Transport in Rockhampton: Roads, Rail, and Bus Services

Rockhampton is well-served by a network of major roads, regional rail, and bus services that connect the city with surrounding towns and Queensland’s broader transport corridors. As the service hub of Central Queensland, Rockhampton’s transport infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting its residents, industries, and growing population.

Roads

The Bruce Highway is the primary road link through Rockhampton, connecting the city south to Gladstone and Brisbane and north to Mackay and Townsville. As part of the national highway system, it carries significant freight and passenger traffic. Recent upgrades, including the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade and flood resilience works, have improved safety and traffic flow.

Within the city, major routes such as Yaamba Road, Gladstone Road, and Fitzroy Street link Rockhampton’s suburbs and commercial centres. The Yeppen Floodplain south of the city has historically been a challenge for transport, with upgrades providing greater flood immunity to ensure access during extreme weather events.

Rail

Rockhampton is a key stop on Queensland Rail’s North Coast Line, with the Rockhampton railway station serving long-distance services such as the Spirit of Queensland and Spirit of the Outback. These connect the city to Brisbane, Cairns, Longreach, and other major centres. Freight rail also plays a significant role, with coal trains and agricultural shipments moving through the region to export hubs.

Historically, Rockhampton was notable for being the northernmost city in Australia serviced by electric tilt trains, further reinforcing its role as a transport gateway for Central Queensland.

Bus

Public bus services in Rockhampton are operated primarily by Young’s Bus Service and CDC Gladstone, covering routes across the city’s suburbs and extending into nearby areas like Gracemere, Yeppoon, and Emu Park. These services connect residential areas with schools, shopping precincts, hospitals, and employment hubs.

While buses remain the main form of public transport within Rockhampton, many residents rely on private vehicles due to the city’s spread-out layout and limited frequency of services compared to metropolitan areas.

Ongoing Development

Transport remains a priority for all levels of government, with ongoing investment in road upgrades, flood resilience projects, and regional connections. These improvements aim to enhance safety, reduce travel times, and provide greater reliability for residents and businesses alike.

As Rockhampton continues to grow as a regional hub, further investment in public transport will be essential to improve convenience and connectivity, ensuring the city remains a strong link between Queensland’s coast and inland regions.