Rockhampton's Heritage Architecture Trail Preview

In 1853, the Archer Brothers came to Darumbal Country in search of suitable country in which to run sheep. They settled at Gracemere some 15 kilometres west of Rockhampton where descendants still live in the original home today.

Originally the new settlement was to be named Charlestown, after Charles Archer, but he declined the suggestion in favour of Rockhampton. The name Rockhampton was derived from a combination of two sources – ‘Rock’ from the rock barrier across the Fitzroy River, which blocks navigation near the Neville Hewitt Bridge and ‘Hampton’, the English word which means ‘small village’. Hence the name Rockhampton, meaning ‘Village by the Rocks.’

In September 1858 gold was discovered at Canoona, approximately 50 kilometres north of Rockhampton. 15,000 people soon arrived to the area in search of gold. On the 25th October, 1858, Rockhampton was officially declared a settlement or town. The town grew rapidly in its early years with increasing prosperity built mainly around the pastoral, cattle and gold mining industries. A port facility was established in the town reach of the river to cope with the increasing trade. In the mid-1860s Rockhampton was considered one of Queensland’s major ports and the exports exceeded those from the Port of Brisbane.

Today Rockhampton is better known as the 'Beef Capital of Australia'

Lakes Creek Meatworks, known as Teys, began production in 1871 and began exporting to Europe in the 1930’s, making it the largest meatworks in the southern hemisphere. By 1970 the Fitzroy Statistical Division had the largest concentration of beef cattle in any division in Australia, earning Rockhampton its title ‘Beef Capital.’ In 1987, Gracemere Saleyards hosted the world’s largest bull sale of pure Brahmans which was known as the ‘greatest livestock revolution in history.’

Mayimba (welcome) to Rockhampton, Queensland.

Darumbal People are the Traditional Custodians of the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Area.

"Mayimbagu Darumbal Nunthi – Welcome to Darumbal Country. Darumbal is the name of the Aboriginal people who have lived in, and call this part of Central Queensland yaamba (home), for thousands of years. We come from thousands of generations of strong proud people. A physical, spiritual and emotional relationship, has existed between our country and ourselves from time immemorial. Today, we Darumbal people continue to practice our ancient culture and speak our language, which we now happily share with all others who also call this area yaamba. Darumbal people are proud that they and other Indigenous people have worked hard in all different industries alongside non-Indigenous people to help make this place what it is today.

Yadaba wiyi binbigu yinhami narni gunhami wu mundarragu ngallirranga dabu nguga binbi narragu yirragu muli galagan. Please respect and be good to this country that gives life to us all, enjoy yourselves, and stay safe."

Nhaya Nicky Hatfield, Darumbal Elder

Listen to Aunty Nicky's story in the video below.

Rockhampton's flood marker was installed in 2009 and shows relative heights of the historic 1918, 1954 and 1991 floods.

Rockhampton's great flood of 1918 was the highest flood ever recorded and the only flood to date that has inundated Rockhampton's city centre. The flood waters measured as high as 10.11 metres as indicated on the flood marker and claimed eight lives. Road and rail networks were cut, isolating the town for more than three weeks and inundating hundreds of homes and businesses.

Other major floods of the Fitzroy River occurred in 1890, 1954 and 1991.

Built in 1896 with Neo Classic Revival architecture.

This building was constructed to house the Rockhampton Harbour Board. The construction of this grand two-storied masonry building reflected the particular wealth of the Rockhampton Harbour Board which was a manifestation of the prominence of the port.

The Rockhampton Harbour Board was established in 1895 by the Rockhampton Harbour Board Act and assumed authority for the Port of Rockhampton in January 1896. The Queensland Government had passed the Harbour Board Act of 1892 in an attempt to decentralise and offload the expense of maintaining Queensland ports due to the financial downturn of the depression. The Harbour Board Act provided for the establishment of Harbour Boards at any Port where there was enough shipping trade to ensure the individual Harbour Boards were self- supporting.

From 1977 the Fitzroy Shire Council, now Rockhampton Regional Council, used the building prior to moving to their new headquarters within the shire in the early 1990's. The building was then sold and remained unoccupied until 1999 when it became an administration building.

Built in 1894 with Victorian architecture.

The Walter Reid Building is a heritage-listed former warehouse now converted into beautiful boutique apartments.

Walter Reid, the founder of Rockhampton's premier mercantile house Walter Reid & Co., settled in Rockhampton in 1862 to manage a southern owned retail store in East Street which he subsequently bought in 1864. He moved from his shop to new premises situated in Quay Street in 1868. It was in these new premises where Reid began to specialise as a wholesaler, trading in wine, spirits and general merchandise, supplying the hotels and stations in central Western Queensland. Since Rockhampton had been declared an official port in 1858, it had acted as the major transport and trade centre of central Queensland making it a prosperous city in which wholesale merchants like Reid could base their business.

The building has some pretty significant history for our region as a port city, but what a lot of people don't know is that it was almost destroyed by fire, twice!

In October 1912 as a storm passed through town, lightning struck the Walter Reid and Co.'s warehouse starting a fire along the entire length of the top storey. The fire gutted a substantial amount of the building requiring reconstruction.

The Walter Reid building stands as a legacy to the prominence of Rockhampton as a commercial city port during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

There are two sections to the Walter Reid Building. The side which is river-facing is home to boutique apartments, and the section of the building that faces East Street is home to the Walter Reid Cultural Centre and Council Offices.

Built in 1893 with Neo Classic architecture and Edwardian Influence.

Following its initial occupation by the Archer Brothers at Gracemere after 1853, Rockhampton was proclaimed a town and declared a port of entry in 1858. The first sale of town allotments was held in November of that year when Charles Campen purchased the Quay street site, conveniently close to the town's Fitzroy River wharves. In 1884, title for the land was transferred to Felix Clewett who held the property until his death in 1913. Until the financial downturn of 1866, Clewett had worked as a trainee surveyor under Frederick Byerley, Engineer of Roads of the Northern District.

Clewett owned the building with a number of different partners over time, one including William George Thompson, a well-known agent for a number of companies.

While still a partner with Thompson, Felix Clewett also had other interests. After July, 1890 he served as a member of the Legislative Council of Queensland, passing away in 1913. After Clewett's death, Thompson purchased the Quay Street store but was then elected to the Australian Senate to serve until June, 1932.

Store, wine and spirits merchants, Lamberton and Co, was established in the building after 1926, then in 1943, transfer of title site passed to RM Gow Pty Ltd. This company, formed in Brisbane, manufactured the 'Gold Crest' brand of produce and conducted a wholesale grocery business from the Quay Street site.

The use of the store did not change until after 1967 when ownership of the building was transferred to Walter Reid & Co, who also owned the warehouse nearby at the corner of Quay and Derby Streets. With the intention of establishing a hospital, the Presbyterian Church of Queensland purchased both sites in July, 1976. This did not eventuate and the building was bought by Herron Todd Valuers in July, 1979.

Built in 1885 with Colonial architecture.

Avonleigh was built for Frederick Morgan who started mining with his brothers at Mount Morgan in 1882. The building was one of three town-houses established in Quay Street, offering a domestic contribution to the street which is dominated by substantial 19th Century commercial buildings. It is part of the prestigious development which occurred in this period due to the wealth which Mount Morgan Gold brought to Rockhampton.

By 1884, Fred Morgan had sold all his shares in the mine and by 1886 the Morgans had completely sold out to partners Hall, Pattison and D'Arcy foregoing the enormous yield that the Mount Morgan Gold Mines would produce. The erection of Avonleigh corresponded to the sale of Fred Morgan's shares. After Fred Morgan had severed ties with the Mount Morgan Gold Mine he remained a prominent figure in Rockhampton pursuing pastoral and other mining interests as well as holding the office of Mayor of Rockhampton from the years 1891 to 1893. Frederick Morgan died at Avonleigh in November 1894 and the title was passed to his widow until she also passed away.

In September 1904, the title was transferred to John Henry O'Brien and used as a boarding house, then in 1906, Daniel Patrick O'Brien acquired the property for use as a private hospital. Dr O'Brien was a prominent medical practitioner in Rockhampton, holding the position of Government Medical Officer, President of the Rockhampton Medical Association and medical officer to the local Hibernian association.

By 1930, Dr O'Brien had opened Leinster Private Hospital on the corner of Spencer and Agnes Streets, but continued to reside and have consultation rooms at Avonleigh until 1938. Dr O'Brien died in July 1941 and the property was transferred to his widow Elizabeth O'Brien.

In 1947, the property was purchased by William James Hinton who had a carrying business and used a portion of the ground floor as a warehouse. It was most likely during this tenure that the internal cedar stairs were removed, the external stairs installed and the rear structures demolished. In 1954 council records show the office on the ground floor was altered and in 1959 a temporary garage was erected. In 1958 the former John Headrick & Co warehouse adjacent to Avonleigh on the northern side was destroyed by fire.

In 1962, the mercantile company John Headrick & Co purchased Avonleigh for the purpose of using the vacant land at the rear as a parking space. The City Council required the company to construct two sets of stairs at the back of the building so each upstairs unit had a fire escape.

In 1978, Avonleigh was purchased by the present owners and has since been used as a doctor's surgery and other business offices on the ground floor and two residential units on the first floor.

Built in 1899 with Victorian classical style architecture.

During the 1890s, Rockhampton's business community underwent many changes, including the collapsing of many local stock and station agencies and wool and produce brokers. At the same time was the arrival of branches of large southern firms such as Dalgetys which opened a branch office in 1891, and then Goldsbrough, Mort & Co. Ltd in 1896.

This building was built for Walter and Eliza Hall in 1899. Walter was a successful transport, livestock and mining pioneer. Hall was already wealthy when his brother Thomas, manager of the Rockhampton branch of the Queensland National Bank, invited him to join the syndicate formed to develop the Mount Morgan mine.

Built in 1897 with Neo Classic Revival architecture.

One of the most significant buildings in Rockhampton, the former Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company office was erected in 1897 for the trustees of the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company. The rendered masonry building is an outstanding component of the 19th Century character of Quay Street and was a direct manifestation of the wealth which Mount Morgan gold brought to Rockhampton.

Quay Street was the centre of trade for Central Queensland and operated as a port city until the 1950s, when the port was closed. Rockhampton was also a centre for brewery, meat works and other industries. The gold boom of the Mount Morgan Mine added additional wealth to the city and stimulated the building and rebuilding of the Quay Street architecture.

In June 1963, the Australian Government purchased the building for use as television station for the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC). The conversion plans included provisions for sound proofing, air conditioning in some parts as well as a video-tape room, telecine room, control room, studio, news room, general offices, technician's room, a film dispatch room and a facilities room. The ABC occupied the former Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company offices as well as the building adjacent on the southern side and connected the two via a temporary garage structure. The establishment of the studio cost £500,000.

Radio broadcasting commenced in the region in 1931, as the commercial station 4RK, but became part of the ABC in 1932, known as ABC Capricornia which is housed here today.

Built in 1898 with Old Colonial architecture.

Originally built as the Commercial Hotel in 1896, this was a favourite stopover for country folk visiting the city. It is an important example of Australian architecture with wrought iron lace-work cast in the local foundry of Burns & Twigg Engineering.

This building was in a prime location in its day, situated immediately opposite the wharves of the Fitzroy River, in the heart of Rockhampton's premier commercial district. From the 1850s, and especially in the latter part of the 19th Century, the area around Quay Street attracted solid development and impressive new construction, which was fostered by the commercial activity the wharves brought to the quayside.

The Port of Rockhampton was proclaimed in 1868 with the discovery of gold at Canoona and became influential in establishing Rockhampton as the premier commercial city of Central Queensland, handling the pastoral and mineral products, which came increasingly from the hinterland. The Commercial Hotel and Chambers building was a part of the confident commercial pattern of development that distinguished Quay Street in this period.

In 1970, this hotel became known as the Old Colonial Hotel, and was then refurbished in 1979, keeping the exterior as close to original as regulations allowed, whilst rebuilding the interior. Re-branded the Heritage Tavern it was officially opened by Mayor Rex Pilbeam in June, 1979.

Built in 1899 with Neo Classic Revival and Greek Influence architecture.

Customs House is a well composed and substantial Stanwell sandstone and rendered brick building prominently sited on Quay Street overlooking the Fitzroy River. This building was constructed in 1899 as the third Customs House in Rockhampton to occupy the site. The first customs building was a prefabricated iron and timber structure, which had a limited life. The second was constructed in 1863, and was a single story masonry structure with slate roof. Due to cost cutting in the building phase, the foundations proved to be inadequate for the clay strata. The building was declared unsafe and staff were evacuated whilst repairs were carried out. Finally it was decided to build a complete new structure and work began in 1898, and finished in 1901. The foundations now sit on a raft of logs.

Most of the buildings in Quay Street are built up to the line of the footpath, except the Customs House, which is set back from the street and has a large semi-circular entrance portico which contributes to its prominence in the street.

The importance of the Customs House to the maritime activities of the Port of Rockhampton diminished gradually. During the Second World War, war ships and supply vessels navigated to the town reach. However the advent of bulk shipping accelerated the decline of the area of the town wharves. In the 1960s, major upgrading of the Port Alma wharves were undertaken and road connection was also provided to Rockhampton. However, this development was overshadowed by the construction of deep water bulk handling facilities at Gladstone starting in the 1960s, and accelerating through the 1970s and 1980s. The Rockhampton river port and town wharves were closed to shipping in 1966.

Built in the 1870s for the Archer family.

The former Archer Chambers building was erected in the 1870s for the pioneer Archer Family. William Archer purchased the property at a sale of crown land in November, 1858, and later constructed the building on subdivision two of the site as offices. The building forms part of the commercial streetscape of Quay Street which developed in the late 19th Century to serve the passing trade at the wharves on the Fitzroy River.

As a purpose built property for the Archer family, the Archer Chambers building reflects the significance of the Archer family in Rockhampton. Since establishing the township, and the port in the 1850s the Archer brothers continued to contribute to the growth of the Rockhampton. Several places in Rockhampton bear the Archer name including Archer Park, Archer Park railway station (now the Archer Park Rail Museum), Archer Street and the memorial to Charles Archer and his horse, Sleipner.

Colin Archer was the last of the Archer brothers to die in Rockhampton in 1921, and in that year Archer Chambers was leased as offices. In 1947, the building was purchased by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company Ltd, and in 1960 it was transferred to Mactaggarts Primary Producers Co-Op Association Ltd. This building is now occupied by accountants Evans & Hearn, who purchased the building in 1975.

Built in 1889 with Neo Classic Revival and Colonial Influence architecture.

This building housed one of the many banks attracted to the city during the times of the Canoona and Mount Morgan gold strikes.

The land was originally owned by the early settler William Archer who purchased the site at a sale of Crown Land in November, 1858. The property was thought to have been used by the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin Newspaper from 1861 to 1862, until the building was destroyed by fire.

The former Royal Bank building was constructed to its present form when a second storey and other extensions were added to an existing building on the site in July, 1888.

The building was converted to a restaurant in 1996 and today houses the Needlework Cottage.

Built in 1880 with Neo Classic Revival and Greek Corinthian Influence architecture.

Built as the Queensland National Bank in 1880, this is probably the most attractive building in Rockhampton. It was used as the Queensland National Bank until 1976, when the bank moved to new premises in East Street. The building was then purchased by the local firm of solicitors Rees R & Sydney Jones.

Built with the tropical climate in mind, with verandahs and high arches, it features unobtrusive wrought iron railings and screens to help counteract glare from the tropical sun. As with most banks of the 1880s, the manager’s residence occupied the upper floor, while bank business was conducted at street level.

Repairs and modifications were made to the former bank building after the change of ownership in 1975, which helped to maintain continuity for the legal firm whose former offices fronted Quay Street.

In 1987, further upgrading of the work environment and the introduction of new work practices, saw the refurbishment of the premises. The ground floor of the building, which was the former banking chamber, was redesigned to accommodate professional members of the firm and administrative staff. With the increase in staff numbers and the introduction of new workplace technologies, it was decided that a mezzanine floor should be built between the ground floor and first floor.

The first floor of the building (the former living quarters and residence of the bank manager), was converted into an area containing the Law Library, Board Room, interview rooms, kitchen and staff rooms. The exterior of the building was repainted, and the interior re-carpeted.

Externally, the glass and aluminium sections that enclosed the Quay Street second storey verandah were removed, opening up the verandah. Extensive areas of the original timber ground floor supporting structures were replaced. The entrance from Quay Street was also closed off, and the main entry from Denham Street was reinstated, complying with the original design for the building. The refurbishment was finished in 1989 with additional work also undertaken in 1993 to 1994.

Today the building is home to the Riverston Tearooms.

Built in 1862 with Colonial architecture.

This building was originally known as the Australian Estates building, and was used as an office and store for the general merchant Percival D Mansfield, who was the first postmaster of Rockhampton, and the second Mayor in 1862. When Mansfield died in May 1869 the property was left to his daughter, Elizabeth Cuthell.

In the 1870s, Walter Reid & Co had its office on the ground floor of Mansfield's Building and in 1874, solicitors W.K. D'Arcy and Rees Rutland Jones occupied the upper floor.

The Australian Estates building represents two important stages in the development of Rockhampton as a prosperous commercial centre. The Canoona gold rush of 1858 helped establish Rockhampton as the major port in the region which later handled the mineral and pastoral products that came increasingly from the western settlements.

In 1884, alterations reflect a boom time for the Quay Street precinct initiated by the Mount Morgan gold rush beginning in 1882. Rockhampton was well established by this time and the port attracted profits from the export of gold. The wealth of Mount Morgan allowed Rockhampton, and Quay Street in particular, to undergo considerable rebuilding, a trend reflected by the construction of the facade of the former Australian Estates building in 1884. In 1903 the Brisbane to Gladstone railway was opened and from this time the diminishing importance of the port caused the wharves to fall into disrepair and the development of the area to become more closely tied to the city centre.

The property remained in the Cuthell family until December 1941, when the Australian Estates and Mortgage Company purchased the building which they had leased since 1908. In 1980, the building was bought by Frank Luck Investments.

Built in 1903 with Neo Classic Revival and Greek Influence architecture.

The Cattleman's Union building was constructed as a two-storeyed, concrete-rendered brick building for the Union Bank of Australia. It was designed by Brisbane architects Addison and Corrie and was the second premises to be constructed on the site for the Union Bank of Australia.

The original bank premises on this site was erected in 1864, making it one of the earliest examples of commercial development in Quay Street. As with the other banks of that era, banking business was conducted on the ground floor with the manager’s private residence occupying the upper floor.

In October 1951, the Union Bank of Australia, and the Bank of Australasia merged to form the Australian and New Zealand Banking Corporation (ANZ). The Quay Street Building remained the premises of the ANZ Bank until 1977, when the building was taken over by the Cattleman’s Union, and reopened by Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. The organisers of Rockhampton’s tri-annual beef convention, Beef Australia, operated from this building for some time and today it is used for professional offices.

Built in 1886 with Neo Classic Revival architecture.

The Business Chambers building was built in 1886 for the firm Rees R & Sydney Jones who occupied it until moving into alternative premises in 1976.

Rees R & Sydney Jones is the oldest legal firm in Queensland. The founder was Mr Rees Rutland Jones who graduated from Sydney University and moved to Rockhampton in 1864 to establish a legal practice. He was closely involved in the civic, political and social fabric of the city during his long life. He married a daughter of William John Brown who was Rockhampton’s sub-collector of customs and together they raised a large family.

The building was erected in the year which sealed the success of the Mount Morgan gold mines, and its construction reflected the boom in development which occurred in Rockhampton during the 1880s. The building occupied one of the most advantageous positions in the city, being situated close to the wharves and the other principal business premises along Quay Street.

Built in 1914 and designed by architect Edwin Morton Hockings.

Built for the Howard Motor and Cycle Company for use as a garage, Howard and Co. was one of the first businesses in Rockhampton to cater for the sale of motor vehicles and motorcycles. The horseless carriage had made its first appearance in Central Queensland in 1902, when Dr F.H. Voss became the owner of a steam powered loco mobile. He eventually sold this vehicle to W. Howard who then converted it into a car powered by an internal combustion engine. W. Howard was referred to as the 'father of the automobile industry' in Rockhampton.

Various tenants have occupied the building have included C.J. Edwards real estate agents as well as other semi-professional offices. In 1987, further alterations were made to offices in the interior of the building.

Today the building is occupied by a number of businesses, including Therapy Works.

Built in 1887 with Classic Colonial architecture.

Built in 1887 as the private residence for Dr William Callaghan. Soon after arriving in Rockhampton in 1861, Dr Callaghan was appointed coroner and district medical officer. He was also house surgeon at the Rockhampton Hospital. Callaghan was a respected citizen and sportsman with a love of thoroughbreds. Rockhampton has Australia’s most raced-on provincial track, named Callaghan Park Racecourse, in Dr Callaghan’s honour.

Dr Callaghan's residence was designed by John William Wilson. Wilson was a prolific architect and builder active in the Rockhampton area from 1864. Wilson had been born in Scotland in 1829, and is thought to have migrated to Victoria during the time of the gold rushes. In 1854, he was present at Bakery Hill in Ballarat. Wilson also laid claim to the design of the Southern Cross flag that flew over the Eureka stockade.

After his arrival in Rockhampton, Wilson worked as a builder and operator of a shipping concern from the Port of Yaamba to Rockhampton. He advertised as an architect from 1875. Wilson was responsible for the design of two hundred buildings in and around the Rockhampton region. Some of these included the Rockhampton School of Arts and the Leichardt Hotel.

Dr Callaghan died on 1 April, 1912, and the building remained the private residence of his widow Aimee Henrietta until 1919. At this time the building was bought by William Joseph Phelps Harris. In 1933, this title was transferred to Harris Pty. Ltd. Harris and Co also owned the Harris and Co. emporium store in Rockhampton, a three-storey retail store, complete with electric lifts and a roof garden tea room.

The Callaghan residence was renamed River Chambers. From 1920, until 1950, during the ownership by Harris, the building was used as professional offices for various tenants including a dentist, stock and station agent. River Chambers was also the address for professional offices for individuals such as E. R. Larcombe, the only Barrister practicing in Rockhampton, B. S. Barcoe Stock and Share Brokers and consultation rooms for Dr. R S Leeds.

River Chambers passed into the ownership of The Union Trustee Company of Australia in August 1950, (also known as the Union Fidelity Trustee Company). From 1952, the ground floor was occupied by the offices of the Union Trustee Company, with the upper storey being let out as professional offices. After the building was bought, it was renamed as Trustee Chambers. Internal renovations were carried out at this time, with the main staircase being removed.

A special stained glass window was commissioned and installed in 1995, containing four scenes depicting the occupations of the previous tenants and owners of the building. These representations include William Knox D'Arcy, who made a fortune in selling off shares in the Mount Morgan Mine syndicate. He was later to fund the search for oil in Persia, and found the company that gave rise to British Petroleum. Harris is also featured as a previous owner of the building when it was called River Chambers.

Built in 1887 with Colonial architecture.

In 1880, Rockhampton’s first brewery was founded by F Russell and A Bourcicault and occupied this site. The brewery venture was not a success, and failed after a few short months. Thomas McLaughlin bought the brewery, and moved the works to the corner of Quay and Woods Streets in Depot Hill in 1884. It produced local ‘Macs Beer’ until it was purchased by Carlton and United Breweries in 1961.

Thomas McLaughlin built the present building in 1887, as his family residence. The building later became the Rockhampton Club, and was exclusively for gentlemen, until 1999, when females were allowed membership. The Rockhampton Club closed its doors in 2002, passing onto ownership of accountants and financial planners who now occupy the building.

Built in 1926 with Classical architecture.

The Bulletin Building was built by R. Cousins & Company, to a design by prominent Rockhampton architect, Roy Chipps. A purpose-built newspaper office, the Bulletin Building was constructed when an earlier building on site was demolished. Established in 1861, The Morning Bulletin remains as Rockhampton's oldest newspaper.

The Morning Bulletin's dominating position among the city's press is largely due to a long line of distinguished editors beginning with its founder William Hitchcock Buzacott and his brother, Charles Hardie Buzacott between 1861-1880. Between 1880 and 1911, William McIlwraith and John Blair were the proprietors of the newspaper. In 1911, McIlwraith and Blair were followed by three generations of the Dunn family company, who carried the Bulletin into the modern age and the subsequent competition of electronic media.

Since 1861, the Bulletin's only name changes have been the dropping off ‘Northern Queensland Advertiser’ from the title and in 1873 its emergence as the Morning Bulletin.

The original home of The Morning Bulletin was in Quay Street near Customs House, in a timber building owned by John Ward. On 14 August, 1862, the Bulletin office burnt down and the presses destroyed. Following the destruction of the first building by fire, the office of The Morning Bulletin was moved to a two-storeyed masonry building in Denham Street.

The popularity of The Morning Bulletin was such that, from 1873, it began the New Year as a daily newspaper. It was the first daily paper, outside of Brisbane issued in Queensland.

Following the death of W.H. Buzacott in 1880, William McIlwraith became the owner of the Morning Bulletin. In 1883, McIlwraith was joined in partnership by John Blair.

It was during McIlwraith's ownership, in the early 1880s when, with increases in the local population and the circulation of the paper, the Denham Street building became too small to house the growing staff. At this time, the office was moved to a building in East Street. It was from this office in East Street that a larger office in Quay Street was planned in the mid-1920s.

Despite the changes and downsizing within the newspaper industry, which has resulted in numerous regional newspapers such as The Morning Bulletin moving out of their traditional homes and into smaller office buildings, The Morning Bulletin continues to be the most well-read newspaper in Central Queensland.

Built between 1889-1890 with Neo Classic Revival architecture.

Rockhampton’s first hotel, the Bush Inn, was built on this site in 1858, soon after Rockhampton was declared a settlement. The original Bush Inn was a slab and weatherboard construction with a shingle roof. In 1862, the Bush Inn was enlarged and renamed as the Criterion Hotel.

The present Criterion Hotel was designed in 1889 by architect J Flint for Mrs Curtis and remained in the Curtis and Palmer families until it was sold to the Smith family in 1946.

The interior of the building is preserved in the same style as the original build, including bedrooms with shared toilet and bathroom facilities on each landing. A compromise has been made in a few rooms which now have ensuites.

The old Criterion Hotel was used for a variety of other purposes, including accommodation for travelling salesmen. The ground floor of the former Criterion Hotel was set up as a sample room where salesmen were able to display their wares and also rented out for low cost accommodation. In 1957, the centenary year of the Bush Inn, the building was sold to Mr. L G Duthie for demolition and the site of the old Criterion was rebuilt as office and shop space.

The Criterion Hotel became well known for the black tie balls and dinner parties that were held within its walls from the turn of the century until the 1950s. It has also hosted many distinguished visitors during its existence, including Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, his wife Princess Alice, the former Prime Minister of Australia Sir Robert Menzies, Dame Nellie Melba, Sir Donald Bradman, and Charles Kingsford Smith. Other wartime visitors included US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and film star Gary Cooper

Sporting teams such as the touring English cricket sides have also been accommodated at the Hotel. During the Second World War, it was commandeered for the use of American Service Personnel. It also served for a period of time as the headquarters of General Robert L. Eichelberger who was on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur. Eichlelberger commanded over 70 000 American troops stationed within the Rockhampton region.

Built in 1881 and demolished in 1956 when it was replaced by the existing Fitzroy Bridge.

From 1858, until the first road bridge was constructed in 1881, the town was dependent on ferries and cross-river punts to cross the river. The then Mayor of Rockhampton, Mr Robert England, opened the first Fitzroy Bridge on New Year’s Day in 1881. Frederick John Byerley designed the graceful iron suspension bridge from a concept proposed by a member of his engineering staff, Mr Owen Jones.

During a flood in April 1890, people crossing the suspension bridge heard a loud cracking noise and fled, fearing it was about to collapse. The Mayor sent for Mr William Burns of engineering firm Burns & Twigg, who found that flooding had damaged the support cylinder closest to the northern bank. Burns rigged a Spanish windlass by passing a steel rope around the damaged cylinder and around a firm cylinder, thus saving the bridge from collapse. The bridge remained closed for six months after the flood whilst authorities argued over who was going to pay for the repairs.

The old suspension bridge was in service until 1952, when Mayor Mr Rex Pilbeam opened the present Fitzroy Bridge, affectionately known by locals as the ‘Old Bridge.’

The existing Fitzroy Bridge was built beside the old suspension bridge, and upon completion of the new bridge, the original suspension bridge was then ‘dropped’ into the river. Remnants of it can still be seen protruding above the water at low tide on the downstream side of the present-day Fitzroy Bridge. The rubble has formed a type of artificial reef, and is considered by many as a prime barramundi fishing spot right in the centre of the city. Navigation buoys mark the hazards for boating enthusiasts.

Built between 1892 and 1896 with Classic architecture.

This grand two-storeyed brick building with sandstone facing was erected in 1892, for the Queensland Post and Telegraph Department. It was designed in the office of Queensland Colonial Architect George Connolly, and was built by Dennis Kellaher for £14 368. It was the sixth post office to be established in Rockhampton, after a succession of temporary and superseded post offices.

In the three decades leading to the establishment of this building, Rockhampton had proved itself a thriving commercial centre due to its position as an official port of entry, servicing a vast area of Central Queensland.

The immense financial boost from the Mount Morgan gold rush in the 1880s further established Rockhampton as a wealthy commercial centre. The grand structure of the Rockhampton Post Office symbolised the prominence of the city during this period, and the confidence which was held for its future. Many buildings of similar architectural and aesthetic calibre constructed in Rockhampton during this period were a manifestation of the city's economic wealth.

With Federation looming, the establishment of the Rockhampton Post Office was held as a great benefit to the advancement of the Central Queensland’s seperationalist movement, a political rivalry with the city of Brisbane.

In 1975, the Australian Post Master General's Office became two separate commissions, Australia Post and Telecom, with telegraphic communications no longer a constituent of the Post Office. The interior of the post office was refurbished in 1980, with the exterior maintaining its grand colonnaded facade. In the 1988, the French doors and sash windows which originally opened onto the arcade at the southern end of the building were removed to create arched openings which housed private mailboxes.

This particular building ceased functioning as the main Post Office in Rockhampton in May 1997, and today houses commercial tenants, including a cafe.

Built in 1894 with Victorian Classic architecture.

The Rockhampton School of Arts building is an important element of the streetscape of Bolsover Street. It is a fine example of late nineteenth-century Victorian Classical architecture and has formed a major part of the cultural, social and civic life of Rockhampton since 1894.

The School of Arts building is evidence of the growth of the City of Rockhampton, and is a reflection of the confidence, drive and energy of the citizens in the period of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Rockhampton is fortunate in having such an excellent School of Arts, the promoters had worked under many disadvantages for a long time. The population was small, and there was great difficulty in getting a supply of books and papers, not to mention funds for a suitable building. A considerable portion of the population was coming and going, and many others were not of a reading class. However, on 23 July 1861, a meeting was held in the Rockhampton Court House, and a resolution was made to establish a ‘School of Arts.’

The School of Arts building was classified by the National Trust in 1980, and piling of the foundations was considered in 1982 as part of a projected conservation programme for the School of Arts building, but was not carried out. At the completion of the conservation work, it was hoped to utilise the building as a museum. The Rockhampton and District Historical Society utilised the meeting room, and a collection was located on the upper storey of the building until 1983, when the society relocated to new premises at North Rockhampton.

The former School of Arts building has been the beneficiary of a conservation plan prepared in 1994, and is a continuing link with the social, educational and recreational aspirations of the people of Central Queensland.

The building was vacant for 33 years prior to 2010, when it reopened following a long-term refurbishment project at a cost of $3 million. As part of the project, a new building housing the Rockhampton Regional Library was constructed between the School of Arts building and the 1977 library, on the site of the demolished 1963 former Municipal Theatre. The 1977 building has since been used to house archives, while the School of Arts building, which reopened two years after the new library was opened in 2008, now serves as public access for the library, council offices and community facilities.

Built between 1939 and 1941 with Classicism architecture.

Rockhampton emerged as an important Queensland regional centre during the 1850s and 1860s when it took on prominence following the discovery of the mining wealth at Mount Morgan in 1882. The additional affluence that flowed on for Rockhampton fuelled a rapid expansion of public and private buildings and residences throughout the City and surrounds. This building boom allowed for many grand places to be constructed, especially renowned along the commercial and government sector near the wharves on Quay Street, to the many elite residences found on ‘The Range.’ Despite this building expansion into the 1900s, Rockhampton never achieved a purpose-built Town Hall until 1941.

Seven designs were submitted by Rockhampton and Brisbane architects, but for various reasons, particularly financial, none of these designs were found satisfactory. It wasn't until an amended design, originally submitted by the Rockhampton architectural firm of Hockings and Palmer, was accepted and the contract let to the Brisbane firm John Hutchinson and Sons, before construction was able commence.

On 25 February 1939, Rockhampton's Mayor Mr R. Will Evans turned the first sod for the start of the Town Hall. Progress was delayed, mainly due to a temporary shortage of building materials and wet weather, particularly during the construction of the foundations. The cost of construction was approximately £50,000, and in the end took two years to complete this extraordinary building, which in size, design and appointments, surpasses any civic centre in Queensland outside of Brisbane.

During World War II, a great deal of responsibility rested on the shoulders of the two war-time Mayors, R. Will Evans, who served from 1936 to 1943, and Henry Jeffries who served from 1943 to 1952. From August 1942, Rockhampton's Town Hall became the headquarters for General Robert L. Eichelberger and the 41st Infantry Division of the United States Army. Rockhampton City Council virtually placed the City at the disposal of army authorities, both Australian and American, and so, in turn, contributed to Australia's defence during the Pacific Campaign.

In 1954 Queen Elizabeth II visited the Rockhampton Town Hall and can be seen in the images below signing the visitors’ book. When the Queen and Duke arrived in Rockhampton, they were met by Rockhampton Mayor, Rex Pilbeam, Pilbeam’s wife, and the Minister for Health, Bill Moore. Images can also be seen in the entry of the building today.

In 2015, the Rockhampton Town Hall continues to function as the hub of the Rockhampton Regional Council's operations including the office of the Mayor.

Built between 1894 and 1895 with Classicism architecture.

The first two-storeyed brick-and-render section of the John M. Headrick & Co Building was constructed in 1894 to house the offices and stores of that mercantile company. It was designed by the architect Alfred Mowbray Hutton, carrying through the classical motifs employed in the earlier design while multiplying its frontage on East Street. Architect Edwin Morton Hockings then renovated and greatly extended the building in 1911.

The patriarch of the Headrick family, John Mackay Headrick Snr, emigrated to Geelong in the colony of Victoria from the Scottish Lowlands in 1852, at age 32. He arrived in Rockhampton ten years later, and after two years he and a friend from Geelong, E.P. Livermore, established a business called Headrick, Livermore & Co on East Street. Over the 20 year course of their partnership, the business was simply known as Headrick & Co and operated from various locations in East Street.

Now known as micro-brewery, Headrick’s Lane, this is the last stop of your Heritage Building Tour, so why not stay on and enjoy a cold brew! With their exposed brick decor, you won’t believe you’re in Rockhampton when you take a step inside. Cosy up in their micro-brewery with a locally crafted beer tasting or slide into their laneway restaurant for a handcrafted menu focused on local seasonal ingredients.