Off-Track Entertainment

Good times for the whole family over the Easter long weekend

The Rare Spares Rockynats 04 family entertainment program will be filled with events, competitions, hands-on activities and entertainment spread across all three main Rockynats precincts.

All off-track entertainment is included in the ticket price - there’s no more to pay.

Both the young and the young at heart love the Rockynats buzz over the Easter weekend - what’s not to love about exploring everything on offer in Rockhampton’s iconic CBD and around the Showgrounds? Then there’s the drive to the high-octane Buddy’s Fire Burnout precinct, or a unique Rockynats Water Taxi ride back to the CBD.

Concerned about accessibility? We’ve got you sorted. There’s accessible parking at all precincts, plus free bus transport between the Showgrounds and CBD. If you don’t want to park, just pick up a scooter for the short hop between precincts. And when you need a rest, there’s no shortage of great cafes, outdoor areas and restaurants to refuel you and the family.

Live music

There’s nothing like live music to bring a festive atmosphere. Stay tuned throughout the year for announcements about our 2024 music line-up. There’ll be tunes to suit all ages.  

A headline band turns Saturday night into a party at the Showgrounds, while the Full Throttle Awards and dance party give entrants and spectators an opportunity to celebrate the weekend. There’s an open bar, plenty of food choices and seating under the clear skies at the Showgrounds.

In 2023 legendary rockers Dragon, celebrating 50 years as a band, brought the nostalgia and latest hits. Judging by the mosh pit that quickly formed with an enthusiastic crowd that kept yelling for more, Dragon hit just the right note.

Piston Fist, Zac Cross Band and others also took over the stages to keep the tunes coming right throughout the 3 day event.

Family events

Rockynats is proud to go the extra mile to cater for all ages and preferences, bringing in arena entertainment with a regular program running the whole long weekend.

Hot Wheels Stunt Team

In 2023 we saw the Hot Wheels Stunt Team led by Stuntman Matt Mingay, who’s been in the professional sports action athlete game for 25 years. Their crazy program had the crowds cheering in the grandstands several times a day. In 2023, the Hot Wheels Team rolled up in their excellent semi which was part of their display, even setting out Hot Wheels tables and tracks for the kids to play for free.

Outdoor Classic Cinema

Outside the arena, be sure to catch the Friday and Saturday night classic outdoor cinema experience. Watch from the comfort of your car - and don’t forget the popcorn and burgers.

Professional Wrestling

Wrestling Allegiance Rockhampton, along with a stellar lineup of invited wrestlers, holds on adrenaline-pumping pro wrestling displays throughout Rockynats. Hosted inside a pavilion at the Autobarn Showgrounds, the crowd gets involved cheering on the underdog and booing the villains. It’s all in the name of fun and theatrical talent - but with huge and awe-inspiring athletic ability and serious muscle.

The Wrestling Allegiance of Rockhampton puts on a good show. With 20 talented wrestlers featuring in over 40 matches across the 2023 long weekend, this off-track element brings excitement for fans old and new.

Playing to full houses, the 2023 event raised money for a local fan who is wheelchair-bound and introduced the sport of wrestling to many who would not normally attend a club match.

Expect no less for the 2024 program - and likely, a lot more. In the style of 60s, 70s and 80s pro wrestling phenomenon, the Rockhampton club has big plans for more thrilling action and will be sure to bring back the ‘King of Rockynats’ prize - and many more.

Family-friendly competitions

Yes, there’s room for you if you’re keen to join in one of our classic competitions at Rockynats - Mulletfest, the RockabillyNats pageant or the Tattoo competition.

RockabillyNats

The hugely popular RockabillyNats competition is all about fun, individuality and creative flair. Sit back and enjoy the fun of a pageant as the entrants show off their style, and cheer them on for ‘having a go’.

What’s it all about? Competition host Cherry Bombshell says that the RockabillyNats Pinup Competition is an opportunity for participants to meet like-minded individuals and make life-long friendships.

The competition was expanded in 2023 to include an ‘Evening Glamour’ event, and the introduction of the Atomic-Cut Throat Beginners Pageant. This informal catwalk gave participants the chance to try their hand at modelling in a safe setting with lower stakes and enthusiastic encouragement.

Could you be in the next RockabillyNats?

Would you like to dress, act, and present yourself in 1950s garage-inspired style for a 60-second routine? Jump in! There are generous prizes for the winner, 1st and 2nd runners-up, and two encouragement awards, with a weekend of fun and glamour.

Follow the CQ Pinups Facebook page for more information.

Mulletfest

Although Rockynats is held on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, there’s no fish in sight - it’s all about the hair. If you’re wanting to step up and shake your mullet locks all for a good cause, start growing it now for 2024.

The mighty Mulletfest explained

Mulletfest celebrates the hairstyle that’s business at the front, party at the back. Mulletfest is open to entrants young and old, and fundraises for a great cause. The atmosphere is great and entrants of all ages enjoy massive crowd encouragement - some players even dress in theme.

This iconic event raises money and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation, providing research and care for those who have been diagnosed with brain cancer. Mulletfest organiser Laura Johnson runs similar events right around the country.

Tattoo Competition

The tattoo competition needs no explanation if you’ve got awesome ink. Just show up and show off to the judges and spectators - that’s all there is too it.

In 2023, Rockynats tattoo competition winners took out best black and white, best colour, and even a prize for the worst tattoo!

The Rockynats 04 program is subject to change. Stay tuned for updates on our off-track program!