The Rockhampton Heritage Village is an active township museum where visitors can experience the rich and colourful history of the Rockhampton District. Situated just past the Yeppoon turn-off on the Bruce Highway, the Heritage Village is located on eighteen hectares of native bushland. The Village is a unique recreation of original buildings, homesteads and businesses from the 100-year period between 1850-1950.
Guided Tours
The Heritage Village offers guided tours for visitors and school groups from Monday to Friday. Bookings are essential and can be made on 07 4936 1026. On a guided tour, experience a fun-filled and educational day hosted by friendly townsfolk in period dress. On most tours, rides in vintage vehicles and horse-drawn carriages are available, and heritage trades such as blacksmithing and woodcutting are demonstrated. Visitors may also have the opportunity to feed some of the farm animals, or go back in time and attend a class at the site's country schoolhouse. Please remember to book ahead to ensure the best possible user experience.
Refreshments and Souvenirs
Traditional refreshments such as hard-boiled lollies and scones, as well as light lunches and Devonshire tea, are available from Arnold's Store, open until 1:30pm daily. Morning tea and lunches for large tour groups can be catered for, but need to be arranged ahead of time. Cold drinks and ice-creams are also available from the Reception building, as well as a selection of Heritage souvenirs.
Functions
St Peters Church - this charming pioneer church is available for on-site wedding services. Vintage cars and horse-drawn buggies are also available for hire for photographs and the transportation of wedding parties and guests around the site. For further details phone 07 4936 1026. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment. Australian Shearing Shed - The Shearing Shed is operated by Rockhampton Venues & Events, and is the perfect venue for functions such as conferences, weddings, parties and concerts. With a huge dance floor and fully-equipped bar and kitchen, the shed can cater for up to 500 people. Bookings are essential. Please contact the Heritage Village on 07 4936 1026 for further information.
Attractions
Even for the casual visitor, there are many things to experience at the Heritage Village. Static exhibitions are located throughout the site. Some of our featured exhibitions include:
Time after Time
One of Australia's largest clock collections, including a giant Egyptian Water Clock and every kind of mantle, wall and grandfather clock imaginable. The History of the Rockhampton District This exhibit outlines the history of the region from the arrival of the first white settlers in the 1850's. It includes special dedications to the original inhabitants of the Rockhampton region, the Darumbal aboriginal people, and to the contributions of women to pioneer Rockhampton.
Life Before Electricity
An educational exhibition, this display in Wood's Cottage, takes visitors back to a world where people had to live without power, gas or even sewage! Marvel at the hardiness and resolve of pioneer settlers in this detailed examination of their technology and everyday lives.
Hospital Exhibition
A joint project with the Australian Country Hospital Heritage Association, this exhibition, located in Lake's Creek Cottage, pays homage to the achievements and service of pioneering nurses and doctors in the Rockhampton region. The collection on display includes an Iron Lung and a detailed description of it's use.
The Heritage Village Collection
The Heritage Village owns a wide variety of vintage cars and vehicles, many of which have been fully restored for active use. Other strengths of the collection include farm equipment, wagons and buggies, and many everyday domestic items from the pioneer era. Photos by CQPR Media.