In the search for holiday fun with the family, it can be difficult for parents to think of great school holiday activities in Rockhampton, Queensland – so we have you covered! With all the hard work parents do during the school term, it can be so easy to lose track of time and miss out on planing kids school holiday activities. So whatever kind of holiday fun you and your family love, there are sure to be some things to do in the school holidays in Rockhampton for you!
Rockhampton has got so much to offer, and the time is coming to make the most of it. Get out your backpacks, slap on your hats, and bring on the fun while you try out as many of these ‘must-do’ September school holiday activities as you can!
No matter what age your kids are, or what type of school holiday fun you most enjoy, there is definitely something for you to find. So instead of staying at home these holidays (although we have ideas for that too!), get out and make the most of all the available school holiday activities in Rockhampton!
We have compiled the complete guide to the best school holiday activities in Rockhampton over the September 2024 school holidays to help make your life so much easier!
State schools finish on Friday 13 September and return to class on Monday 30 September 2024.
Spring school holidays in Queensland are Saturday 14 September to Sunday 29 September 2024.
Fun things to do for the Rockhampton school holidays
We have broken our list of Rockhampton school holiday activities into sections to help you:
- Fun things to do for the Rockhampton school holidays
- 10 fun free school holiday activities
- 10 fun cheap school holiday activities
- 10 BIG days out in Rockhampton these school holidays
- 5 things to do at home these school holidays
- Theatres with kids shows on in Rockhampton these school holidays
- Queensland kids holiday ideas
- Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
As with everything at the moment, please check with the venue directly (either by their website or social media pages) to ensure they are open during the times you wish to attend. You should also check their current policy around advanced bookings, entry requirements and timings.
10 fun free school holiday activities
Holiday fun doesn’t need to be expensive… in fact, it can be completely free! When you don’t have the time to worry about bookings, or organising dates and times, why not spend a day doing one of these free Rockhampton school holiday activities, where you won’t need to worry about showing up at a certain time or how much something costs… because it is free!
Rockhampton Zoo
Experience Australian Wildlife up close at the Rockhampton Zoo. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm, this free holiday activity features 4 different habitat zones, with over 60 different species to meet!
To find out more, visit the Rockhampton Zoo website
Mount Archer – Nurim Circuit
For a fun holiday activity which gets you and your family exercising too, why not try the Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk at Mount Archer. This 500m walk is a must-do Rockhampton activity which includes incredible views of both the city, and the Fitzroy River. This free family walk caters for the photographers, sunrise and sunset watchers, and fitness lovers in the family (check out the hiking, biking, and bushwalking trails!).
Visit here for more information about the Nirum Circuit
Mount Archer National Park
Rockhampton’s Mount Archer National Park is full of plant species, and many woodland communities for the kids to see and learn about. Featuring dry rainforests, valleys, and scenic views, it’s a day you’ll be sure to enjoy!
Read more about Mount Archer National Park here!
Kershaw Gardens
At Kershaw Gardens, the big playground and the water play area are huge hits with the kids! Bring along a packed lunch for the picnic tables, before heading over to the spectacular waterfall. At only a 10 minute drive away from Rockhampton’s city centre, a day spent at Kershaw Gardens is a day spent well.
For more information and updates, click here
Rockhampton Art Gallery
With many changing exhibitions, the Rockhampton Art Gallery is a place you can visit many times and keep having different experiences! Keep an eye on their ‘upcoming events’ to see what family fun events are coming up.
To keep up-to-date, visit the Rockhampton Art Gallery website
Yeppoon Lagoon
Just 40 kilometres from Rockhampton’s City Centre, the Yeppoon Lagoon is a great place to cool off in the holiday heat. This free, family-friendly, resort-style lagoon is a perfect day out for the kids and the parents. Enjoy reading a book or closing your eyes next to the pool, while the kids have some water-filled fun!
Take a look at The Yeppoon Lagoon!
The Great Western Hotel
Head down to the Great Western Hotel on a Wednesday or Friday night to catch some free live bull riding in the arena! You can even book some food at the same time so that your family can watch while you share a meal. Dinner and a show! Keep an eye on the updates for these events due to current restrictions.
Find out everything you need to know about Rockhampton’s Great Western Hotel here!
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Take your family out for a day at Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. These gardens – regarded as one of the best in regional Australia – accommodate families who want to enjoy a picnic, kids eager to get to the playground, and parents seeking a quiet and peaceful walk. It’s the perfect free day out to please everyone!
Visit here for more information about Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Capricorn Scenic Loop
It’s family road trip time! Drive along the Capricorn Coast to get a glimpse of all the picturesque views of mile-long beaches and natural rainforests.
See all the attractions The Capricorn Scenic Trail has to offer!
FLOW Visitors Centre
The Flow Visitors Centre is a free, educational facility located in Rockhampton’s city centre where the kids (and parents!) can learn from all the interactive displays. The aim of this facility is to raise environmental awareness by exploiting their state-of-the-art technology and educating us all about the region’s plants, animals, industries, communities, and habitats.
Book your visit today and keep up with the latest news, resources and events
Byfield National Park
Take in all the beautiful scenery at Byfield National Park where families often go to spend a fun day out, or even a weekend camping! This National Park also offers lookouts, trails for hiking and bike riding, picnic tables and more!
Plan your visit to Byfield National Park
We also wrote about the best things to do in Rockhampton & surrounds for free in our guide for school holidays.
10 fun cheap school holiday activities
For some awesome, and affordable holiday ideas, take a look at this list of fun, cheap school holiday activities!
Dreamtime Cultural Centre
Book a tour around Rockhampton’s Dreamtime Cultural Centre, run by experienced staff. Tours at the moment include: the Didgeridoo, Torres Strait Islanders Village, Boomerangs and more!
Click here to find out more
Rocky Bowl and Leisure
Bowling? Laser tag? Birthday parties?! All these things are available at Rocky Bowl and Leisure, so come down with the family, and let loose on the fun!
See what’s available at Rocky Bowl and Leisure
Swimming at Rockhampton Aquatic Centre
Why not take the kids to Rockhampton’s Aquatic Centre for some exercise laps, or just some fun in the pool! You may also be interested in the swimming lessons they offer.
For more information, visit Rockhampton Aquatic Centre
Rocky Skate Club
Fancy a day of roller skating with the family these holidays? Strap on those roller-skates and head to Rocky Skate Club for some fun this September!
Find out more about Rocky Skate Club here
BCC Cinemas Rockhampton North
Make the most of a rainy day to hit the movie theatre with the kids and some friends! Enjoy the latest movies with a box of popcorn at Rockhampton’s BCC Cinemas. Find out what kids movies are NEW these school holidays here.
Find movie session times at BCC Cinemas here!
Granlea Horse Riding Centre
Granlea Riding Centre – just 13 minutes from Rockhampton CBD – offers both private and group horse riding lessons for riders of all ages. As well as riding lessons, Granlea also provides: pony parties, team building, school holiday programs and more!
View all the options available by clicking here
Climbing Gym, high ropes and climbing wall
Try out the climbing walls at the Capricorn Caves. With outdoor and artificial rock climbing, and a bouldering wall, you and your family can test your skills! Climbers must be at least 12 years old and have enclosed foot ware on, and then you’re good to go!
For more information visit Capricorn Caves
A day trip to Great Keppel Island
Ever wanted to take the family out kayaking, bushwalking, or snorkelling on the reef?! These are all things to do at Great Keppel Island. Get your adventure on and head to Great Keppel Island with the kids these school holidays!
Keppel Konnections is a ferry service that takes passengers to Great Keppel Island. It also provides whale watching tours lasting 3 hours, refreshments on board, and other extra activities and add ons for you to do!
Click here for more information about the ferry trip.
Play golf
Get out the clubs and take your family for some rounds of golf at the Rocky Golf Club. Whether it turns into a friendly family competition, or just some fun holes, you’ll love it here! They’re also available for you to book functions (weddings, birthday parties and more!).
Click here to find out more
Rockhampton Bowls Club
Whether you want to go out with the family for the day, or have a laid back afternoon, a game of barefoot bowls is the perfect activity. Rockhampton Bowls club offers free bowls for children under 15, and no charge for children under 10 for a BBQ sausage! Guests at the Bowls Club are welcome to use the BBQ facilities, and order a meal from the menu full of family favourites!
Have a look at Rockhampton Bowls Club’s website to organise your visit!
10 BIG days out in Rockhampton these school holidays
With the two weeks available these school holidays, you should be sure to try out at least one of these big days out with your family! Unforgettable family memories are worth so much, so make sure your family create some these September holidays with this awesome list!
Learn to surf
Does it get more Aussie than a day at the beach?? Head up to Farnborough Beach for some learn to surf sessions; it’s sure to be an unforgettable day for the whole family!
Head to Capricorn Coast’s Learn2Surf website for more details
Cooberrie Park
Enjoy the wild & life at Cooberrie Park wildlife sanctuary! Open from 10am to 3pm these school holidays, it’s an activity that must be on your September school holiday bucket list. Offering opportunities for: Koala, Kangaroo, Crocodile, Reptile, and Parrot encounters, Cooberrie Park is a great place to take the family!
Head to Cooberrie Park’s website to read more
Capricorn Caves
Take the kids to explore the Capricorn caves these holidays. Tours are available for people of all ages, and it is wheelchair accessible. Have a look at all the different types of tours, to see which one you’d enjoy most!
Take a look at what The Capricorn Caves have to offer
Stay at Great Keppel Island
Spend a night… or even a weekend away at Great Keppel Island. There are many different room types available, with an Island Bar & Bistro open 7 days a week! If you’re lucky you might even spot a dolphin or two while you’re there! There is more to do on Great Keppel than you might think – you will definitely need an overnight stay!
Check out all things things you can do on Great Keppel Island with kids here.
Koorana Crocodile Farm tours
Take a tour around Koorana Crocodile farm – just a 30 minute drive from Rockhampton. Not only will you learn all about the crocs, but tours also include crocodile feeding, and photo opportunities holding a small croc! What better way to spend a family day these holidays?!
Have a look here for more information
Hot air balloon ride
Fly over Rockhampton in a hot air balloon for the views from high above! There’s nothing like being in a hot air balloon with your family, taking in the panoramic views. It’s sure to be an experience you’ll all remember forever.
Book your hot air balloon ride now
Rockhampton 4WD training
Perfect for families with a 4WD who haven’t made the most of it! Rockhampton 4WD Training takes drivers on tours around 4WD tracks and the highly qualified instructor educates about 4 wheel drives. Private Courses and Tag-Along Tours are both offered!
Take a look here for more details
Alkoomi adventure farm stay
Bring your family to Alkoomi Farmstay Cattle Farm to enjoy all that the Australian farm life has to offer. With horse riding, motorbike riding, free animal feeding, and so much more, you’ll never find yourself without something to do.
Explore all that’s on offer at Alkoomi adventure farm stay
Fossicking at Mt Hay Gemstone
About 30 minutes away from Rockhampton, Mt Hay Gemstone has a fossicking area, workshops, and a gift shop for visitors to enjoy. Dig your own thunder eggs to examine and take home at Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park!
Visit their website to organise your trip
Take a joy flight over the Great Barrier Reef
Choose from a variety of flight options and book a helicopter ride over Rockhampton and Yeppoon! These joy flights promise to deliver incredible views, and an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family. Kids fly for half price!
5 things to do at home these school holidays
Perhaps you are looking for things to do in Rockhampton when it rains, or just don’t fancy going out every day of the school holiday break!? We get it! Here are some ideas of things to do at home with the kids this spring.
Arts and crafts
Get out those crayons, pencils and paint brushes, and create some pictures and drawings to decorate the house with! All you need is a piece of paper and some craftsman’s tools to make some awesome pieces of art.
Baking
Jump into the kitchen, put that chefs hat on, and whip up some sweet treats for the family to share! (Make sure to help your parents with the dishes afterwards too!)
Potato stamps
Chop some potatoes in half and create some cool shapes to use as stamps. Make sure you’ve got parental supervision when carving, then it’s free rein with the paints and stamps!
Garden sports
Family sports tournaments are a must-do event at least once in the school holidays. Parents vs kids or brothers vs sisters… bring on the competitive fun.
Board games
You can’t go wrong with a good old board game. Whether it’s a big family game of Scrabble or Monopoly, or just a two player game of Chess or Connect Four, the fun just doesn’t stop!
Theatres with kids shows on in Rockhampton these school holidays
If you are looking for something a little different, take a look at this venue who offers family friendly shows and programs over the school holidays.
Pilbeam Theatre
Located at the corner of Victoria Parade and Cambridge Street, Pilbeam theatre is one of regional Australia’s finest theatres. Pilbeam theatre is family friendly, with shows enjoyable by the kids and adults! Their events guide is updated every two months with printed copies available at the theatre, or electronic copies on their website.
See what’s on these school holidays at Pilbeam Theatre
Queensland kids holiday ideas
If you’re looking for more things to do in Queensland, click here.
Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Rockhampton days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These Rockhampton holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.
Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!
Even more QLD school holiday ideas:
If you are heading north these Queensland school holidays check out our other articles:
- Cairns school holiday activities
- Townsville school holiday activities
- Mackay school holiday activities
What there to do for a 18month old girl to do in Rockhampton for free