2024 Major Events Cement Rockhampton as Visitation Capital
Published on 10 October 2023
The Rockhampton Region will cement itself as the visitation capital of Central Queensland with the release of the 2024 Major Events calendar.
The Major Events calendar developed by Council’s Advance Rockhampton includes 33 events across the 12 month period and is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors to the region.
The calendar includes a range of Council and private sector events which support local business through increased economic activity and provide local residents, families and visitors a jam-packed program of things to do in the region.
Visitation and event tourism has been identified as a key growth area under Rockhampton Regional Council’s Economic Development Strategy with the Major Events calendar a key initiative to promote the region.
The 2024 Major Events calendar includes key experiences like:
- Rare Spares RockyNats 04
- Beef Australia 2024
- River Festival
- 7Rocky River Run
- Capricorn Food & Wine Festival
- Pop Up Polo
- PBR Rockhampton Invitational
- Rockhampton Show
- CapriCon
The calendar highlights major art, culture, food, entertainment and sporting events taking place across the region and can be found at www.explorerockhampton.com.au/whatson
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tony Williams:
“We are seeing a real interest and growth in visitation tourism in our region and this is helping drive economic activity.
“This is something that we have identified in our Economic Development Strategy and something that we know we must encourage and grow as we move forward.
“Last year alone, Council’s five major events generated over $7.2 million which helps support our local businesses and drives activity in our economy.
“The Major Events calendar lays down a clear marker that shows the Rockhampton region is alive with events in 2024.
“Whether it’s the Rare Spares RockyNats, Beef Australia 2024 or any number of events taking place across the region, the message is clear – Rocky is the perfect destination to visit all year round.”
Quotes attributable to Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager, Zac Garven:
“Major events are an important pillar in our visitor economy and we have a jam-packed program of events that demonstrate the very best assets and attractions of our region.
“As the region’s leading economic development, tourism and events agency, Advance Rockhampton works with event operators, local small business and our State and Federal bodies to ensure that we are putting Rockhampton’s best foot forward.
“The 2024 Major Events calendar continues to be a key initiative which provides local residents and visitors a comprehensive snapshot of what’s happening and when.
“For all those locals who want to know what’s happening in the region or for visitors planning their holidays and trips, I encourage them to jump online and have a look at the 2024 calendar and all the opportunities it brings.”
2024 Major Event highlights include:
Rare Spares RockyNats 04 – The event that titles us the ‘Beef, Barra and Burnouts Capital’ welcoming more than 56,500 car enthusiasts from all over Australia for a revving good time in Rockhampton over the Easter long weekend.
Beef Australia 2024 – The tri-annual iconic event that cements Rockhampton as the ‘Beef Capital of Australia’ and attracts more than 115,000 visitors to our region for the week-long expo, with 84% coming from outside the Rockhampton region.
Rockhampton River Festival - The River Festival is the quintessential winter festival on the Central Queensland calendar. Held in the picturesque Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, the event attracted almost 25,000 attendees this year.
CapriCon Pop Culture Convention - The largest single-day pop culture convention in regional Queensland with more than 7,000 attendees at the 2023 event, and almost 20% of those coming from out of region.
7RockyRiver Run - The largest charity fun run in Central Queensland attracts over 2,000 runners, raising funds for local charities and drawing participants from across Queensland. Race distances include 21km Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km with a total of $4,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.
Rockhampton Show - With over 30,000 attendees at the 2023 event the Rockhampton Agricultural Show continues to bring city and country together. With three action packed days of competitions, entertainment and carnival sideshows it’s a must attend event for the community.
Digital versions of the calendar can be accessed via the Explore Rockhampton website and social media at www.explorerockhampton.com.au/whatson.
Advance Rockhampton also provides a range of promotional videos and event toolkits which can be accessed at the Advance Rockhampton website.
Advance Rockhampton is Rockhampton Regional Council’s economic development body and supports economic development, tourism, marketing and events across the region.
Video News Release can be found in our Media Kit.
ENDS