Our Local Area

Rockhampton & the Capricorn Region

Tropical Gateway Motor Inn is your base for the heart of Central Queensland. We're in Allenstown — a 5-minute drive south of central Rockhampton — which puts us a short hop from the Beef Capital's heritage CBD, the parkland walks along the Fitzroy River, Mount Archer National Park, the Botanic Gardens, and the famed Capricorn Caves. The Capricorn Coast and the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef at Yeppoon are an easy 45-minute drive east.


Rockhampton sits almost on the Tropic of Capricorn — locals will tell you the line literally runs through town. So while you're south of the true tropics, you're as close as a road-tripper gets to the start of Australia's tropical north — hence our name. Whether you're working your way up the Bruce Highway, exploring the Capricorn Region for a few days, or just staying for a night to break up a long drive, here's what's nearby.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens & Zoo

Established in 1873 and one of Queensland's oldest and most impressive — 33 hectares of diverse plant collections, including a Japanese garden, rainforest section, and the spectacular banyan figs. The adjacent Rockhampton Zoo  has free entry.


Address: 100 Spencer Street, The Range QLD, Australia.

Distance / drive time: ~4 km / ~8 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; mornings are cooler

Keshaw Gardens

Enjoy the spacious parkland featuring walking trails, lush gardens, a picturesque waterfall, wetlands and family-friendly play areas. A great spot for a relaxing stroll, picnic or some outdoor fun.


Address: Moores Creek Road, North Rockhampton QLD 4701, Australia

Distance / drive time: ~4 km / ~10 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; cooler and drier months are April–September

Capricorn Caves

Ancient above-ground limestone caves  about 20 km north — guided tours through stunning formations, including the Cathedral Cave with its remarkable acoustics (concerts are held inside). One of Central Queensland's most-loved attractions.


Address: 30 Olsens Caves Road, The Caves QLD 4702, Australia

Distance / drive time: ~25 km / ~25 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; book tours ahead in school holidays

Mount Archer National Park

A green oasis on the city's edge with native bushland, sweeping summit views, and the award-winning Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk — a 600-metre suspended walk through the tree canopy. A favourite for a sunrise or sunset stop.


Address: Pilbeam Drive, Mount Archer QLD 4701, Australia

Distance / drive time: ~10 km / ~15 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; cooler months (May–Sep) are best for walking

Rockhampton Showgrounds & Beef Australia

The Showgrounds host the annual Rockhampton Show, equestrian events, and — every three years — Beef Australia, the country's largest beef-industry expo. If you're visiting during Beef Australia, book very early.


Address: New Exhibition Road, Wandal QLD 4700, Australia

Distance / drive time: ~3 km / ~7 min drive

Best time to visit: Beef Australia — next event 2027

Yeppoon & the Capricorn Coast

The Capricorn Coast beach town is an easy 45 minutes east — Main Beach, Lagoon Beach, the foreshore, plus ferries to Great Keppel Island for snorkelling, beach walks, and a slice of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.


Address: Scenic Highway, Yeppoon QLD 4703, Australia

Distance / drive time: ~40 km / ~45 min drive

Best time to visit: Year-round; best swimming Apr–Oct (outside stinger season)