Plan the perfect school holiday getaway to Rockhampton

Published on 05 June 2025

Whether you're travelling with toddlers in tow, energetic school kids, or teens who are ‘too cool’ to admit they’re having fun, Rockhampton has just the right mix of adventure, nature, and chill time for the whole crew.

Take this quick quiz to discover your family’s travel style, then scroll down for tailored ideas that will keep the kids entertained (and parents relaxed!). From splash zones and zoos to caves, bikes, and festivals, it’s easy to find That Holiday Feeling in Rocky, no matter your kids’ ages.

What kind of family are you?

1. What’s the energy level like on most of your holiday adventures?

• (a) We’re in the nap/snack/play zone
• (b) Full of beans! We need space to run, ride and climb
• (c) Cool customers. They want new things to do, but time to sleep in and chill out too.

2. When choosing an activity, your top priority is:

• (a) Something safe, fun and free for little ones
• (b) Keeping them engaged and active
• (c) Something a bit different that won’t get teenage eye-rolls

3. What type of activities would make your child’s day?

• (a) Parks, animals and water play
• (b) Playgrounds, nature adventures and hands-on experiences
• (c) Exploring caves, hitting jumps on a mountain bike or watching festival fireworks

• Mostly A’s? You’ve got Little Explorers
• Mostly B’s? Meet your match: The Active Crew
• Mostly C’s? You’re rolling with The Teen Scene

Here’s the activities you won’t want to miss…

Little Explorers (Toddlers & Young Kids)

You're in the golden years of sippy cups, swings and squeals of delight. Rockhampton is full of safe, family-friendly, free fun for the tiniest travellers.

• Rockhampton Zoo – completely free and packed with kid-favourites like kangaroos, chimps, otters, and meerkats.
• Botanic Gardens Playground – shady, beautiful and right next to the zoo. It’s also home to a new adventure playground that’ll keep the kids entertained while rewarding you, the parent, at least 5 mins to sit down and relax.
• Kershaw Gardens – home to a huge adventure playground, a free splash zone and shady picnic areas.
• 2nd World War Memorial Aquatic Centre (Southside Pool) – if you’re little ones love water, the Southside Pool is bound to make a splash. It’s got a water play area, heated pools, shade areas and hot shower facilities.
• Easy stroller-friendly walks, like the Botanic Gardens and Rockhampton Riverside Precinct will make nap-time strolls a breeze.

The Active Crew (Primary School Aged Kids)

Always on the go? Your kids want fun, movement and new experiences, and you want something that burns off energy and builds memories. Here’s a list of activities that’ll be guaranteed to give you a win-win.

• Kershaw Gardens and Adventure Playground – it’s huge, epic, and BBQ-equipped. Pack lunch and let them go wild.
• Mount Archer National Park – Check out the Nurim Circuit, with its short, gentle boardwalk, sweeping views and a nature playground at the summit, making it perfect for families.
• Rockhampton Zoo – zoos are always bound to be a hit, especially when they include cheeky Meerkats and Chimpanzees. For those wanting an even more hand-on experience, the Meerkat Encounter adds extra wow-factor.
• Capricorn Caves – take a guided tour through an underground adventure in the dark and hear your voice echo in Cathedral Cave.
• Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay – ride horses, feed animals, hop on a motorbike, light a campfire and stay overnight for an unforgettable hands-on experience.
• Visiting in July? Don’t miss the Rockhampton River Festival, featuring food trucks, live music, art installations and family fun. Best of all, it’s free entry!

The Teen Scene (older Kids & Teens)

If your teens have traded jungle gyms for group chats and playlists, Rocky still delivers plenty of fun that won’t feel like a ‘family activity’.

• Get adventurous with the Capricorn Caves Explorer Tour which is more hands-on, immersive and thrill-seeking than the classic option.
• Bring your bikes and hit the First Turkey Mountain Bike Trails. With 33 different trails to suit a variety of skill levels, there’s sure to be a trail challenging enough to impress even older kids.
• Chill out with a family picnic at Mount Archer National Park and be rewarded with incredible views and Insta-worthy sunsets. For bonus points, grab some pizzas from local favourite Rossco’s Pizza to enjoy at the top.
• Time your visit with Capricon, Queensland’s largest pop culture convention, celebrating everything from cosplay and gaming to medieval and comics, held in August.
• If you’re willing to drive a little further, cool off at Upper-Stoney Creek in Byfield National Park, a local favourite swimming hole with clear waters and natural beauty.