queensland
• Mountain biking – Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club – "Rocky MTB" '. With three trail networks around the city, Rocky MTB is based at First Turkey MTB Reserve at Norman Gardens adjacent to Mount Archer National Park. The club is a member of Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA){{cite web|title=Club Finder|url=https://www.mtba.org.au/club-finder/|publisher=Mountain Bike Australia|access-date=14 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621090246/https://www.mtba.org.au/club-finder/|archive-date=21 June 2019|url-status=live}} and hosts regional, state and national events. Team members compete throughout Australia at major races.{{cite web|title=Welcome to Rocky MTB|url=http://www.rockymtb.org.au/welcome-rocky-mtb|publisher=Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club|access-date=14 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714024946/http://www.rockymtb.org.au/welcome-rocky-mtb|archive-date=14 July 2019|url-status=live}}
• Roller Derby – Rocky Roller Derby – "Beef City Brawlers"
• Rugby league – Central Comets in the Queensland Cup, Central Queensland Capras (representative), Central Queensland University – Norths Chargers, Fitzroy – Gracemere Sharks, Rockhampton Brothers in the Rockhampton District Rugby League (A Grade)
• Rugby union – Rockhampton Brahmans, Brothers Old Boys{{dubious|date=August 2013}}
• Touch football – Rockhampton Redbacks

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Established in 1869, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are located on Spencer Street in South Rockhampton. Excellent specimens of palms, cycads and ferns are found throughout the manicured grounds. Some specimens are over 100 years old.

Rockhampton Zoo is located between the Botanic Gardens and Murray Lagoon. Animals and birds include koalas, chimpanzees, saltwater crocodiles, freshwater crocodiles, red kangaroos and the rare cassowary.

A second public garden, the Kershaw Gardens, was officially opened in 1988 on the site of the former Rockhampton rubbish dump. Located on the Bruce Highway in North Rockhampton, these gardens specialise in Australian native plants, especially those of Central Queensland. The most striking feature of the gardens is the imitation waterfall constructed on the northern boundary of the site (adjacent to the highway), which aims to recreate a scene from the Blackdown Tableland.{{cite web |url=https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/FacilitiesRecreation/Parks-Open-Spaces/Parks-Playground-Finder/Kershaw-Gardens |title=Kershaw Gardens |website=Rockhampton Regional Council |access-date=16 March 2008 }}

The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is Australia's largest Cultural Centre[http://www.360tours.com.au/Dreamtime/index.htm Dreamtime Cultural Centre] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528042716/http://www.360tours.com.au/Dreamtime/index.htm |date=28 May 2008 }}. Accessed 12 May 2008. and is set on more than {{convert|12|ha}} of land, with native plants, trees and waterfalls. The major points of interest at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre include the Torres Strait Islander village, didgeridoo playing, Djarn Djarn dancers, and throwing the returning boomerang. Black flying foxes and occasionally Grey-headed flying foxes can be seen and heard at night and are important native pollinators and seed dispersers of over 100 species of trees.

The Archer Park Steam Tram Museum covers the development and history of rail-based transportation in the major central Queensland town of Rockhampton and is set in the 100-year-old Archer Park rail station on Denison Street on the city's southside. The museum tells the story of Archer Park Station (built in 1899) and the unique Purrey Steam Tram, through photographs, soundscapes and object-based exhibitions.

File:Rockhampton Viewed from Mount Archer at Night.jpg Rising out of Rockhampton's north-eastern suburbs, Mount Archer National Park provides views of the city, and showcases a range of native Australian flora and fauna. Frazer Park, at the summit of Mount Archer, is approximately {{convert|604|m}} above sea level.

A short drive north of Rockhampton is the Capricorn Caves.

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The Rockhampton Base Hospital is situated in the suburb of The Range, and is located around {{convert|4|km|mi}} from Rockhampton CBD, and is the major hospital for the Central Queensland Region. The smaller Hillcrest and Mater private hospitals are located nearby. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is located at the rear of the Base Hospital on Quarry Street.

Rockhampton is a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service which operates clinics and provides emergency evacuations in remote communities throughout the region.

The Rockhampton Regional Council operates the Rockhampton Regional Library Administration and History Centre in Rockhampton on the corner of William & Alma Streets.{{cite web|url=http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/rockhampton/rockhampton_library_head_office|title=Rockhampton Regional Library Administration and History Centre|website=Public Libraries Connect|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131142406/http://www.plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/rockhampton/rockhampton_library_head_office|archive-date=31 January 2018|url-status=live|access-date=31 January 2018}} Branch libraries are located in Berserker ("Rockhampton North"), Gracemere, Mount Morgan and West Rockhampton ("Anytime" at Rockhampton Airport).{{cite web|url=http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/rockhampton/rockhampton_south_library|title=Rockhampton Regional Library, Public Libraries Connect|date=1 September 2014|website=Public Libraries Connect|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192849/http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/networking/directory-of-public-libraries/branches/rockhampton/rockhampton_south_library|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=live|access-date=1 February 2018}}

File:Rockhampton Girls Grammar School.jpg

The first school, The Rockhampton National School was opened in 1859. Rockhampton is a major education centre for the region and has numerous state and private primary and high schools.

CQUniversity Australia was founded in Rockhampton in 1967, however the university now has more than 30,000 students spread across 24 campuses and locations Australia-wide.{{cite web|title=University History|url=https://www.cqu.edu.au/about-us/history|website=CQUniversity History|publisher=CQUniversity|access-date=15 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808042017/https://www.cqu.edu.au/about-us/history|archive-date=8 August 2016}}

The university currently delivers more than 300 education and training offerings, from short courses and certificates, through to undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.

Secondary schools in Rockhampton comprise: Rockhampton State High School, North Rockhampton State High School, Rockhampton Grammar School, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, The Cathedral College, Rockhampton, Emmaus College and Heights College.

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Rockhampton has had a number of newspapers published in the city since European settlement.

The Morning Bulletin is the only surviving daily newspaper, first published in 1861 as the Rockhampton Bulletin and Central Queensland Advertiser. The title was changed to the Rockhampton Bulletin in 1871 before finally becoming The Morning Bulletin in 1878. The Morning Bulletin is a member of the Australian Regional Media network of newspapers, now owned by News Corporation.[http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/what-newscorp-purchasing-this-publication-means-fo/3049342 What News Corp purchasing us means for you] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623190302/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/what-newscorp-purchasing-this-publication-means-fo/3049342/ |date=23 June 2016 }}, Bryce Johns, The Morning Bulletin, 22 June 2016 The Morning Bulletin has also previously complimented their main daily newspaper with a free home-delivered community newspaper, with previous incarnations including titles such as the Capricorn Local News, Rockhampton and Fitzroy News and The Rocky Mirror.

In 2012, a new Rockhampton newspaper called The Queensland Telegraph was launched by Queensland Media Holdings.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-02/date-set-for-newspaper-launch/3985336 Date set for newspaper launch] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001194602/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-02/date-set-for-newspaper-launch/3985336 |date=1 October 2016 }}, Megan Hendry, ABC News, ABC online, 2 May 2012 However, after publishing the newspaper for about a year, the newspaper's management announced on 17 July 2013 that the local newspaper office had closed.[https://www.facebook.com/queenslandtelegraph/posts/553414748028346 Queensland Telegraph Facebook post] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526055824/https://www.facebook.com/queenslandtelegraph/posts/553414748028346 |date=26 May 2022 }}, Facebook, 17 July 2013

The Central Queensland Herald was a Rockhampton newspaper which was published from 1930 until 1956. The Capricornian was a Rockhampton newspaper which was published from 1875 until 1929. In 1929, The Capricornian merged with The Artesian to become The Central Queensland Herald. The Artesian was a Rockhampton newspaper which was published from 1919 until 1929. In 1929, The Artesian merged with The Capricornian to become The Central Queensland Herald. The Evening News was a Rockhampton newspaper published from 1922 until 1941. The Daily Northern Argus (originally The Northern Argus) was a Rockhampton newspaper published from 1863 until 1896. In 1897 the newspaper merged with The Record and was published as The Daily Record until 1922.

Established in 2006, industrial magazine publication Shift Miner is also produced in Rockhampton with its head office located in the Rockhampton CBD.[http://shiftminer.com/info/about About Shift Miner] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002085615/http://shiftminer.com/info/about |date=2 October 2016 }} Shift Miner website[http://shiftminer.com/contact Contact Information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002095018/http://shiftminer.com/contact |date=2 October 2016 }}, Shift Miner website

The first known use of wireless in the Rockhampton vicinity was the wireless equipped (Marconi system) two destroyers (HMS Yarra and HMS Parramatta) of the Australia squadron of the Royal Navy when visiting Rockhampton in May 1911. The group was commanded by Lieutenant G. F. Hyde.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53230217 |title=THE AUSTRALIAN DESTROYERS. |newspaper=Morning Bulletin |issue=14,510 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=26 April 1911 |access-date=4 January 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}

There were at least three licensed (and likely many unlicensed) early wireless experimenters at Rockhampton immediately prior to the outbreak of World War 1: L. Freeman (Callsign: XQB); Robert Henry Berry (Callsign: XQC); and H. A. Shepherd (Callsign: XQD). Operation was on longwave using spark transmission; there was no known use of telephony.https://www.wia.org.au/members/history/callbooks/

As part of the Australian Coastal Radio Network, station VIR Rockhampton commenced operation on 24 May 1913 from a transmitter site at The Range. The station provided service to coastal shipping in the region between VIB Brisbane and VIT Townsville. It operated on longwave and was a vital part of Australia's defence during World War 1.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53300363 |title=ROCKHAMPTON WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=Morning Bulletin |issue=15,169 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=28 May 1913 |access-date=4 January 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}

A B class licence was granted to the Queensland Government in April 1925 for a Rockhampton station to relay, via landline, its A class station 4QG Brisbane. It was proposed to operate on a wavelength of 323 metres (928.8 kHz) with a transmitter input power of 500 watts (corresponds to a transmitter power of about 150 watts). The station was never implemented.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54303762 |title=WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=Morning Bulletin |issue=18,940 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=7 April 1925 |access-date=4 January 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The earliest known broadcasting service at Rockhampton was an amateur broadcasting station (Callsign: 4DO) operated by local theatre manager Harold Learmonth Hobler. He transmitted basic programmes in late 1924 on a frequency of 1250 kHz.{{Citation

| author1=Australasian Radio Relay League.

| title=The wireless weekly : the hundred per cent Australian radio journal

| year=

| section=v. ; 24-38 cm.

| issue=Vol. 4 No. 26 (10 October 1924)

| location=Sydney

| publisher=Wireless Press

| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-632149954

| id=nla.obj-632149954

| access-date=14 December 2024

| via=Trove

}}

In August and September 1931, 4DO was again testing Sunday night transmissions on 1250 kHz & 1200 kHz, perhaps with a view to a Class B licence for his employer Tivoli Talkies.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57617253 |title=TESTS TO-MORROW NIGHT BY MR. H. L. HOBLER. |newspaper=Morning Bulletin |issue=20330 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=12 September 1931 |access-date=6 December 2024 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57619547 |title=WIRELESS |newspaper=Morning Bulletin |issue=20342 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=26 September 1931 |access-date=6 December 2024 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54702057 |title=WIRELESS |newspaper=Morning Bulletin |issue=20,355 |location=Queensland, Australia |date=12 October 1931 |access-date=7 December 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}

The first permanent Rockhampton broadcast station was 4RK which commenced operation on 29 July 1931. The station was part of the National Broadcasting System, constructed owned and operated by the Postmaster-General's Department, but with programming provided by the Australian Broadcasting Company. On 1 July 1932 the Australian Broadcasting Commission took over provision of programming.4RK Rockhampton

Rockhampton now is serviced by a number of national (ABC and SBS), commercial, community and narrowcast (HPON and LPON) stations.

4RO is Rockhampton's local AM station, owned by Grant Broadcasters. 4RO broadcasts local breakfast and morning programs from its local studios each weekday with all other programming sourced from elsewhere. The music played on 4RO is of the classic hits genre. 4RO broadcasts a local news service in the morning, although the bulletins are prepared and read by journalists based at Grant's Sunshine Coast hub, especially for 4RO and its sister station, 4CC.

4CC also owned by Grant Broadcasters, is an AM commercial station servicing Rockhampton on a local AM frequency, although its local breakfast show is presented from a studio in Gladstone. 4CC has a classic hits format and also relies heavily on programming sourced from elsewhere.

Triple M Central Queensland is Rockhampton's local commercial FM station owned by Southern Cross Austereo. The station was previously branded as Sea FM. Triple M broadcasts local programs from its Rockhampton studios each weekday morning, before taking networked programming sourced from Gold FM on the Gold Coast and other Triple M stations. Triple M in Rockhampton also produces a local news service with a journalist based at the station, compiling and recording local news bulletins for Triple M and sister station Hit Central Queensland. As part of the Triple M network, the station also broadcasts sports coverage such as Triple M Rocks NRL and Triple M Rocks Test Cricket.

Hit Central Queensland, also owned by Southern Cross Austereo, is a commercial FM station servicing Rockhampton on a local FM frequency, although its local breakfast show is broadcast from a studio in Gladstone. The station was previously branded as Hot FM and is skewed towards the younger listeners with a Top 40/pop music format. Following the local breakfast show, the station takes generic Hit Network programming sourced from Southern Cross Austereo's hub at Sea FM on the Gold Coast or nationally networked programs from metropoliton Hit Network stations such as 2Day FM or Fox FM.

ABC Capricornia, originally known as 4RK, is the local ABC station in Rockhampton, servicing the entire Central Queensland region. It broadcasts a local breakfast show and a local morning show each weekday. Friday's local morning show is also broadcast to other stations on the ABC Local Radio network enabling listeners from outside of the local listening area to call into the popular gardening talk back program. ABC Capricornia also has a local news service, produced by local journalists. The station also airs a local Saturday breakfast show, which is followed by a local Saturday morning sports program. Apart from local programming, ABC Capricornia takes national programs like AM, Conversations, The World Today, PM, Nightlife, Grandstand, Saturday Night Country and Australia All Over along with a mid-afternoon program, a drive program, an evening show and a weekend morning program syndicated from Brisbane. Other national ABC services that are available in Rockhampton on separate FM frequencies include Triple J, RN, ABC Classic FM and ABC NewsRadio.

4YOU is the local community station, broadcasting local programs from their Rockhampton studio, presented by a number of volunteers. The station is skewed towards the older demographic and plays a lot of easy listening and country music. All programs are locally produced apart from the regular Sunday evening programs the station takes from the national community radio network.

4US is the local indigenous community station, broadcasting from a studio at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre in Rockhampton servicing the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population featuring traditional music and focusing on indigenous issues and event within its programming content.

KIX Country is a national narrowcast FM broadcasting service provided by Grant Broadcasters, available in Rockhampton. Kix solely broadcasts country music-themed programming, which includes programs which originate from studios in Bundaberg complemented by some nationally syndicated programming. While Kix transmits on a narrowcast licence, the station is allowed to broadcast commercials.

Other narrowcast radio services available in Rockhampton include racing station, Radio TAB (formerly 4TAB), Vision Radio Network and Radio FM 88 (tourist information).

Rockhampton is served by three commercial stations and two public broadcasters.

• Seven Queensland
• Southern Cross 10
• WIN Television Queensland
• ABC TV
• SBS TV

Each broadcasts television services in digital formats.

ABC offers digital high-definition simulcasts of their main channel, ABC on ABC HD. SBS offers digital high-definition simulcasts of their main channel, SBS on SBS HD. There are other main channels also available: ABC Kids, ABC Family, ABC Entertains, ABC News, SBS Viceland, SBS Food, SBS World Movies, SBS WorldWatch, NITV, 10 Bold Drama, 10 Peach Comedy, Nickelodeon, 7two, 7mate, 7flix, 7Bravo, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. Foxtel provides subscription satellite television services.

All three main commercial networks produce local news coverage – Seven Queensland airs a 30-minute Central Queensland local news bulletin at 6 pm each weeknight, produced from a newsroom in the city but broadcast from studios in Maroochydore. WIN Television air a regional Queensland bulletin at 5:30 pm with Rockhampton inserts broadcast from Wollongong. Southern Cross 10 airs local news updates during the day from its studios in Hobart. It previously aired a regional Queensland edition of Nine News from Brisbane each weeknight at 6 pm, featuring local opt-outs for Rockhampton and Central Queensland when it was a Nine affiliate.

There is also a small television facility at the ABC studios in Rockhampton with a journalist and camera operator employed locally to produce stories for ABC News and programs such as 7.30 and Landline. The journalist can also be required to do live crosses for ABC News. The ABC had also previously produced a nightly local TV news bulletin for Rockhampton and Central Queensland but it was axed in 1985.

{{More citations needed section|date=November 2023}}File:Rockhampton Airport.JPG]]

Rockhampton is an important transport hub in the Central Queensland region. Rockhampton provides important transport links between the Central Highlands and Capricorn Coast regions and the areas to the north and south of the state. Rockhampton Airport is essential to the viability of the tourism industry.

The Rockhampton region is well serviced by the national and state highway systems, with the city being located at the main junction of the coastal highway, the Bruce Highway, the central western highway, the Capricorn Highway, and the Rockhampton Hinterland is serviced by the Burnett Highway. Driving time is seven and a half hours from Brisbane to Rockhampton.

Rockhampton is also served by long-distance coaches to Brisbane in the south, and as far as Cairns in the north. Daily services operate into Rockhampton with Greyhound Australia. The Hinterland and Central Highlands are also serviced daily by Rothery's Coaches, Pacific Coaches and Emerald Coaches.

Bus services are operated by Kinetic Group, which operates under the QConnect public transport system. Two bus interchanges are located in Rockhampton City through which the majority of services operate. Service include most parts of the city, Parkhurst in the north to Allenstown and Depot Hill in the south and to The Range and Lakes Creek in the west

Rockhampton railway station is located on the North Coast railway, and is the terminus of the electrified section of line from Brisbane with through diesel service continuing beyond; services are provided by Queensland Rail. Denison St, Rockhampton is one of the few places where the main line runs down the middle of the street. An Electric Tilt Train services connects it to Brisbane, and the Diesel Tilt Train services the station en route to Cairns.

Rockhampton Airport is operated by Rockhampton Regional Council and is located {{convert|6|km|mi}} west of Rockhampton City. It is Australia's twelfth busiest domestic airport. The airport handles flights to major Australian cities, tourist destinations, and regional destinations throughout Central Queensland. It is an important base for general aviation serving the Central Highlands and Capricorn Coast communities. The airport is also a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Rescue Helicopter.

The project for upgrading between Gracemere saleyards and the Rockhampton abattoirs to provide access for Type 1 Road trains was completed by early 2021 at a total cost of $30 million.{{cite web |url=https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=067210-16QLD-NAB |title=Rockhampton Road Network – Road Train Access |publisher=Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications |date=8 April 2021 |access-date=31 March 2022 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316104113/https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=067210-16QLD-NAB |url-status=live }} It involved about {{convert|29|km|mi}} of road improvements on four roads:

• Capricorn Highway – from Saleyards Road at Gracemere to the Bruce Highway roundabout at Rockhampton ({{convert|7.7|km|mi}})
• Bruce Highway – from the Capricorn Highway roundabout to the Yaamba Road intersection ({{convert|8.3|km|mi}})
• Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road – from the Bruce Highway intersection south-west to the Emu Park Road intersection ({{convert|2.4|km|mi}}
• Rockhampton–Emu Park Road – from the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road intersection to St Christophers Chapel Road at {{QLDcity|Nerimbera}} ({{convert|10.2|km|mi}})

The catchment area of the Fitzroy River is approximately 145,000 square kilometres (almost the size of England).

It contains six major rivers, and Rockhampton and Central Queensland accordingly enjoy abundant good water. The existing and future dams under construction ensure on-going needs for agriculture, industry and domestic purposes are met.

The Fitzroy River Barrage at Rockhampton separates tidal salt water from upstream fresh water, and provides the supply for Rockhampton's domestic and industrial needs.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockhamptoninfo.com.au/about/infrastructure/|title=Rockhampton Water Infrastructure|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021034723/http://www.rockhamptoninfo.com.au/about/infrastructure/ |archive-date=21 October 2007 |publisher=Rockhampton Regional Council|access-date=19 April 2018|url-status=dead}}

Central Queensland's major generating facilities, including the Stanwell, Gladstone and Callide power stations, produce the majority of the State's power. Queensland's newest and most technologically advanced powerhouse at Stanwell, {{convert|28|km|mi}} west of the city, came on line in 1993. The Stanwell facility is a key element in the State's program to expand electricity supply and is a major exporter of power station technology.[http://www.rockhamptoninfo.com.au/about/infrastructure/ Rockhampton Power Infrastructure] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021034723/http://www.rockhamptoninfo.com.au/about/infrastructure/ |date=21 October 2007 }} Rockhampton Regional Council – Accessed 23 June 2008

• Ibusuki, Japan (since 20 November 1980)

• List of people from Rockhampton
• Capricorn Coast

{{Reflist|30em}}

• McDonald L. (1981) Rockhampton: A History of City and District. University of Queensland Press, St Lucia, Qld. {{ISBN|978-0-7022-1620-6}}
• Bird JTS. (1904) The Early History of Rockhampton. The Morning Bulletin, Rockhampton, Qld.
• {{cite journal|author1=Clark |first=William |title=The founding of Rockhampton and the Archer brothers |url=https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:207324 |publication-date=April 1919|volume=1|issue=6|pages=327–33 |journal=Journal of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland}} {{Free access}}

{{Commons category|Rockhampton, Queensland|Rockhampton}}

• {{Wikivoyage inline|Rockhampton}}
• {{cite web|url=http://queenslandplaces.com.au/rockhampton|publisher=University of Queensland|website=Queensland Places|title=Rockhampton}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au|title=Rockhampton Regional Council}}
• [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/bumb4u/alma99183952820102061 Aerial film footage of Queensland places], State Library of Queensland. Includes aerial footage of Rockhampton.

{{Rockhampton suburbs}}

{{Rockhampton Region}}

{{Central Queensland}}

{{Queensland cities}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1858 establishments in Australia

Category:Populated places established in 1858

Category:Port cities in Queensland

Category:Rockhampton Region