Flights from Cairns to Rockhampton

Compare Cheap Flights from Cairns to Rockhampton

Located in the heart of central Queensland, Rockhampton offers an experience unlike any other. While the city is within easy reach of the ocean, it has all the heart and soul of a country town. The CBD is located along the Fitzroy River and has a beautiful collection of buildings that contrast nicely with the rugged atmosphere of the region. Rodeos are a popular activity in Rockhampton and something you must experience while visiting. Rockhampton has also been called the beef capital of Australia due to the more than 2.5 million cows in the region surrounding the city. Outside of the city centre, Rockhampton is surrounded by national parks and beautiful landscapes. Take a trip to the beach, hike in the mountains, or visit the region’s famous cave system. Rockhampton is also known for its location right on the Tropic of Capricorn. While visiting Rockhampton, you can even stand with one foot on either side of the tropics. There is so much to experience in Rockhampton, making it the perfect destination for a long weekend trip from Cairns.

Explore a new part of Queensland on your next holiday with Webjet’s cheap airfares from Cairns to Rockhampton.

The best time to visit Rockhampton

With an ideal location on the coast of Queensland, Rockhampton experiences beautiful weather year round. In the summer, temperatures reach about 32°C during the day, and winter experiences comfortable temperatures of 23°C. While the summer months experience some rain and humidity, it’s much less compared to the tropical rain showers that cities further north in Queensland experience. Rockhampton doesn’t have a true high season or low season, as tourism is pretty spread out across the year. However, the times of year that you are most likely to score a bargain on accommodation are in the spring and autumn outside of school holidays.

Departing From Cairns

Cairns Airport (CNS) is located 5 kilometres (3 miles) north of the CBD. With the airport located so close to the airport and several transport options available, you’ll be on your way to Rockhampton in no time.

Cheap airfares from Cairns to Rockhampton are available with Virgin Australia and Qantas. Each day, there are about 50-60 flights to choose from between Cairns and Rockhampton Airport (ROK). CNS to ROK flights include a stopover and can get you to your destination in about 3 hours.

Getting to Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport offers an airport shuttle that runs every half hour to meet all departing flights. There are several shuttle departure points in the CBD, and pick-ups outside of the city can be booked in advance. The more people you are travelling with, the more affordable your shuttle rate will be. A solo traveller pays $15 AUD on the shuttle, two passengers riding together pay $17 AUD, and three people pay $20 AUD total. Any more than three people, and you can ride the shuttle for $5 AUD per person.

The Airport Connect Bus is the most affordable transport option between the city and the airport. Passengers are picked up from the Sheridan Street bus stop, and the bus arrives to the airport in about 10 minutes. Tickets for the Airport Connect cost $6 AUD one-way and $8 AUD return.

Catching a taxi or an Uber is a practical option since the airport is so close to the city. A taxi from central Cairns will get you to the airport in about 10 minutes for a fare of $20 to $25 AUD.

Parking at Cairns Airport

Cairns Airport offers several car parks that are convenient for the Domestic Terminal. Pre-book your parking space in order to save up to 40% on your parking.

Where to Park at Cairns Airport

• The T2 Domestic car park offers the best rates for parking at the Domestic Terminal. Spots are uncovered and are a 2-minute walk from the terminal. Spots start at $55 AUD for 3 days and $77 AUD for a week.

• The T2 Covered car park is a 2-minute walk from the Domestic Terminal and protects your car from the Cairns sun. Parks start at $67 AUD for 3 days and $148 AUD for a week.

Arriving in Rockhampton

Rockhampton Airport (ROK) is a regional airport that receives flights from a few Queensland destinations. The airport is located 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the city centre, making it easy to reach the CBD.

How to Get from Rockhampton Airport (ROK) to Your Rockhampton Hotel or Accommodation

Once you have arrived into Rockhampton, an affordable way to reach the city is with Young’s Bus Service. This bus company is available from Rockhampton Airport (ROK). Route 20 is available from the airport and makes a stop in the CBD. The bus makes a few stops along the way, arriving into Rockhampton City in about 30 minutes. Bus fare from the airport to the city costs $6 AUD. If you’ll be staying in another town in the Rockhampton region, this bus continues past the CBD to Stocklands, Emu Park, Rosslyn Bay, and Yeppoon.

For a quick trip into the city, you can catch a taxi outside of the airport. Taxis between Rockhampton Airport (ROK) and the city cost about $16 AUD and will get you to the CBD in about 10 minutes.

Things to do in Rockhampton

Capricorn Caves

This tourist favourite is located 23 kilometres (14 miles) north of Rockhampton. The Capricorn Caves are a limestone cave system that have been open to the public since 1884. In order to experience these incredible caves, join onto one of their tours where you’ll learn about the history of the caves while making your way through them. Tours last an hour and take you through narrow passageways and over suspension bridges to get a true sense of the caves.

Mount Archer National Park

Mount Archer National Park is located a short distance from central Rockhampton and is a favourite among both locals and visitors. The mountain is 604 metres tall and offers a variety of hiking trails. Within the national park, you’ll see a variety of local wildlife and rainforest. For a stunning view over Rockhampton and the surrounding region, head to the top of Mount Archer. The view is especially memorable at sunset.

Watch the Rodeo at the Great Western Hotel

There’s nothing that says “countryside Queensland” more than a rodeo. The Great Western Hotel in the CBD is one of the most popular attractions in Rockhampton. As well as being an award-winning steakhouse, the Great Western has an indoor arena where they hold rodeos on Wednesday and Friday nights. Reserve a table in advance to enjoy dinner with the show. If you like beef, try out the 1kg steak that the Great Western is known for.

Marvel at the Architecture on Quay Street

Quay Street is located along the Fitzroy River and is lined with some impressive Victorian-era architecture. Take a walk along the street admiring the views of both the buildings and the river. Some of the buildings to see along Quay Street include the Rockhampton Art Gallery, the Pilbeam Theatre, the Queensland National Bank Building, and several other beautifully-designed buildings.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens showcase some of the most beautiful elements of Queensland nature. There are gardens designed as tropical and subtropical rainforests like the ones you’ll find surrounding Rockhampton. There is also a Japanese garden, an arid garden, and a small zoo located within the Botanic Gardens. At the zoo, you can see lots of Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, crocodiles, and more.