Could Rockhampton be your new home while you live and study abroad? Located in a beautiful part of Queensland, Rockhampton is a rural city in the heart of Central Queensland. Known as the ‘beef and barra capital of Australia’, it’s a town that has a rich history and plenty of culture as well. Whether you're here to study, explore or just relax, you’ll no doubt find something to love about the Rockhampton region.
Where is Rockhampton
Rockhampton in Central Queensland is around 600 kilometres north of Brisbane and perfectly positioned on the banks of the Fitzroy River. It’s a small but bustling city with strong agricultural roots and lots of heritage listed buildings. It’s also one of the gateways to the Capricorn Coast, which makes it an ideal tourist spot for those seeking the charm of a country town with all the modern conveniences.
As the beef capital of Australia, Rockhampton has a long heritage of agriculture and hosts the Beef Australia Expo, which draws visitors from around the globe. It’s also well regarded for its superb fishing, particularly for barramundi, earning it the title of the barra capital as well.
Depending on where you are travelling from, Rockhampton is quite accessible by various methods. Rockhampton Airport is a mere four kilometres from the city centre, and sees regular flights to and from major Australian cities, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and more. You’ll be able to fly domestically on Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, with lots of services every week.
If you’re taking your car, the Bruce Highway and Capricorn Highway connect Rockhampton to other major cities and towns along the Queensland coast as well as inland towards Barcaldine. The city is also a major stop on the Queensland Rail network, with regular services connecting it to Brisbane and Cairns via the Spirit of Queensland and the Tilt Train. Long-distance bus services also operate routes to and from Rockhampton.
Within Rockhampton city, getting around is easy with a good public transport system, which includes an extensive network of buses covering the city and surrounding suburbs. Otherwise you can use taxis and rideshare services like Uber for more direct travel.
If you want to visit or live in Rockhampton with the expectation of enjoying its natural surrounds, there’s lots to get excited about. The city is just a short drive from the Capricorn Coast, where stunning beaches, clear waters and lots of water sports are in high supply. Nearby Mount Archer National Park also has breathtaking views and hiking trails, while the Capricorn Caves are an incredible place to go adventuring underground.
Study in Rockhampton
Far away from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane, Rockhampton remains an excellent destination for local and international students who want to get a quality education in a more laid-back location. Like Mackay, the city is home to Central Queensland University (CQU). CQU is sought after by students looking for high-quality learning opportunities in their specific field of study – whether that’s the arts, healthcare, business, engineering or more. Aside from CQU, Rockhampton also has a TAFE Queensland campus, so you can get plenty of hands-on, skills-based training in your preferred industry.
Rockhampton’s friendly and welcoming community will make sure all international students feel at home, as well as provide access to great support services – whether they are academic or social in nature. Overall, Rockhampton’s multiple educational institutions are designed to help every student achieve their goals.
Living and studying in Rockhampton also means you get to enjoy more affordable accommodation options compared to larger cities, while still having excellent public transport and lots of outdoor activities close at hand. Plus, given Rockhampton’s rural beauty and strong sense of community, it’s the perfect place for students from all around the world to get an education.
What to do in Rockhampton
Rockhampton is a city full of hidden gems, with all sorts of activities and attractions to suit your tastes. Whether it's a natural wonder you want to explore or historical experiences to dive into, you’ll find it in this exceptional regional city.
Famous attractions
First up, you can head to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, within which lives the Rockhampton Zoo, for an enjoyable day of beautifully landscaped gardens and native Australian wildlife. Rockhampton Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of intriguing artworks, while the iconic Rockhampton Heritage Village will give you a glimpse into the area’s pioneering past – especially if you didn’t know about its North Australian gold rush past.
Nature and outdoors
For nature lovers, Rockhampton is a paradise – beginning at Mount Archer National Park, which is filled to the brim with breathtaking views and hiking trails, then over to either Mount Morgan with its infamous mine or the Capricorn Caves with their unforgettable underground marvels. You also can’t avoid the Fitzroy River, which is perfect for fishing, boating or just people-watching the afternoon away.
Foodie favourites
Despite what you might expect from a rural city, Rockhampton has a fantastic food scene with something to suit every palate. After all, it’s home to some of the most high-quality beef you’ll find in Australia – if not the world – so you can always have a delicious steak here. You might also enjoy visiting the Riverside Precinct with its huge offering of cafes, bars and eateries – whether you’re after a gourmet burger, some freshly caught seafood or anything in between.
Cultural and historic sights
There are plenty of places to visit if you’re interested in Rockhampton’s culture and history. Rockhampton Heritage Village is a living museum that showcases the area’s history, with restored buildings and interactive exhibits. There’s also Archer Park Rail Museum for a fascinating look at the city’s railway history, while Rockhampton Customs House will give you some insight into the past of what was once a bustling port city.
Living in Rockhampton
Whether you’re visiting or planning to study here, Rockhampton has so many attractive features: a long and interesting history, lots of fantastic things to see and do, great local beef and seafood, as well as a strong sense of community.
For international students who decide to study in Rockhampton, you can expect to spend your days enjoying outdoor activities along the coast or exploring the many nearby national parks, while your nights will be filled with a fun cultural scene and some amazing food spots. There are also excellent healthcare and educational facilities, which makes it a perfect spot to spend a few years studying in one of Queensland’s most interesting cities.