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You Are Here : Home / Facilities and Recreation/ Parks & Open Spaces / Parks & Playground Finder / Kershaw Gardens

Kershaw Gardens

Welcome to Kershaw Gardens!

Boasting a spacious and picturesque parkland stretching for one kilometre along the Bruce Highway, Kershaw Gardens is a sub-tropical oasis located right in the heart of Rockhampton.

The parkland is home to walking tracks, play areas for the kids, spectacular photos opportunities, a magnificent waterfall, and more.

Since 1988, the Gardens has undertaken a number of significant changes, but none more so than the redevelopment of the Central Precinct which was finalised in mid 2018. Built for families, parties, small events and outdoor activities, the central section of the Kershaw Gardens is a must do.

Waterfall Walks
Stop for a picnic by the beautiful waterfall and then take a stroll through the People’s Forest, Grevillea Hill and the Wetlands. The walking circuit is ideal for people looking for an easy paced, flat walk to break up the day.

Free Camping
Kershaw Gardens has 35 self-contained 48hr free camping sites nestled in the lush green parklands. Vehicles must be able to store all grey water, all black water and all rubbish. Generator use is permitted between 8am and 7pm only.

Playground
The kids will spend hours in the playground with an abundance of play options including the famous monorail, a flying fox, timber play tower, and Wyatt's Wonder Web. The playground also includes an all-abilities harness on the 30m double flying fox, an omnispinner, and a birds’ nest swing.

Wyatt's Wonder Web
Originally designed for New York’s Central Park, the web includes five levels of play for kids and adults too. Standing at nine metres high, you can climb through various obstacles including climbing ropes, ladders, tunnels, three slides and swinging hammocks on the top level. Accessibility varies depending on individual circumstances.

Water Play Area
Alongside the playground, you can get your toes wet in a 200mm deep meandering water course designed to represent the flow of water through the Fitzroy River, from Riverslea out to the sea. It also comes complete with its very own barrage! There are plenty of vantage points around the water play area to watch the kids from.
Sensory Garden
If peace and quiet is more your style, you can indulge in a range of sensory experiences at the Stuart Fragrant Garden.
Dog Off-Leash Areas
Animal lovers will delight in being able to bring their pooch to one of two Dog Off-Leash Areas at Kershaw Gardens. Dogs are welcome to be throughout the Gardens however must be on a leash unless within the Dog Off-Leash Areas.
Rainforests and Rapids
Enjoy strolling through the Southern Rainforest, exploring the Vietnam Veteran’s and S.G.A.P Hills, and soaking up the serenity alongside the Rainforest Rapids.
BBQ & Shaded Areas
Once you are ready for some food and socialising, use the free BBQ to cook up a storm or enjoy company under the shaded areas and buildings. We also offer free Wi-Fi within the Gardens.

Entry

The Kershaw Gardens are open to the public, and admission is free.

Transport and Parking

Getting here

Walk, skip, bike, scoot or drive yourself here.

From the South: From the Rockhampton Roundabout, follow the Bruce Highway over the Neville Hewitt Bridge heading north and turn right at Knight Street into the Central Precinct Cark park.
From the North: Follow the Bruce Highway heading north, past Stockland Rockhampton and the Kershaw Gardens stretch for a kilometre on the left hand side of the highway.

Parking

Free parking is available for buses, caravans, cars and motorcycles at the Central Precinct Car Park located at the Knight Street entrance off Moores Creek Road.;

Additional parking is also available at:

Charles Street Car Park (only a short walk to the Central Precinct)
High Street Car Park
Dowling Street (locked at 6pm)

Event Bookings

If you would like to host an event at the Kershaw Gardens, please visit our Book a Park page.

Pets

Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times, expect in the designated dog off-leash area.

Accessibility

The gardens are wheelchair-accessible, with well-maintained paths and ramps to ensure all visitors can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of this wonderful parkland.