The Best Hotels to Book in Rockhampton, Queensland

The 1900 Rockhampton Customs House is a perfect example of classic-revival architecture on Quay Street | © Lincoln Fowler / Alamy Stock Photo

Lilly Graves

5 November 2021

View

There’s more to the beef capital of Australia – or Rocky as the locals call it – than just beef. This riverside town in Central Queensland may have bull statues and weekly rodeos, but visitors are often drawn here by its accessibility to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Yeppoon and nearby islands, not to mention adventures in the Berserker Range. Hint: you won’t want to miss a trip to Mount Archer National Park, with views from an elevated boardwalk. Back in town, check out the Victorian architecture, botanical gardens and a lively central business district with restaurants that cater to herbivores and carnivores alike. Read on for the best hotels in Rockhampton, bookable with Culture Trip.

Denison Boutique Hotel, for historic charm

Courtesy of Denison Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Nineteenth-century preservation is the hallmark of this traditional hotel, which is firmly planted on the Queensland Heritage Register. Choose from 18 suites with four-poster beds, whirlpool tubs and high ceilings. Relax in the lounge or rose garden with a cup of coffee and one of the hotel’s history books donated from the Rockhampton Library. Continental breakfast is available for a fee, and it’s an easy walk to town for restaurants.

The Edge Apartment Hotel, for self-contained units next to the river

Courtesy of The Edge Apartment Hotel / Expedia

It’s hard to miss the Edge, given its prime location in the heart of town next to the Fitzroy River, steps from a waterfront trail for jogging and walking. Contemporary rooms have pops of colour and come with kitchenettes, while larger units have full kitchens, washing facilities and furnished balconies. You can easily walk to shops and restaurants, including a popular steakhouse next door. Underground parking is also available. The hotel has a sustainability policy and is open to suggestions for green improvements.

Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton, for affordable rooms

Courtesy of Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton / Expedia

Despite the chain name, the Quality offers some delightful elements, starting with an elegant lobby and staircase. Rooms, for their part, tend to have high ceilings and large windows, while the biggest come with kitchenettes. Common spaces include an outdoor pool, guest washing and drying facilities, and a restaurant serving hearty fare for breakfast and dinner, with some healthy options – including avocado and feta cheese on Turkish bread – thrown in. The hotel is located within walking distance to town.

Empire Apartment Hotel, for an outdoor lap pool by the river

Courtesy of Empire Apartment Hotel / Expedia

Like its neighbour, the Edge, listed above, this modern tower is easy to spot along the Fitzroy River. Soft muted tones make up the decor here, along with floor-to-ceiling windows and Caesarstone kitchenettes. Standout amenities include an outdoor lap pool and landscaped deck, as well as a fitness centre. Dining outlets include a coffee shop, an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse – all facing the river. Underground parking is also available.

Korte's Resort, for a contemporary hotel with an outdoor pool

Courtesy of Korte's Resort / Expedia

This family-run hotel is easy to get to from the highway just north of Rockhampton. A range of contemporary rooms come with built-in desks and private patios (many with attractive patches of grass), while some add whirlpool tubs. The all-day restaurant offers plenty of steak options for dinner and room service is also available. Don’t miss the sunny outdoor pool where cocktails are served, or hit the gym with big windows overlooking the terrace.

Quest Rockhampton, for upscale apartments with river views

Courtesy of Quest Rockhampton / Expedia

Another slick tower along the river, Quest Rockhampton features 73 apartments with muted tones and contemporary decor. Studios come with stainless-steel kitchenettes, while one- and two-bed rooms have full kitchens. For the best views, request a corner unit with a balcony facing the Fitzroy River. Other amenities include parking and a small fitness centre, or walk to the riverfront trail. Like the other towers on this list, it’s centrally located to restaurants, art galleries, theatres and shopping in the heart of the CBD.

Rockhampton Palms Motor Inn, for convenience and charm

Courtesy of Rockhampton Palms Motor Inn / Expedia

A quick drive from Rockhampton Airport, this laid-back motel has 21 rooms with microwaves and toasters, while some also come with Nespresso coffee machines. Room service is also available. For other dining, the hotel has arrangements with nearby restaurants that allow you to charge meals back to your room. Wander around the tropical gardens and find a quiet seating area with the sounds of a nearby fountain, or take a dip in the small outdoor pool.

Capricorn Motel & Conference Centre, for a laid-back property with a tropical pool

Courtesy of Capricorn Motel & Conference Centre / Expedia | Courtesy of Capricorn Motel & Conference Centre / Expedia

A short drive from the CBD, this cheerful property accommodates everyone from solo travellers to large families in a range of room types. Bright interiors come with floor-to-ceiling windows and the outdoor pool – surrounded by palm trees – is a relaxing place to sip a drink. The on-site bistro with plenty of outdoor seating is a highlight – serving items such as burgers, prawn cutlets and Thai green curry (staff are happy to adhere to dietary restrictions, with vegan and gluten-free options also available). Shared washing and drying facilities are also available.

Rocky Resort Motor Inn, for comfortable rooms and Australian cuisine

Courtesy of Rocky Resort Motor Inn / Expedia

Spacious rooms at this hotel come with mini-fridges, ergonomic work chairs and screened windows, while larger units have microwaves and whirlpool tubs. Dine either indoors or outdoors at Cloud 9 for innovative modern Australian cuisine and a fabulous selection of fine wines. Continental breakfast and packed lunches are also offered. Parking is free and it’s a short drive to town.

CBD Luxury Accommodation, for apartments with balconies

Courtesy of CBD Luxury Accommodation / Expedia

As the name implies, these modern apartments have a central location that’s walking distance to everything in town. Units have kitchenettes or kitchens and balconies, while the best come with soaking tubs and views of the Fitzroy River. Grab your laptop and set up at Café Bliss with breakfast and lunch, along with indulgent desserts such as mango and blueberry mousse cake. At night, you can order from a menu of tapas, main courses – and more desserts. Guests also have access to an indoor pool and fitness centre, and the property has undercover parking.

Give us feedback