Our History

The rich history of agricultural shows in Rockhampton’s region dates back to 1874, when the Central Queensland Graziers and Farmers' Society organised the first Gracemere show. The following year, in May 1875, the Fitzroy Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society delivered the Rockhampton Show. The last Show on the original Rockhampton grounds was held in 1884 as the Fitzroy Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society prepared the new showgrounds which took just over two years. During this time there were no shows in 1885 or 1886. As the years went by, the two societies continued to grow and prosper. Finally, in 1890, they decided to join forces and form the Rockhampton Agricultural Society.

As the Rockhampton Show grew in popularity, it was in 1917 that the commissioner for railways made arrangements for a special train to leave Brisbane to Rockhampton for the Premier to open the Show. Following this in 1920, passengers traveling from Brisbane to attend the Rockhampton Show were treated to cheap railway tickets.

The Rockhampton Show has hosted a wide variety of entertainment, competitions, and sections. Some of which include, Nurmi, the Giant Trotting Ostrich (1927), Giantess Jolly Nellie from America appearing in 1935, a giant pig and giant St Bernard in 1937 and Globe of Death by stunt riders Jim and Roberto Costanos in 1982. Competitions and sections have been at the centre of the Show for many years spanning from, cattle and horses to dairy, horticulture, poultry, and baking. While some of the original sections have evolved and remained a staple of the event, others have come and gone over time. Sheep, fish, goats, and cats are among the many sections that the community has witnessed change or phase out throughout the Show's history. Woodchop competitions were introduced in 1929 and has become a staple in the show community.

Sir Arthur Palmer was elected as the society's first inaugural president, and since then, numerous chairpersons have followed in his footsteps to bring the community together each year for the Rockhampton Show.

In 2023 Rockhampton Agricultural Show celebrated 150 years with a poem written by Bob Pacey the Bush Poet.

Rockhampton Show 150 Years

Can you feel the tension rising

as excitement fills the air.

The crowds have started building

and there is not a room in town to spare.

Yes it’s show time here in Rocky

music and laughter all abound.

There are smiles on all the faces

when show time comes around.

Every year the crowds have gathered

and this year is going to be a ball.

One Fifty Years oh what a milestone

lets make this show the best of all.

For it was back in Eighteen Seventy-Two

the first seeds then were sown.

from those humble first beginnings

This grand exhibition now has grown.

On a block of land in William Street

the city organized and took the lead

A Show Society was then quickly formed

as the cities fathers saw the need.

For a feature of our region

somewhere to showcase us to the world

the agriculture of our district

and so a plan was then unfurled.

That first Society was assembled

in August Eighteen Seventy-Four

and an executive was elected

with A H Palmer at the fore.

The Rocky Show was off and running

and making it’s own history on the way.

Showcasing the products of our region

as it still does so to this day.

Then in Eighteen Eighty-Seven

a land grant saw things really come alive

The Show moved to it’s new home in Wandal

and it has continued there to thrive .

A magnificent show of plants and flowers

many arts and crafts the crowds do draw

The pavilions filled with new exhibits

as the attendance rates still soar.

The golden Jubilee in Nineteen Twenty-Four

was another feather in their cap.

Four days of glorious celebration

Quickly put Rockhampton on the map.

Woodchopping made its first appearance

in the year of Nineteen Twenty-Nine

This has now become a show tradition

that has always stood the test of time.

From Giant Pigs and Saint Bernards

there is nothing that is left to chance.

so spectacular it sets your senses reeling

and it’s sure to leave you in a trance

Livestock showcase our regions heritage

on the grand parade in centre ring.

The best of all breeds in our region

as their praises do we sing.

Every nook and cranny hides a treasure

that will leave you on a high.

a kaleidoscope of vivid colours

as Fireworks light the evening sky.

Over Twenty Thousand visitors

in Two Thousand and Eight.

The largest crowd in fifteen years

came streaming through the gate.

The entries now just keep on swelling

and the futures looking oh so grand.

the spectacle that just keeps on giving

as country and city folk work hand in hand.

Many other events now use this venue

that brings many visitors to our town,

But when it comes to spreading joy and friendship

it’s The Rocky Show that wears the crown.

One Hundred and Fifty years have passed

from when those first seeds were sown.

who would have thought we’d make it.

but we can really call this show our own.

So join in the fun and the festivities

and help the Show both thrive and grow.

for this year is history in the making

let’s celebrate The Rocky Show !