Bundaberg to Rockhampton: Road trip distance, driving time & attractions

The Bundaberg to Rockhampton drive is 288km in distance, with a driving time of around 3h6m. Road trip attractions on the way include Moore Park Beach, Agnes Water and the Gladstone Maritime Museum.

The Bundaberg to Rockhampton drive connects two of regional Queensland’s largest cities. It is most likely to be undertaken as part of a road trip along the Queensland coast, and is by no means the most exciting leg of this journey.

Rockhampton offers fascinating history walks and cave tours. To source the best Rockhampton accommodation deals, go here.

Book your Rockhampton accommodation in advance for the best deals.

This is mainly because the Bundaberg to Rockhampton drive spends depressingly little time on the coast. The best stops all involve a detour to the east.

Bundaberg itself offers rum distillery tours, Lady Musgrave Island day trips, ginger beer brewery tastings and farm experiences. Rockhampton, meanwhile, is the gateway to tours of the magnificent Capricorn Caves.

Bundaberg to Rockhampton distance and driving time

The drive from Bundaberg to Rockhampton is 288km in distance. Going via the quickest route, this leads to a Bundaberg to Rockhampton driving time of around three hours and six minutes.

The journey can broadly be split into two legs – Bundaberg to Gladstone and Gladstone to Rockhampton.

The route from Bundaberg to Gladstone largely avoids the Bruce Highway, going through small villages such as Avonvale, Yandaran and Rosedale. Moore Park Beach is a decent detour along the way, but the best diversion is towards the delightful twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770. Quieter Turkey Beach is also an option.

Bundaberg to Rockhampton road trip: Miriam Vale and Gladstone

Carry on along the quickest route, however, and you’ll join the Bruce Highway at Miriam Vale. Once at Benaraby, you’ve got the choice of veering off towards Gladstone or its neighbouring beach town Tannum Sands.

Things to do in Gladstone include the Maritime Museum and industrial tours. It’s also the departure point for Curtis Island, the Heron Island ferry and Wilson Island.

Keep going along the Bruce Highway, however, and there’s not an awful lot to get excited about before reaching Rockhampton. The Calliope Conservation Park is a decent shout for a walk, but the rest of the Bundaberg to Rockhampton drive heads through utterly forgettable settlements such as Ambrose, Raglan, Marmor, Bajool and Midgee.

Rockhampton attractions

The population of Rockhampton is nearly 80,000. Things to do in Rockhampton include the Rockhampton Heritage Village, the Dreamtime Cultural Centre and Mount Archer National Park. Just north of the city, you’ll find the Capricorn Caves, which are open for advance-bookable tours.