Fun things to do these school holidays in Rockhampton

School holidays are rolling around, and if you’re searching for a destination that will keep all ages entertained, from preschoolers to teenagers, look no further than Rockhampton, Yeppoon and the wider Capricorn region. 

Located in Central Queensland, this riverside city keeps its colonial past alive by merging heritage-listed buildings with contemporary ones. As you move from sky walks and gardens to rodeos and caves, the kids are destined to learn a thing or two along the way. And that's before you hit the coast, where swimming hotspots and island hopping awaits. 

Here’s eight things to do these school holidays in Rockhampton.

1. Get out in nature

Visit Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest public gardens in Queensland, for a relaxing day filled with fresh air and lush blooms.

Open daily from 6am to 6pm, there’s an endless array of greenery to admire here. Walk through the outer, lower and upper gardens to see all kinds of plants and structures—from bamboo arches and tree canopies to bridges and waterfalls. Find your zen in the Japanese Garden, dine at the tearoom, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the banyans, or make use of the BBQ facilities. 

Entry to this heritage-listed site is free.

2. Meet amazing animals

Nestled between the Botanic Gardens and the Murray Lagoon is Rockhampton Zoo. With over 30 species of native and exotic animals, head here to see them up close and discover all their various quirks.

Visitors are welcome all year round (besides Christmas day) from 10am to 4pm - and it's free entry. Step through the gates and be transported to another world; see koalas snoozing in trees, chimpanzees swinging from vines, and snakes slithering around. Take a seat at one of the keeper talks to learn about the resident creatures from experts.

Rockhampton Zoo proudly works with universities and post-graduate students to enhance their understanding of the animal kingdom in a non-threatening, nurturing way. They also support conservation projects such as the Save the Cassowary campaign and the Jane Goodall Institute’s mobile recycling campaign (the latter is dedicated to minimising the demand of colton which is derived from ape habitats).

3. Go on an island adventure

If you’ve got some budding marine biologists in your midst, Rockhampton is an excellent base for exploring breathtaking Great Keppel Island.

Hop on Freedom Fast Cats’ Combo Cruise and you’ll get a front-row seat to turquoise waters and magical marine life. Gaze at the colourful fish and coral through the glass-bottomed boat before jumping into the underwater world on a snorkelling tour. Enjoy a classic sausage sizzle while you learn about the island’s history and rexplore GKI on foot for up to an hour.

Or, sign up for a day of island-hopping on a small boat tour with Keppel Explorer. You'll jet to secluded beaches and snorkel spots where no other tourists venture, with plenty of opportunity to relax or explore fringing coral reefs.

If a day trip to Great Keppel Island has you wanting more, plan a longer stay here.

4. Splash and play in crystal clear waters

When the kids are itching for a dose of H20, pop Yeppoon Lagoon into your GPS.

Just a 40-minute drive from Rockhampton, this 2500-square-metre pool overlooks a pristine beach and the surrounding Keppel Islands. The pool isn’t just a big hole of water however; there’s a shallow play area, infinity edge and an informal lap swimming area as well.

The kids will dry off quickly with a run around the neighbouring parkland. Cook up a storm on the barbecue and feed your hungry crew under the comfort of a shade sail.

Entry to Yeppoon Lagoon is free and lifeguards are on duty seven days a week.

5. Explore an ancient cave system

One of the best things to do during school holidays in Rockhampton is delving deep into the Capricorn Caves. Here you can discover how scientists are using bat poo and owl spew to research climate change and also to learn about the megafauna which once roamed this land.

Tours range from the wheelchair accessible Cathedral Caves tour to a 90 minute Explorer tour (ages 5 and up), while those looking for more can discover the most remote sections of the caves on the Adventurer tour (ages 10 and up). 

Extra fun can be found during school holidays on night tours too. 

6. Visit the only wildlife rehabilitation centre in Central Queensland

Cooberrie Park, located 45 minutes north of Rockhampton, is the only wildlife sanctuary in Central Queensland that nurses sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Besides being a destination that saves little lives all the time, Cooberrie Park is an excellent spot to befriend animals. Here you can meet  a koala, interact with monkeys, be a perch for parrots, hand-feed kangaroos, and hold a scaly reptile (think crocodiles, snakes and lizards). Don’t miss the interactive animal show at 1pm to learn all about the creatures you’ve met.

If you're kids are budding wildlife warriors you can also sign them up for the junior zoo keeper experience, offered during school holidays. 

Cooberrie Park is open daily from 10am to 3pm. While you’re visiting, make a donation to the Wildlife Rehabilitation HQ which relies on community funding to keep operating. 

After the real-life animal encounters, don't miss Capricorn's newest attraction, the Capricorn Dinosaur Park. The Park offers a fully accessible walking trail with 30 life-sized Mesozoic giants and dinosaur fossil dig to get the kids' hands dirty, prehistoric-style.  While you're there, get a little active with a friendly round of dinosaur-themed mini golf. 

7. Walk among the treetops

What better way to spend school holidays in Rockhampton than scaling new heights?

Mount Archer’s Nurim Circuit is a 500-metre elevated boardwalk with impeccable views that must be seen to be believed. Located at the summit, walk among treetops and soak in the region’s breathtaking sights.

Visit in the morning to bask in the first rays of sunlight or in the afternoon to see the sun go down over the city. 

8.  Visit the ultimate play park

Take a trip to Kershaw Gardens and watch the kids run wild with hours worth of entertainment. Tackle a five-level obstacle course (equipped with ropes, ladders and tunnels), peddle on the famous monorail and climb the timber play towers. Bring the kids’ swimmers along because they’ll be begging to splash in the play area that replicates the Fitzroy River.

The new Kershaw playground has a number of all-abilities features, such as the harnessed double flying fox, omnispinner and birds-nest swing. If you’re looking for a sensory experience, the Stuart Fragrant Garden will deliver.

For even more things to do during school holidays in Rockhampton, check out this guide. You could also combine the best of the region on an unforgettable family road trip.