Time to explore what lies 'beneath the surface' at the Rockhampton River Festival

When most people think of Rockhampton, they often think of beef and bulls interspersed with cowboys.

The Rockhampton River Festival will dispel this myth from July 9-12, when the Fitzroy riverside comes alive with a massive celebration of what lies ‘Beneath the Surface’ of the river, the region and the people who bring it to life.

Rockhampton Region Promotions Manager Sarah Reeves said, “The inaugural River Festival is a celebration of place that will delight, inspire and entertain along Australia’s second most important streetscape (as described by the National Trust).

“Every corner of the festival will reveal a hidden layer of this quintessential Queensland city – combining history with technology, laneways with art, family with community and entertainment with rejuvenation,” she said.

The program promises a quirky lineup that will change visitors’ perception of the famous Beef Capital.

“Our Melbournesque laneways will morph into a living story of our people, with multicultural pop up stalls, Portraits of a City, acoustic music from some of Central Queensland’s favourite artists and a suitcase rummage,” said Ms Reeves.

“We’re also bringing a bit of beach to the city as we turn the banks of the Fitzroy into Sandy Pauper Beach, a free area filled with street entertainers, rides and a host of food caravans that will remind families of beach holidays of old.

“The boardwalk hosts Bar Ramundi, the ultimate place to wine, dine and recline to soulful rhythms while indulging in a specially prepared menu of gourmet tapas and River Cocktails – limited spaces are available to sample the exclusive River Festival Muddy Water, Strawberry Cyclone or a Salty Croc.

“An interactive art program provides an opportunity for families to make and create with the assistance of local artists - celebrating our ancient indigenous culture through digital storytelling and the Big River Draw.

“The Mangrove Marketplace will host an array of stalls featuring goods and wares all crafted, baked, sewn or made by talented artists and craftspeople from across Central Queensland.

“The Cri Me a River stage is brought to us by the glorious Criterion Hotel (known affectionately as The Cri by locals), featuring a licensed main stage and a great line-up of rock and country music.

“Further down, the car park in front of the new Empire Apartment Hotel will be turned into a Gourmet Gazebo, hosting a gala dinner for Variety Children’s Charity with much needed proceeds going towards Rockhampton children.

With a number of luxury new accommodation options along the river, the Rockhampton River Festival is a great opportunity to discover what lies beneath the surface of this happening region.








To find out more about the festival visit:
www.rockhamptonriverfestival.com.au
Facebook: Rockhampton River Festival
Twitter: @RockyFestival
Instagram: RockhamptonRiverFestival