Our History

The story of Rockhampton's Agricultural Shows stretches back to 1874, when it all began with the Gracemere Show. Initially, two different groups ran shows in the area - the Central Queensland Graziers and Farmers' Society and the Fitzroy Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society - until we joined forces in 1890 to create the Rockhampton Agricultural Show, with Sir Arthur Palmer as the first president. The show paused briefly in 1885-86 while we built new Showgrounds.

By 1917, the Show had become such a major event that special trains ran from Brisbane to bring visitors north, and by 1920 they were offering discounted train tickets to show-goers. Over the years, the Show has hosted some remarkable attractions - from Nurmi the Giant Trotting Ostrich in 1927 to the American Giantess Jolly Nellie in 1935, and daredevil motorcycle riders performing in their Globe of Death in 1982.

While times have changed, the heart of the Show has stayed true to its roots. Traditional competitions in cattle, horses, farming produce, and home baking continue to this day. Some events have come and gone - we no longer judge sheep or goats - but others, like the Woodchopping competition introduced in 1929, have become beloved annual fixtures. 

In 2023, the Rocky Show celebrated its 150th anniversary, marked with this special poem by local bush poet Bob Pacey:

Rockhampton Show 150 Years

Can you feel the tension rising as excitement fills the air?

The crowds have started building, 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! Let’s 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 organised and took the lead

A Show Society was then quickly formed as the city's 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 its 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 its 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 region’s 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 future’s 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!