QLDPort & river
Rockhampton
A river port for cattle country, boosted by gold.
1858Town and port formally proclaimed
WHAT STARTED IT
The Fitzroy River provided a shipping route for the surrounding pastoral district. The Canoona gold rush brought a sudden influx of people, helping establish the town and port in 1858.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The gold rush proved disappointing for many prospectors, but pastoral trade sustained the town. Railways, beef production and regional services gave it a broader and more durable role.
TURNING POINTS
1858The town and port are proclaimed.
Late 1800sPastoral trade supports substantial city buildings.
2015Cyclone Marcia severely damaged hundreds of homes and businesses and left about 100,000 Central Queensland properties without power.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A Central Queensland regional city with beef-industry connections, health and education services, transport and administration. Its riverside warehouses record its former port importance.