ROCKY ROCKS

Proclaiming itself as the beef capital of Australia, Rockhampton is a thriving city with strong connections to the land. But for northern NSW farmers, any claims as the nation’s beef capital are fighting words because Casino had first dibs, and the rivalry runs deep. Rockhampton’s 3.5 million-strong herds settle the argument these days, though, and the city has half a dozen giant bovine statues in the main street to support their declaration.

For many, Rockhampton — or Rocky as it’s locally known — is a stopover on the drive between Brisbane and all places north. But it’s a lot more than caravan parks and cattle because loads of attractions keep visitors interested in more than just an overnight stay — mind you, a break from the Bruce Highway’s rocky ride is always welcome.

Your drive from Brisbane will have taken you 620km north and across the Tropic of Capricorn to the city’s south. Taking a bit of poetic