The Busby Trail - 5 Day Family Adventure

Published on 21 December 2022

A family road trip is about more than getting from A to B. It’s about slowing down, finding easy moments together, and giving kids the kind of simple adventures they’ll remember. That’s what the Rockhampton region does best. With short drives, lots of hands on experiences, wide open spaces, real Australian characters and plenty of low cost, family friendly adventures, it’s an ideal stop for caravanners and road trippers looking for a relaxed, achievable holiday.

This five day itinerary follows the Busby family’s journey; a mix of caves, crocs, gardens, art, history and good old fashioned country warmth. It’s designed with families in mind: no rushing, no overloading, just accessible days filled with little wins. From feeding animals at a working farm to wandering shady botanic gardens, exploring underground caverns and watching the sunset from a mountain boardwalk, it’s all easy, hands on and genuinely memorable.

Whether you’re a first time caravanner building confidence or a well seasoned road trip family chasing more green time and less screen time, Rocky offers the perfect balance of nature, culture and simple family connection, all wrapped in that laid back Queensland feeling.

Day 1

A Warm Country Welcome at Alkoomi Adventure Farm

Ease into your holiday with a gentle drive into the Rockhampton region and your first taste of country calm at Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay. Just south of town, this family run cattle property is the kind of place where kids spot cows before the car stops moving, and parents feel instantly at ease when welcomed by hosts Becc and Dave; real Central Queensland graziers who make everyone feel like part of the place.

Settle into your site or room and let the afternoon unfold at your own pace. Kids can jump into the daily free animal feeding — collecting eggs, meeting friendly horses, helping feed the cattle — while older ones gravitate toward hopping on a horse or motorbike that sparks instant holiday grins. If you’re keen to stretch out after the drive, wander or ride along the farm’s bush tracks, or cool off with a swim or paddle at the dam. It’s the kind of place where kids roam safely, explore freely, and disconnect from screens without even noticing.

As the heat softens, the farm slips into its most peaceful mood. Climb aboard the Sunset Chuck Wagon Tour for a slow ride through the paddocks, complete with wide open views and a cheese platter filled with food from the farm to share. It’s a genuine country moment, with golden light, stillness and the kind of quiet families rarely get at home.

Back at camp, fire up the BBQ or cook in the camp kitchen, and if you want to taste Rocky from Day 1, grab an Alkoomi paddock-to-plate beef pack. Most families end the night around the communal fire, roasting marshmallows under a massive starry sky, swapping stories with fellow travellers and, if someone (Tom Busby?) pulls out a guitar, enjoying a sing along that draws a crowd.

Why families love this day:

• A safe, spacious start that gives kids freedom and parents confidence
• Real farm experiences kids don’t get at home
• Easy freedom to do everything or nothing
• Friendly hosts who create a welcoming environment
• Big skies, campfires and natural ‘green time’ moments that get kids off screens without effort
• Builds first trip confidence for caravanning families

Many families wish they’d booked two nights here, but even one evening is enough to start your Rocky adventure on a wholesome, relaxed note.

Day 2

Step Into Rocky & Settle In for the Days Ahead

After easing into country life at Alkoomi, today you’ll make your way into Rockhampton proper for a relaxed first taste of the city. Your first stop is the Rockhampton Heritage Village, a spacious, easy going open air museum that feels like stepping back into early Queensland life. Kids can peek into old cottages, wander through historic sheds and spot vintage trucks and wagons, while parents enjoy the gentle nostalgia and wide open layout perfect for caravanners thanks to the handy parking and simple access.

Once you’ve soaked up a slice of Rocky’s past, it’s time to check in to your accommodation. Whether you’re rolling into a cabin, caravan park or family apartment, give yourself the afternoon to settle in. Let the kids explore the pool or playground, unpack at your own pace, and enjoy that ‘we’ve arrived’ moment that makes the next few days feel easy.

If everyone still has some energy, head to Stockland Rockhampton; a familiar, air conditioned reset that travelling families always appreciate. Stock up on anything you need for the days ahead (including nibblies for tomorrow night’s Nurim sunset), grab a coffee and wander at your own pace.

Before heading back, let the kids burn off a little more excitement at Timezone, then treat them to Gelatissimo. It’s the perfect low effort, high smile combo after a couple of days on the road.

By evening, head back to your accommodation for a simple dinner in the camp kitchen, on the BBQ or a quick local option, and settle in for a quiet night. Tomorrow brings caves, culture and one of Rocky’s most iconic sunsets.

Why families love this day:

• A simple, low cost day that keeps planning stress free
• A relaxed entry into Rocky without rushing between stops
• Rockhampton Heritage Village is spacious, safe and easy to explore with kids
• Settling into your accommodation gives families the reset they need
• Stockland Rockhampton → Timezone → Gelatissimo is low stress and high smile
• An affordable day that sets you up perfectly for the adventures ahead

Day 3

Caves, Culture & A Classic Rocky Sunset

Today’s the big, but totally achievable, ‘wow’ day. A morning of underground adventure, an easy pub lunch, a calm art filled afternoon and a golden finish on the mountain.

Start with Capricorn Caves, where hourly guided tours make adventure simple for families. Walk through cathedral like caverns and dry rainforest pockets, listen for the famous echo and let the kids lead the way (they always do). It’s an easy outing and one of those Rocky moments that sticks; the perfect morning that feels adventurous without being hard work.

Roll back into town for lunch at The Criterion Hotel; a proper Rocky icon and an easy family choice. Order pub favourites, cool down, and swap highlights from the morning while the kids reset. It’s unpretentious, welcoming and exactly the kind of stop that makes a road trip feel grounded.

Head to the Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) for an easy, creative break. It’s free to enter, bright and full of hands on spots that kids enjoy without any fuss. Wander the galleries, let the little ones explore and enjoy a cool, quiet moment before ending the day up on Nurim.

As the afternoon softens, drive up to Mount Archer (Nurim Boardwalk) for sunset. Bring those nibblies you grabbed yesterday, wander the pram friendly boardwalk and watch the city and ranges glow below you. It’s a simple, spectacular moment and a gentle finish that settles right into family memory banks without fuss.

Tip: Keep this evening unhurried. Tomorrow is a gentle follow up to today’s highlights with animals and shady gardens.

Why families love this day:

• Nature, science and creativity all rolled into a kid friendly day
• Capricorn Caves delivers big adventure without big effort
• The Criterion Hotel lunch is familiar, no fuss and crowd pleasing
• Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) offers a cool, creative break for everyone
• Mount Archer (Nurim Boardwalk) sunset is a breathtaking but easy family moment
• A perfectly balanced ‘big day’ that still feels achievable with kids

Day Four

Crocs, Shady Gardens & Easy Afternoon Zoo Time

Today brings a real slice of Queensland character; crocs, sunshine, shady lawns and animals the kids will adore. It’s one of those days that sounds big on paper but feels surprisingly gentle in real life, thanks to short drives and everything being close together.

Start your morning at Koorana Crocodile Farm, where real deal croc stories come straight from the people who work with them every day. It’s educational in a very Queensland way; a little wild, a little quirky and full of those big eyed ‘did you see that?’ moments kids love. You’ll hear how the farm operates, meet crocs safely and discover why this place is such an unexpected highlight for families.

After the excitement, head to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens for a relaxed lunch in the shade. Grab something from the Gardens Tearooms, sit under the big old figs and let the kids loose on the great playground right beside it. It’s an easy, no fuss family spot with pram friendly paths and plenty of room to rest or run.

From here, it’s a short wander to Rockhampton Zoo, which always wins over tired toddlers and curious older kids. With free entry and a compact layout, it’s an effortless afternoon: chimps being cheeky, otters zipping around, dingoes napping in the sun and koalas doing what koalas do best. Stay for as little or as long as you like, as the day flows beautifully no matter what.

By late afternoon, families usually feel that perfect mix of satisfied and spent. Head back to your accommodation, throw something simple on the barbie and call it a night. Tomorrow’s Mount Morgan day trip is a great final chapter.

Why families love this day:

• A full day of nature and animals that barely costs a thing
• Koorana’s crocs offer true ‘real Australia’ storytelling
• Botanic Gardens provides shade, space, playground time and affordable lunch options
• Rockhampton Zoo, is free, compact and full of kid pleasing encounters
• Minimal driving with maximum variety — perfect for mixed ages
• A nature filled day that supports ‘green time over screen time

Day Five

Mount Morgan - Stories, Play & A Freshwater Finish

Round out your Rocky adventure with a short, easy day trip to Mount Morgan; a historic gold rush town about 45 minutes from Rockhampton. The drive is scenic and the pace is exactly right for a final day: a little history in the morning, a lot of space to play in the afternoon, and plenty of time to cruise back without rushing bedtime.

Start at the Mount Morgan Rail Museum, where hands on displays and bite sized stories bring Queensland’s rail and mining past to life. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, and kids can explore at their own pace while parents enjoy the nostalgia and small town charm. If you’ve got time, swing by a lookout for a glimpse across the old mine site and the famous Big Stack.

When everyone’s ready for a change of scene, make for No. 7 Dam. Spread out by the water, launch a kayak or just claim a shady patch and let the afternoon unfold. There are BBQs and picnic spots if you’ve brought supplies, and plenty of room for kids to roam, play, and burn off the week’s remaining energy.

By late afternoon, point the car back to Rockhampton with that satisfied, sun tired feeling families love. If you’re not ready for it to end, take a quiet riverside stroll when you’re back in town, or start talking about which parts you’ll repeat next time.

Why families love this day:

• Easy drive, relaxed pace, big payoff for little effort
• Mount Morgan Rail Museum is hands on and the perfect size for curious kids
• No. 7 Dam is a low cost, nature rich finale with shade, water and space to roam
• Encourages freedom and outdoor play
• Minimal driving with maximum variety — perfect for mixed ages
• A wholesome last chapter before the journey continues along the Holiday Highway

Five days in and you’ve had a proper taste of Rocky: real Queensland moments, easy days that flow and simple wins the whole family gets something out of. Whether you’re towing a van or road tripping with a boot full of snacks, this region makes family travel feel calm, achievable and genuinely fun. Keep the map handy, leave a little room for detours and come back for the bits you didn’t fit this time; Rocky’s the kind of place families return to.

Handy Tips

Events in Rocky

Rockhampton’s calendar is packed with family friendly events that add extra buzz to a visit. If your dates are flexible, consider planning around one of these.

Tip: If you’re travelling in event periods, book accommodation early; the good spots go fast.

Parks, Playgrounds & Pools

When the kids need ‘just a play’, these easy wins are close, shady and free (or low cost):

• Kershaw Gardens — Big backyard feel with water play and wide lawns.
• Riverside Playgroundss — Right on the river; great for a quick run around before dinner.
• Rockhampton Botanic Gardens Playground — Excellent garden side play next to the Tearooms.
• Southside & Northside Aquatic Centres — Pools for hot days; check session times and facilities.
• Neighbourhood Parks — Your caravan park or hotel can point you to the closest local gem.

Parent win: Pack a small picnic kit; shade + snacks = happy kids and an easy hour.

Parks, Playgrounds & Pools

When It’s Hot or Raining

Rocky’s weather is part of the charm, and we’ve got you covered either way.

Heat chic tip: Start early, pause and seek solace in the shade, air-con or water in the middle of the day, and go again late afternoon; very Rocky, very doable with kids.

Things to do in Rocky when its Raining