AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Rockhampton Zoo is a free-entry wildlife attraction tucked inside the leafy Rockhampton Botanic Gardens in the suburb of The Range, central Queensland. Far from a token city zoo, it is home to more than 30 species of Australian and exotic animals, from a mischievous mob of meerkats and a family of chimpanzees to the giant saltwater crocodile known as 'The Colonel'.↗↗↗
Winding shaded pathways connect the enclosures, and daily keeper talks and feeding sessions bring the animals to life, making it a favourite half-day outing for families and curious travellers. As an accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association, the zoo blends an easy, walkabout experience with genuine conservation and education.↗
A wildlife garden in the heart of Rockhampton
Established in 1925, the zoo sits on about ten acres within the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, one of Australia's oldest public gardens. The setting is a real part of the charm: instead of a concrete complex, you wander tree-shaded paths between aviaries, wetlands and paddocks, with historic gardens, ponds and picnic lawns all around. Because entry is free, it has long been a beloved local retreat and an easy, low-key highlight for visitors passing through central Queensland.
