Don't just do Rockynats. Do Rocky!

Published on 27 March 2026

Rockhampton is about to rev into gear as Rare Spares Rockynats 06 rolls into town, bringing with it three massive days of burnouts, cruising, drifting, bikes, trucks and pure car culture. But once the engines cool down, there’s a whole lot more to explore beyond the track.

Whether you’re rolling in as an entrant, spectating with mates, or turning Rockynats into a road‑trip weekend, this guide is built to help you do Rockhampton properly — from local pit stops and photo locations to eats, brews and easy ways to stick around longer.

Think of this as your locals’ guide to Rocky during Rockynats. No fluff. Just the good stuff.

Quick Event Details

Date: Friday, 17 April - Sunday, 19 April, 2026.

Locations: Rockhampton Showgrounds, Riverside Precinct, CBD and Reaney Street, North Rockhampton.

Events: Burnouts, Street Drags, Drifting, Cruise Route, JDM Showcase, Skid Row, Elite Pavilion, 4x4 Zone, Bikes, Trucks, Show 'n' Shine, FMX Kaos, Street Parade, Live Music (including legends of Aus-music, Black Sorrows and Taxiride), Little Tokyo, Pro Wrestling, Speedway, Offroad Academy, Pinup Competition, Mulletfest, RC Supercross, Tattoo Competition and Rev it Up Racing Experience.

Full Program: Download the Rockhampton Events App for all programming information, maps and more or visit rockynats.com.au/program.

While You're Here

You didn't drive all this way to leave early.

Rockynats might be the reason you came to Rockhampton, but it doesn’t have to be the only thing you do. From riverside pubs and classic photo spots to quick coastal runs and mountain lookouts, Rocky has no shortage of local pit stops worth adding to your itinerary.

Scroll on to find:

• Places to eat, drink and recharge between events
• Rocky‑approved photo locations for your pride and joy
• Easy ways to explore more of the region before or after Rockynats

Before the event

Squeezing the most out of your holidays (school or otherwise)? Rockhampton is worth arriving early for — giving you time to explore, recharge and settle in before Rockynats takes over the city.

Be entertained

Time your visit right to see some epic entertainment.

• Wednesday 15 April Book a spot on the Time Safaris Cemetery Tour and learn about the region's mysteries.
• Thursday 16 April Step right up and get your groove on for The Great Western Hotel free line dancing night.

Stunning location shoots for your wheels

From breath-taking mountain views to gritty urban alleyways, historically stunning architectural backdrops, to lush greenery and beautifully landscaped gardens, Rockhampton offers amazing locations to take eye-catching insta-worthy photos of your car! Here's a few to consider.

• Mount Archer provides several stunning locations along Pilbeam Drive from mountainous backdrops to shaded leafy canopies as you head towards the peak.
• Archer Park Rail Museum offers an iconic historical backdrop of one of Rockhampton's most popular forms of transport more than a century ago. Plenty of space to capture all angles of your pride and joy.
• Quay Lane offers a striking urban look with towering heritage buildings on either side right in the heart of the city. For camera enthusiasts looking to capture a rustic yet dynamic shot, this is the place. Note: the lane ways are one way traffic so please take care when photographing.
• Quay Street on one side provides a picturesque boulevard of beautiful historical architecture from one of the longest heritage-listed building strips. On the other side, stunning river views and lush landscaped parklands. Sunrise will provide a well-lit backdrop of the buildings, while sunset will offer a luminous halo peaking atop of the roof lines for a more dramatic shot.
• Stopford Way Lookout take a drive up the Mount Morgan range and soak up the glorious mountain views.

Shopping

Don't be surprised if Rockynats has you feeling motor-vated and inspired to class up your classic or give your machine a makeover. Rockhampton offers a wide range of auto shops across the region, whether you're interested in shopping spare parts, auto accessories, detailing, car washes, repairs, maintenance, tyres or electronics, these supporting Rockynats businesses will help you shop all things auto with ease!

During the event

Pit stop - great dining spots to recharge and refresh

• Flash your Rockynats badge and fuel up at The Pocket Cafe Bar, offering 10% off your order for the duration of the event. Conveniently located right in the thick of the action just across from the BCD Shuttle Bus Stop, it’s an easy pit stop for coffee, bites, and a quick recharge between precincts.
• A 15 minute walk from the Burnouts Precinct will take you to the Victoria Tavern where you can fuel your appetite with a great feed from the handheld menu on the terrace.
• 15 minutes walk from Showgrounds Precinct will take you to Poppies Cafe, the perfect place to recharge your batteries. The relaxing rest stop is nearby the Alf Kele Memorial Rotary Park adventure playground, perfect for the kids to blow off some steam.
• Take a relaxing riverside stroll along Victoria Parade and Quay Street just before lunch and soak up the street parade action grab a seat at one of the many delicious dining spots along the parade route. Anyone up for prime parade views with a prime cut? The Criterion Hotel outdoor balcony is the perfect place to park up and kick back with a coldie and a succulent steak.
• Take to the beautifully arched balconies of Riverston Tearooms and enjoy a cafe lunch and coffee while you watch the action along the Riverside Precinct.
• Feeling extra famished? Wrap your mouth around one of the local's worst kept secrets - a sub from Rocky's iconic sandwich bar Captain Nemo's. Located 350m from the CBD Precinct in William Street on weekdays, and at their northside location on Saturday as well.
• Feed your hunger with a filling pub meal from one of the local nearby hotels. Heritage Hotel offers epic views of the street drags while you down that parmi and beer. For a quieter setting, Headricks Lane, located 200 metres from the street drags, offers a setting to kick back with a cold one among friends for lunch and dinner.
• A short 2-minute walk from the Showgrounds Precinct will take you to one of Rockhampton's local hotel The Lionleigh boasting delicious hearty meals for lunch and dinner! Perfect pit stop before catching the evening's Speedway Action at Rockynats 06.
• Check out more dining options around the region here.

Big Rock Brewing - In The Action!

Big Rock Brewing is right in the mix during Rockynats 06, pouring cold beers and keeping the atmosphere rolling throughout the event.

Catch the Rockynats live stream on the big screen, grab a drink, and enjoy front‑row vibes from licensed drag‑side grandstands at Stanley Street and Quay Street. When the drags wrap up, stick around for the Rockynats Kick‑On on Saturday and Sunday, featuring live music and a buzzing post‑event energy.

Fuel up with Fitzroy River Seafood on site serving fish and chips and fresh seafood, plus grazing boxes from Olive & Fig. Don’t miss HIGH OCTANE!... a Rockynats‑exclusive drink created with Blank Cheque Trading Co., available in cans during the event.

Alternative Action

• Friday 17 April Experience the sound of Aussie rock royalty when Diesel brings his legendary live show to Leichhardt Hotel.
• Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April Strap yourself in for a double dose of action with the exciting return of the Great Western Hotel Bull Riding Series.

Art, culture & History

• Conveniently located amidst the Rockynats action along the Riverside Precinct, the stunning Rockhampton Museum of Art is the perfect break from the high energy excitement and discover an array of inspiring exhibitions featuring both local and international artists.  Join a guided tour to learn the stories behind the artworks and browse the gallery shop before relaxing with coffee and treats at Hummingbird Cafe.
• Explore Rockhampton Riverside CBD Art Trail or discover the rich history of Rockhampton's Heritage Architectural Trail through Explore Rockhampton Free Self-Guided Tour App. Rockynat's CBD Precinct has you perfectly situated to explore both tours covering more of the region's arts and historical facets.

Browse, shop and discover

• Located 200 metres from the CBD Precinct, East Street features a great collection of retail shops to browse and explore between the automotive action. Browse beautiful boutiques displaying the latest autumn fashion and great bargain stores that have been known for stocking unique automotive gear including novelty license plates. There's something for everyone.
• If it's vintage threads and op shopping destinations you're seeking, Rocky has a variety of bargain fashion gems to rev up your wardrobe. A short 9-minute walk up William Street from the CBD Precinct will take you to Veronica's Closet - the perfect place for browsing pre-loved clothing and adding some extra flair to your #ootd (outfit of the day).

Spend a little longer

With the school holidays right before Rockynats, Rockhampton offers a plethora of family fun and amazing attractions to enjoy and stick around for.

• From mischievous meerkats and cheeky chimpanzees, otterly adorable otters and Aussie animal favourites, Rockhampton Zoo provides a unique and enjoyable experience for the whole family. For something truly memorable, animal encounters are available - but be sure to book early as school holidays can be busy!
• Take a stroll along the winding pathways of Rockhampton's heritage-listed Botanic Gardens and let the kids blow off some steam at the giant playground, featuring Ernie the Dingo. The Garden Tearooms provides refreshments throughout your journey so you can take a break between the attractions.
• Mount Archer (Nurim) is a slice of paradise all on its own offering tranquil and scenic views of rolling mountains towards the east and stunning city views from the west. Nurim Circuit's accessible boardwalk is ideal for snap happy families looking to capture the perfect insta pic, with a playground nearby for the kids to enjoy. The national park offers a range of walking tracks to wander and explore while you immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of nature. We recommend sunrise or sunset to truly experience this place!

Take a Day Trip

• 40 minutes west of Rockhampton, along the Burnett Highway, will take you to the charming hinterland town of Mount Morgan. Rich in history, stunning views and a delicious bakery, the township offers a day of exploration and enjoyment.
• 20 minutes north of Rockhampton, along the Bruce Highway, will take you to the ancient Capricorn Caves where you can take on a tour and explore Queensland's oldest playground 400 million years in the making!
• 30 minutes east of Rockhampton, along the Rockhampton Yeppoon Road, will take you to the beautiful coastline of Yeppoon boasting gorgeous golden beaches, boutique shops and lovely cafes to enjoy. Take the coastal scenic drive from Yeppoon to Emu Park and soak up the coastal vibe. Jump aboard a 30-minute ferry ride to Great Keppel Island where you can wade through the crystal-clear island waters, snorkel, kayak or kick back and enjoy a refreshing cocktail and watch the sun set over the mainland.
• 40 minutes south of Rockhampton, along the Bruce Highway, will take you to Alkoomi Farm Stay, an authentic farm stay that's perfect for those looking to switch off (literally!) Saddle up for a horse ride around the property, or ride a 'steel horse' (motorcycle) instead, cool off in the dam, feed the farm animals or kick back around the firepit with a cold one and good conversations with friends

Explore more

Keen to explore more of the Rockhampton region? Click here to discover more unmissable family experiences.

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