Rockhampton - Places to See

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This was published 15 years ago

Rockhampton - Places to See

Buildings in the Central Business District
Rockhampton's Heritage brochure is divided into an hour's walk through the town centre (two-three hours may be more realistic) and a 90 minute drive through the suburbs and into the surrounding rural hinterland.

The walk through the town centre includes a total of 35 buildings of which the most significant are:

The Post Office.
Located on the corner of East Street Mall and Denham Street this huge two storey Classical Revival building dominates the Rockhampton CBD streetscape. It was designed by the architect G Connolly and constructed of Stanwell sandstone by Collins and McLean in 1895. The most striking features of the building are the superb colonnades and the clock tower and belfry. The interior has been modernised but the facade and clock tower stand as a reminder of a time when Rockhampton could make legitimate claims to be the capital of central Queensland.

The Customs House
Located in Quay Street is another example of the Classic Revival period architecture which was all the rage in Rockhampton around the turn of the century. Built between 1898-1901 of Stanwell sandstone the building has a huge copper dome and an elaborate semi-circular portico with a Corinthian colonnade. The building was designed by the Queensland Government architect, A B Brady, and is a powerful reminder of the importance that Rockhampton enjoyed as the major central coast port around that time.

The Criterion Hotel
This prime site at the end of Quay Street near the Fitzroy Bridge was originally the site of Rockhampton's first hotel, the Bush Inn which was built in 1857 and owned by Robert Parker. Such was the wealth from the goldfields which poured into Rockhampton in the 1880s that Parker's daughter, a Mrs Curtis, commissioned the architect J Flint to build this extraordinary and ostentatious three storey Neo Classic Revival building in 1889. It was completed in October 1890. It is worth noting that the colonnaded verandahs have hoods to protect the rooms from the harsh Queensland sun.

The Supreme Court
Located at the western entrance to the East Street Mall, the Supreme Court is a typical dour, geometrically correct, Classic Revival building designed by G Connolly, the Government Architect. Set back from the street the combination of the fine wrought iron gates, the palm trees in the forecourt, the solid ionic columns, and the pale sandstone make it a particularly impressive public building. It has been in continuous use for over 100 years having been built in 1887.

The Union Trustee Chambers
Located at 170 Quay Street is one of the earliest of the elegant buildings beside the river. Designed by the Rockhampton architect, J W Wilson, as a residence and surgery for Dr Callaghan, it is an important example of the 'Classic Colonial' style with an interesting combination of Classical columns and cast iron balustrading. It is regarded by the National Trust as a building of exceptional historical significance.

Rees R & Sydney Jones - Solicitors
Located on the corner of Quay Street and Denham Street was built in 1880 to a Neo Classic Revival design by the architect, F D Stanley. Originally constructed for the Queensland National Bank its cast iron balustrades and Corinthian columns make it a very distinctive and prominent corner building.

Heritage Tavern
A similar corner location is enjoyed by the magnificent Heritage Tavern which is located on the corner of Quay Street and William Street. Built in 1898 as Mrs L Johnson's Commercial Hotel the architect J W Wilson adopted a colonial style which is best exemplified by the superb iron columns and lacework on the three storey narrow verandahs.

Other Buildings
While these are the major buildings in the central business district they are surrounded by buildings of equal interest. At the easterly end of Quay Street there are the Fitzroy Shire Council Chambers (1896) a fine Neo Classic Revival building with elliptical arches and elaborate parapet detailing, the solid Victorian Walter Reid Apartments on the corner of Derby Street and Quay Street, a run of buildings between Derby and William Streets which includes Avonleigh Chambers, and the ABC Studios at 236 Quay Street (originally owned by Mt Morgan Gold Mining). The importance of this area cannot be overstated. Anyone interested in the way architecture reflects the fortunes of a city could not help to be mesmerised by the gold mining affluence which these grand buildings signify.

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The history of Australia is so short that we often ignore the small achievements of families who establish businesses which become part of the local landscape. Within a decade of the establishment of Rockhampton there was a Munro's Bookshop in East Street. It was established in 1861 and the original owner, William Munro, was also the publisher of the first Rockhampton Almanac in 1865. There is still a Munro's Bookshop in East Street (the shop passed out of the family hands in 1924) over 130 years later.

The area beyond the City Centre.
If the centre of Rockhampton is full of architectural delights the suburban area and the outlying regions are equally interesting. Again the Rockhampton's Heritage brochure lists no fewer than 20 buildings around the city centre which are considered to be a great historical interest. Of these the most interesting include:

The Ward Street Buildings
(a) Mater Hospital - a wonderfully ostentatious late Victorian building built in 1890 for John Ferguson (a local member of the Legislative Council) by the architect James Flint. It boasts an elaborate tower, an impressive grand staircase and decorative rendering.

(b) Yungaba Centre - another piece of Victorian overstatement this house was also designed by James Flint. This time the owner was John Ferguson's daughter. Built in 1897 its grand colonial design and elaborate lacework make it one of the most interesting and dramatic residences in Rockhampton. Nearby is the home of the Boland family now known as

(c) Mr and Mrs Jeha's Residence which is a classic Queensland colonial house elevated from the ground to let the cool summer breezes reduce the heat and with elaborate timber work which is a reminder of the superb timber craftsmanship which existed in central Queensland around 1898 when the house was built.

Archer Park Railway Station
An interesting old timber railway station (1899) with a long front verandah with cast iron columns, some attractive lace ironwork and an elaborate entry porch. It looks a little rundown at the moment but there are plans to turn it into a railway museum.

St Paul's Cathedral
Located on the corner of Alma and William Streets (on the edge of the city's CBD) is another one of the city's buildings constructed out of Stanwell sandstone. Built between 1879-83 in classic Gothic style it was constructed in response to criticisms levelled against the previous, rather modest, church which the locals felt was inferior to cathedrals in other Queensland towns. Building actually started as early as 1874 but came to an abrupt halt due to lack of funds. It was started again in 1879 when Bishop Stanton laid the foundation stone and was finally consecrated in 1883.

St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral
Located on the corner of William and West Streets was built of Stanwell stone in Victorian Gothic style in 1889-90. A beautiful twin spired building its interior is characterised by a dramatic, large scale timber vaulted roof and some particularly lovely joinery work.

Botanic Gardens and Japanese Gardens
To the south of the city (refer to the Tourist Map of Rockhampton available in East Street Mall for directions) are the city's excellent Botanical Gardens which were first developed in 1869 and boast a wide range of tropical and warm climate plants. In 1982 a separate Japanese Gardens were established. There is also a zoo with birds, emus, kangaroos and koalas. Contact: (07) 4922 1654 or check out: http://www.rockhampton.qld.gov.au/rccnet/showarticle.aspx?id=9168

St Aubins Village
On Canoona Road, south of Rockhampton and near the airport, is the interesting and unusual St Aubins Village, a collection of five cottages with a grand Spanish Colonial residence designed and built in the 1870s by a German bricklayer named Roderkirchen, as the complex's centrepiece. It has the distinction of being the first house in Rockhampton to be listed by the National Trust. The house is now run as part of an historical village which is open from 9.00-6.00 daily. Contact: (07) 4927 5676.

Gracemere Homestead
11 km southwest of the city is the beautiful Gracemere Homestead which, while not open to the public, is a truly remarkable example of early pioneer architecture. The builder and architect was Colin Archer (one of the famous Archer brothers who were the first European settlers in the area) who later became an eminent naval architect. The National Trust listing of the building notes 'A fine slab homestead (completed May, 1858) with cedar linings and joinery...The slab walls are arranged in sections with the studs meeting the tie beams. Each section contains a ventilation opening, window and door. The contents include fine crafted furniture made for Gracemere by the Archers. Sited on a peninsula and overlooking a lagoon, this homestead and its garden is of great local and State significance and remains in the ownership of the Archer family.' It is covered by bougainvillea in season.

Rockhampton Historical Society Museum
Rockhampton Historical Society Museum is located on the north side of the Fitzroy river near the Fitzroy Bridge. This delightful colonial building was completed in 1885 for the North Rockhampton Borough Council. The Museum contains an interesting collection of memorabilia from the local area and is open from 10.00 am to 2.00pm on Tuesdays and Thursday, admission is $3 for adults and children are free.

Lakes Creek Hotel, Lakes Creek Cottages and St Christophers Chapel
Beyond the Rockhampton Museum on the Lakes Creek Road are the Lakes Creek Hotel, a fine vernacular timber hotel dating from the turn of the century which is a typical central Queensland pub, the Lakes Creek Cottages, an interesting collection of cottages for local meatworkers which were built in the 1880s, and, most interestingly, St Christophers Chapel, an unusual open air non-denominational church which was built in 1943 by American servicemen who were stationed in the area. Built from bush timber with a concrete floor and corrugated iron roof it is an interesting example of a modern church designed out of simple, inexpensive materials.

The Dreamtime Cultural Centre
One of the most interesting and unusual of all the attractions at Rockhampton is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dreamtime Centre. The centre is set in beautiful gardens, including a small waterfall and a pond, and aims to introduce visitors to the culture of Central Queensland Aborigines and the peoples of the Torres Strait Islands. This is not done through the customary displays of corroborees and didgeridu playing but rather through conducted tours which explain the way the Aborigines used the plants of the area, show how they built their dwellings, tell the stories of the Darumbal peoples, and display some of the artefacts from the surrounding area.

The building at the centre of the park was constructed to recreate a cave in the Carnarvon National Park which, according to Aboriginal legend, is haunted by an old Aborigine who only appears to women. He apparently lost his wife to a younger man and spends eternity seeking to find her once again. The centre is open from 10.00am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Contact: (07) 4936 1655 or check out: http://www.dreamtimecentre.com.au/

Glenmore Homestead
Glenmore Homestead is one of the many interesting old buildings in the rural hinterland around Rockhampton. Classified by the National Trust the Homestead complex consists of the original log cabin (1858) which is a fine example of the primitive style of construction adopted by the early settlers. It boasts log walls, slab flooring and a shingle roof. There is also a slab house which was once a Bush Inn and a stone and adobe house built by a Mexican stone mason in 1862. The turnoff to Glenmore Homestead is only 200 metres beyond the Dreamtime Centre on the Bruce Highway. It has won a number of awards because the people who own it have created a tourist complex which is much more than a collection of old buildings and memorabilia. They serve damper, host wedding receptions, and have regular bush dances. The old homestead has become an unusual and interesting backdrop for these more contemporary experiences. Contact: (07) 4936 1033 or check out: http://www.glenmorehomestead.com.au/

Olsens Capricorn Caves
Olsens Capricorn Caves, located 23 km north of Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway, have the distinction of being the oldest tourist attraction in Queensland. The sixteen caves were first discovered by John Olsen, a Norwegian migrant, in 1882. Two years later he opened them to the public. Formed from an ancient coral reef some 380 million years ago, the caves are privately owned and therefore are used for such unlikely activities as weddings and parties. Contact: (07) 4934 2883 or check out: http://www.capricorncaves.com.au

Anyone interested in reading further on Rockhampton should consult Rockhampton: A History of City and District by Lorna McDonald which is an outstanding work of local history. Eminently readable it is a city history which manages to tread the fine line between lively anecdote and carefully researched facts. The result is a book which is a detailed and comprehensive history of the city and environs.

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