Rockhampton’s Visitation Figures Continue to Soar
Published on 28 March 2025
The latest data released from Tourism Research Australia (TRA) for the year ending December 2024 reveals a incredible surge in Rockhampton’s visitation figures as the region’s tourism landscape continues to soar to new heights.
Rockhampton Local Government Area achieved remarkable results among the Southern Great Barrier Reef (SGBR) Councils with year-on-year growth in number of Domestic Visitors (641,000 +10.9%) and Visitor Nights (1,974,000 +21.8%), and International Visitors (30,000 +12%).
SGBR Domestic Visitation for year ending December 2024
|
SGBR Councils
|
Visitors
|
Annual Change
|
Visitor Nights
|
Annual Change
|
|
Rockhampton
|
641,000
|
+10.9%
|
1,974,000
|
+21.8%
|
|
Livingstone
|
241,000
|
-6.3%
|
849,000
|
+22.2%
|
|
Gladstone
|
494,000
|
-6.7%
|
1,758,000
|
-0.8%
|
|
North Burnett
|
Np
|
Np
|
Np
|
Np
|
|
Bundaberg
|
621,000
|
+10.7%
|
1,939,000
|
-6.6%
|
SGBR International Visitation for year ending December 2024
|
SGBR Councils
|
Visitors
|
Annual Change
|
Visitor Nights
|
Annual Change
|
|
Rockhampton
|
30,000
|
+12.0%
|
262,000
|
+10.8%
|
|
Livingstone
|
11,000
|
+0.9%
|
66,000
|
-18.9%
|
|
Gladstone
|
38,000
|
+16.4%
|
220,000
|
+25.1%
|
|
North Burnett
|
Np
|
Np
|
Np
|
Np
|
|
Bundaberg
|
28,000
|
-6.5%
|
1,055,000
|
+25.4%
|
Source: Tourism Research Australia | Np: not publishable
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the outstanding results were a testament to bold marketing campaigns and major event drawcards, as well as award recognition for Tourism Excellence at both State and National levels, taking out back-to-back Gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards, and as recent as last Friday, being awarded Highly Commended in the Tourism Marketing Campaign category at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
"These figures confirm that tourism in the Rockhampton Region is booming in both the domestic and international markets," Mayor Williams said.
"Our many tourism experiences, from the Rockhampton Museum of Art and Zoo to our major events, continue to draw visitors from across Australia and beyond."
This exceptional growth is also a result of our record-breaking major events held across the period including Beef2024, Rockynats, Rockhampton River Festival, CapriCon, and Rocky River Run, as well as attracting sporting events such as Queensland Touch Junior State Cup and National Hockey Championships.
Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager Zac Garven also attributed the success to aligning with State campaigns, such as Tourism and Events Queensland’s ‘Drive’ campaign.
"Our team has worked tirelessly to engage with local operators and collaborate closely with state and national organisations like Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council," Mr Garven said.
"The trend of visiting regional, particularly the drive market, has never been stronger, and Rockhampton is perfectly positioned to capitalise on this momentum. We're not just welcoming visitors; we're providing them with unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of our region."
Rockhampton Regional Council and Advance Rockhampton extend their gratitude to local tourism operators for their exceptional work in welcoming visitors and contributing to the region's success.
Advance Rockhampton is the Economic Development arm of Rockhampton Regional Council and is the region’s lead tourism, marketing and major events agency. Southern Great Barrier Reef is the official tourism destination that encompasses Rockhampton, Livingstone, Gladstone, Bundaberg and North Burnett Council boundaries.
To find out more about Advance Rockhampton’s Tourism and Events strategies visit www.advancerockhampton.com.au/RREDS-RREAP
To download images and video, visit https://www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Industries/Tourism-and-Events/Resources/Explore-Rockhampton-Media-Kit
To leverage Advance Rockhampton’s tourism marketing campaigns and industry resources, visit https://www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Industry/Tourism-and-Events/Resources
For travel inspiration in the Rockhampton region, follow Explore Rockhampton on social media, or visit www.explorerockhampton.com.au
ENDS