While it may be known for its ‘Beef City’ status, Rockhampton, home of the Darumbal people, is a progressive and creative destination with so much on offer for meetings, events, conferences and incentives.

Located in Central Queensland at the heart of the Fitzroy Basin, this riverside city has so much to explore and experience. From unique modern and historic venues throughout the revitalised Riverside Precinct to immersive cultural and nature experiences in Mount Archer National Park, there’s plenty here to enrich any type of event.

Add to this the award-winning accommodation, world-class dining, state-of-the-art facilities and a talented and collaborative community of events professionals, and you’ll soon understand why ‘Rocky’ is leading the way when it comes to meetings, events, conferences and incentives in the region.

A host of extraordinary venues

While it may not have a major dedicated convention centre, Rockhampton packs a punch when it comes to the variety of venue options, including some surprising ones you may not have expected.

Take advantage of the warm, sub-tropical climate and host an event within the lush paradise of Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. This heritage-listed park has several outdoor spaces including a stunning courtyard sheltered by a canopy of giant 150-year-old Banyan fig trees, ideal for long-table dinners.

The centrepiece of the region’s performing arts and entertainment, Pilbeam Theatre provides an elegant backdrop for performances and private events in its modern proscenium arch auditorium, with seating capacity for 972. The venue includes a bar, foyer and mezzanine level alongside several outdoor spaces which can also be utilised for pre- or post-event drinks.

Nearby, the recently refreshed Mercure Rockhampton has one of the largest conference spaces in the city centre. There are six versatile spaces on offer including Parklane (70 pax) which has its own bar, and the largest, Archer – a flexible, theatre-style function area that can host up to 150 delegates or be subdivided into three smaller rooms.

One of the most exciting dining and event destinations in the city is Headricks Lane, comprising a café, bar, restaurant, microbrewery, a private dining room, and an incredible events space upstairs. With its exposed brick walls and arched windows, this gorgeous space lends itself perfectly to elegant dinners, cocktail functions and presentations.

Larger events such as trade fairs, expos and conferences will be well catered to at the Rockhampton Showgrounds. Offering close to 20 indoor and outdoor spaces across a combined 117,775 square metres, this multi-purpose venue is Rockhampton’s largest and hosts some of the region’s biggest events, including Beef Australia.

With a history spanning 160 years, the Great Western Hotel is one of Rockie’s most popular visitor destinations thanks to its cowboy culture, exciting atmosphere and rodeo events. The Arena hosts several professional bull riding events throughout the year and business events can get in on the action with corporate VIP and group bookings as well as the option of a dedicated rodeo for large groups of 500 or more. With capacity for up to 2,500 patrons, the Arena offers a range of seating configurations for events of all styles and sizes.

Riverside Precinct Highlights

With its heritage-listed buildings and tree-lined sandstone boulevard running alongside Fitzroy River, Riverside Precinct is one of the most charming spots in the city.

Quay Street is the longest heritage listed street in Australia and alongside its bustling cafes, pubs and restaurants, is Queensland’s largest regional collection of heritage buildings. Among this is the landmark Customs House, a beautifully preserved historic building complete with columned portico and enormous copper dome. Underneath the dome is a charming event space which can accommodate 80 people seated or up to 120 cocktail style, while the ground floor has two smaller spaces for meetings and breakout sessions.

Next door to this old beauty is a new and modern one – the newly opened Rockhampton Museum of Art. As the largest art gallery in regional Queensland, it houses a significant collection of historic and modern art and offers several versatile spaces which can accommodate meetings and workshops for 12 right through to gala dinners and cocktail functions for up to 250. A standout feature is the floor-to-ceiling glass, bathing The Foyer, Long Gallery and The Deck in an abundance of natural light and affording great views over the precinct. Catering is also available from the onsite café, Hummingbird.

Across from the gallery, Boathouse is a premium waterfront restaurant and event venue boasting one of the most enviable locations in the city. Perched right over the riverbank, this stunning indoor-outdoor venue features an expansive 140-square-metre deck with sprawling views across the river, ideal for alfresco sunset soirees. Combined, the indoor dining room and deck can host up to 200 seated or 300 standing, with the option of being hired separately. On the menu you’ll find fresh, seasonal dishes that celebrate local ingredients, with a range of catering options that can be tailored to your event.

Another notable spot is Riverston Tearooms, loved by locals and visitors alike for its decadent high teas and incredible pastries and desserts.

Uniquely Rockie experiences

Invigorate your morning with fresh mountain air and a nature-immersive walk on Mount Archer. Nurim Circuit is a 500-metre-long elevated treetop boardwalk with unbeatable vistas over Rockhampton and beyond. There are several other walking trails throughout the national park as well as an amphitheatre which provides a great spot for group activities like yoga.

Give your delegates an opportunity to connect with Darumbal Country and its culture. The local Darumbal people and elders are proud to share their culture and offer unique On Country experiences, such as guided tours through significant sites, dreaming stories, and traditional dance and didgeridoo performances, as well as Ceremony Services to enrich any event.

Visit the meerkat enclosure at Rockhampton Zoo for an unforgettable animal encounter with the six resident meerkats. This friendly and curious mob will hop and skip all over you to get a treat while their keeper tells you all about this fascinating species and the zoo’s conservation work.

For a fun team activity, head to The Whiskey Lounge at CocoBrew Rockhampton for a whiskey tasting – their impressive collection features more than 75 drams from around the world. This swanky lounge is also available for intimate events and there’s also a restaurant, conference room, and boardroom for meetings and private dining.

Step back in time with a tour of Rockhampton Heritage Village and get a feel for what life was like between 1850 and 1950. Set across 11 hectares, this historic little village features an incredible display of vintage cars, cottages, artefacts and real live farm animals, as well as charming event spaces like The Australian Shearing Shed, which can accommodate up to 500.

As the day winds down and the sun begins to set, take your delegates on a river cruise for the ultimate sundowner. River Cruises CQ offers a range of tours including a one-hour Sunset Cruise and after-dark City Lights cruise. Enjoy a beverage and complimentary nibbles as you take in the sights from the Fitzroy River, keeping an eye out for wildlife.

For the ultimate surprise, treat your delegates to a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town centre – have the camera ready because Capricorn Carriage Ride’s strong and stunning Clydesdale horses are a sight to behold.

Pop-Up Polo

A major highlight on Rocky’s special events calendar is the hugely popular annual Rockhampton JaguarLand Rover Pop-Up Polo, which attracts more than 2,000 spectators.

Aside from being a day of fun and fabulous fashion, it’s an incredible showcase of Rockhampton’s event capabilities and testament to the talent, professionalism and collaboration of its organisers and suppliers inputting on a major event of this calibre.

Where to stay

Superbly located in the heart of the CBD and Riverside Precinct, Empire Apartment Hotel is a multi-award-winning 4.5-star hotel. As the city’s largest hotel, it offers 120 spaciously appointed studio, and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with balconies or ground floor courtyard with city or river views.

There’s also 24-hour reception, a gym and outdoor pool, three onsite dining options and a modern conference space for up to 120 pax.