Is Rockhampton expensive to visit?
Rockhampton is a great town that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Rockhampton can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $86 (AU$133) per day, mid-range travelers spend $205 (AU$317) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $446 (AU$690) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Rockhampton.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Rockhampton is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in the Pacific for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Rockhampton is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Rockhampton Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Rockhampton?
The average Rockhampton trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Rockhampton travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Rockhampton cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Rockhampton on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $86 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Rockhampton, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Rockhampton will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $205 per person, per day.
In Rockhampton, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Rocky Resort Motor Inn is a fantastic option for families, and Motel 98 is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Rockhampton here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $446. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing.
Accommodation Budget in Rockhampton
Hotel rates in Rockhampton vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $83 to $155. Expect prices to range from $61 for budget hotels to $226 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Rockhampton for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $201 (AU$311). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $100 (AU$155) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Rockhampton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Rockhampton include:
- Rockhampton Palms Motor Inn starting at $96
- Rocky Gardens Motor Inn starting at $89
- Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton starting at $109
- Winter Sun Motel starting at $67
- SunPalms Motel starting at $90
As a family-friendly town, Rockhampton is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Rockhampton
Unfortunately, Rockhampton does not provide a solid public transit network. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.
Rockhampton is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $19 (AU$30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rockhampton. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Rockhampton is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
AU$30
Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.
How much does it cost to go to Rockhampton? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Rockhampton will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Rockhampton
You can't miss the fantastic food in Rockhampton. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Rockhampton can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Rockhampton is $85 (AU$132) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$85
AU$132
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Rockhampton is around $85 (AU$132) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $186. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Rockhampton are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $26
- Lunch: $13 to $34
- Dinner: $26 to $60
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
There are a handful of decent restaurants around town. Blue Truffles has great food at a decent price. For fresh seafood try Aficionado. Indian, Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants are also available.
There are also four nightclubs in town on William Street near Quay Street. Bars are spread throughout town as well. There's a particularly lively atmosphere at the Criterion Hotel on Quay Street.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Rockhampton
It's easy to see why people visit Rockhampton, given its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Rockhampton typically cost an average of $40 (AU$61) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$40
AU$61
There are plenty of sights around town, but some of the most popular include the Rockhampton Zoo, which is best visited at 3:00 during feeding time, the Botanic Gardens, just outside the zoo, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, with some fascinating historical buildings, Dreamtime Cultural Centre, which displays local, aboriginal artwork, and Mount Etna Caves National Park, which offers guided tours of the area's interesting caves. Another interesting place to visit is the Koorona Crocodile Farm, where you can view crocodiles and then enjoy a crocodile based dish in the cafe. Prices are extraordinarily high, with main dishes costing you more than $20. It is possible to arrange a tour of the facility, and this will likely give you the best deal.
Mount Archer is a great place to visit. It has nice views of Rockhampton and can be reached by traveling towards Frenchville and turning right onto Pilbeam Drive.
The town is also famous for several good festivals. Both the Multicultural Festival and CQU Open Day have market stalls with international food, music, and cultural activities. The Village Festival is the largest music and arts celebration in the area and offers music, performing arts, visural arts, and street theater, among other things. The Big River Jazz Festival is a three day jazz festival in September. There is also the Pilbeam Theatre, that seats 1200 people. They host national and international music and comedy shows.
There are ten major shopping centers around town with many national and international retailers represented.
Museums and Attractions:
Rockhampton is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.
Hiking:
The hiking in the area surrounding Rockhampton is really impressive. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.
Nightlife Budget in Rockhampton
In terms of nightlife, Rockhampton has a few activities available, but it doesn't match the energy of other sought-after destinations. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $13 (AU$20) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Rockhampton per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
AU$20
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Rockhampton
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.