September 1 Rockhampton

A good trip to Rockhampton beginning with an early departure, enabled us to arrive here just after midday. We passed through more sugar cane country and about half way along the main industry became cattle grazing. Rockhampton is the Beef Capital of Queensland – there’s definitely a lot of bull in the place. Lots of buildings have a bull sitting on the awning or nearby and there are a number of sculptures of different types like the photo of the one I’m posting. It’s a Braford – Brahman/Hereford cross. Now I’m going to become an expert on bulls! Lots of live cattle exports go through here, the largest saleyards in the Southern hemisphere are just out of town while the highway to the west links to Longreach and the cattle grazing areas beyond. The Great Western Hotel was owned by Country & Western singer Lee Kernaghan and contains an indoor rodeo arena. Notice the bull on the roof! Mum and I will definitely have to pay a visit to this establishment. While mum had a swim at a 25m indoor heated pool in a gym complex, I went for a street walk and took a photo of the Heritage Hotel with its beautiful wrought iron lace work. Absolutely stunning! On first impressions Rockhampton is a nicer city than Mackay and with a more tropical feel to it – lots more palm trees and tropical vegetation for example. Any rate tomorrow we’ll begin to explore the place properly, although rain is also forecast. PS While driving around this afternoon we spotted a Sizzlers. Woo hoo! That’s another place we’ll have to visit.