Council unveils $7.5 million plans for Rockhampton Zoo’s Visitor Hub

Published on 25 January 2024

Plans for a brand new visitor entrance and amenities at the Rockhampton Zoo have been unveiled today, with construction set to commence next month.  

Diversified Building Services was awarded the tender this week and, weather permitting, will finalise construction in time for these Christmas holidays.

Rockhampton Region Parks, Sport and Public Places Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the new visitor entrance and amenities represents a significant milestone for the Region’s most visited attraction.

“I am extremely pleased to reveal the plans for the addition of modern amenities, which will elevate our Zoo’s status as a premier tourism destination, and give visitors a much more enjoyable experience,” Cr Rutherford said.

“The driver behind this project was to formalise the entrance to the zoo and create a central visitor hub that serves not only the Zoo but also the Botanic Gardens, as well as the need for additional restrooms within the Zoo precinct, which we know has been very long overdue.

“The Visitor Hub which will serve as the entry and exit into the Zoo will be relocated to the southern end of the Zoo and opposite the administration building. It will include 17 restrooms, a gathering space, and a multipurpose room featuring reptile enclosures.  

“Since the endorsement of the Botanic Gardens and Zoo master plan in 2021, a lot of consideration has gone into the planning and design of the visitor hub particularly given the number of heritage-significant trees throughout the zoo and the animal enclosures.

“Every footing has been strategically placed to keep our tree roots protected with the building and plaza area built completely on an elevated platform which will also assist in providing better all-abilities access from the road and into the visitor hub.

The scope of works includes:

• Contemporary Zoo entrance with multipurpose building for both Council and community use.
• New public amenities block consisting of amenities accessed from within the zoo and amenities accessible from the Botanic Gardens.
• Series of reptile enclosures built into the multipurpose building wall to provide an attraction for visitors to the site and to showcase some of the native and exotic reptiles the Zoo has to offer.
• Gathering space and plaza courtyard for pre and post visitation experiences.
• New footpaths, digital interactive displays, interpretive signage, wayfinding signage, and drinking fountains.
• Hard and soft landscaping.
• Significant roof structure to provide shade.

The $7.5 million project received $1.5milllion in funding through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and will come as a significant addition to last year’s playground redevelopment within the Botanic Gardens, adjacent to the Zoo