Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
the 30-minute dry rainforest trail, watch the video on bats in the interpretive
center, and feed the wild kangaroos. If you like it enough to want to stay, there’s
a caravan and camping ground (with a pool) attached. Bus tours operate from
Rockhampton; contact the Caves for details.
Another great place to go “batty” is at Mt. Etna Caves National Park, not
far from Olsen’s Capricorn Caverns. Tens of thousands of female bent wing bats
pour from a small shaft atop a limestone cavern to feed in the evening. After
gorging on insects, they return to Bat Cleft limestone caves, one of only five Little
Bent Wing Bat maternity sites in the world. Guided tours are run in January
and February by the Rockhampton’s Department of Environment. Book tours
through the Department of Environment (& 07/4936 0511) or Capricorn
Tourism (& 07/4927 2055).
The Dreamtime Cultural Centre (& 07/4936 1655; www.dreamtimecentre.
com.au), located on the Bruce Highway opposite the Yeppoon turnoff, 6km (3 3 ⁄4
miles) north of town, showcases Aboriginal culture. There’s a sandstone cave
replica, a display on the dugong (manatee) culture of the Torres Strait Islanders,
and an Aboriginal crafts shop. The center is open Monday through Friday from
10am to 3:30pm. Admission, including the tour, is A$13 (US$8.45) for adults,
A$9 (US$5.85) for seniors, A$6 (US$3.90) for students and backpackers, and
A$11 (US$7.15) for kids. Regular tours of burial sites and rock art, with didgeridoo
demonstrations and boomerang-throwing classes, run from 10:30am.
Rockhampton has two free public gardens, nice for a stroll and a barbecue.
The Kershaw Gardens, which display Aussie rainforest, wetland, and fragrant
plants from north of the 30th parallel, also have a monorail and a pioneer-style
slab hut where Devonshire teas are served. Enter off Charles Street. The Rockhampton
Botanic Gardens (& 07/4936 8000) were established in 1869, and
are quite lovely. Admission is free to the small zoo inside the grounds, which
features ’roos, koalas, lorikeets, cassowaries, and a range of other creatures,
including—rather bizarrely—two chimpanzees. The gardens are open 6am to
6pm daily, with the zoo open from 8am to 5pm. Enter off Ann Street or
Spencer Street.
WHERE TO STAY
Southside Holiday Village Set in landscaped grounds near the tourist
bureau, this well-run park of villas, cabins, and campgrounds is a pleasant place
to stay. The kids will like the playground and the water slide in the pool; you
will like the spick-and-span villas with separate bedrooms, bunk beds, tiny but
neat bathrooms with fresh towels, and latticed patios. Ask for a villa away from
the main road. There are public phones at reception (open 24 hr.), and the shop
is open 6am to 11pm for basic supplies. For campers, there’s a shared kitchen
and barbecues. Three times a day, Monday through Saturday, the park runs a
courtesy coach into town and the Botanic Gardens.
Lower Dawson Rd. (south side of town), Rockhampton, QLD 4700.& 1800/075 911 in Australia, or 07/4927
3013. Fax 07/4927 7750. www.sshv.com.au. 20 tent sites; 37 powered campsites, 6 with bathroom (shower
only); 26 cabins and villas, 20 with bathroom (shower only). A$14–A$18 (US$9.10–US$11.70) tent site double.
Extra person A$3–A$5 (US$1.95–US$3.25). A$18–A$23 (US$12–US$15) powered campsite double. A$36
(US$23) caravan double. Extra person A$6 (US$3.90). A$43–A$62 (US$28–US$40) cabins and villas double.
Extra person A$6–A$9 (US$3.90–US$5.85). Backpackers A$17 (US$11) for share accommodation. Linen in
caravans and cabins A$6 (US$3.90) per set per night or A$15 (US$9.75) per week. A$6 (US$3.90) surcharge
applies on cabins and villas on long weekends and public holidays. MC, V. Amenities: Heated outdoor pool
with children’s water slide; half-size tennis court; playground; tour desk. In room (villas only): A/C, TV, kitchenette,
hair dryer, iron.