19/12/2025
A photograph taken from the North side of the Fitzroy River, overlooking Quay Street in South Rockhampton, showcases a bygone era when our city thrived.
Were you aware that Rockhampton was once seriously considered as the potential capital? Rockhampton was a strong contender and actively campaigned to become the capital of a separate state, either North Queensland or Central Queensland, during the late 1800s and early 1900s
This ambition was driven by the city's prosperity from gold mining at Mount Morgan and the beef industry, resulting in the construction of grand buildings.
The substantial buildings and impressive streetscapes, such as Quay Street, were built during this period, reflecting the expectation that Rockhampton would become a major capital Despite robust movements and significant local support, including women's leagues petitioning the Queen, the separation efforts ultimately did not succeed, and Brisbane remained the capital of Queensland.
