Rockhampton, town in Queensland, Australia. Rockhampton is almost precisely on the tropic of Capricorn, and lies on the Fitzroy River, just inland from the Pacific Ocean, between Mackay and Gladstone. It is the centre of a fertile agricultural area enjoying a tropical climate, and claims to be the beef capital of Australia; there is also extensive arable farming in the region. Rockhampton was settled in the 1850s when gold and copper were discovered about 100 km (60 mi) away, promoting the town's rapid growth as an agricultural market and port. Rockhampton is also an important tourist destination, the harbour being a waterfront of historical buildings. The town boasts the impressive Dreamtime Cultural Centre, devoted to displays of Aboriginal art and history, the Customs House, and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, which was established in the 1850s. The main campus of the Central Queensland University is also located there. Population (1998) 64,400.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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