Rockhampton is 640 kilometres north of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. It's a livestock and meat port without any particular attraction.
My suggestion
It's only worth stopping here if you plan to go to the less touristy little islands of the region, such as Great Kepple Island, Lady Musgrave and Heron island, although certain ferries leave from Gladstone.
This part of Australia is unique and distinguishes itself from the other part of Queensland and the rest of the country by its impressive rain forests, deserted beaches, and very diverse animal and plant life. You must have heard people talk about the "wet tropics" which is home 36% of the country's animal species.