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Frequently Asked Questions
Population
The total population for Rockhampton city is over 60 000, with the population of the greater Rockhampton region totaling around 120 000. The surrounding Central Highlands region has a population of around 30 000.
Climate
Rockhampton is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is therefore classified as having a subtropical climate. Typical daytime temperature ranges are between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius in the summer, and 9 to 23 degrees Celsius in the winter. Rockhampton has a distinct wet and dry season, with the wet stretching from December to March and the dry, June to September
Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast Average Temperatures:
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j
|
f
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m
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a
|
m
|
j
|
j
|
a
|
s
|
o
|
n
|
d
|
|
max
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31.9
|
31.0
|
30.5
|
28.7
|
25.9
|
23.5
|
23.1
|
24.7
|
27.3
|
29.6
|
31.2
|
32.1
|
|
min
|
22.0
|
22.1
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20.7
|
17.8
|
14.2
|
10.8
|
9.4
|
10.6
|
13.5
|
16.9
|
19.4
|
21.1
|
Emerald and the Sapphire Gemfields Average Temperatures:
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j
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f
|
m
|
a
|
m
|
j
|
j
|
a
|
s
|
o
|
n
|
d
|
|
max
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35.0
|
33.7
|
33.2
|
30.0
|
26.3
|
23.7
|
23.4
|
25.1
|
29.0
|
31.5
|
33.2
|
34.4
|
|
min
|
22.3
|
22.3
|
20.4
|
17.2
|
13.4
|
10.2
|
8.8
|
10.2
|
13.6
|
17.4
|
19.5
|
21.5
|
Marine Stingers
Marine Stingers may be present in the waters of the Capricorn Coast, particularly between the warm months of November to March. All beaches declare ‘warning’ signs, however to avoid risk during this period, beach swimming is recommended on patrolled beaches.
Do I need a permit to fossick for sapphires?
You need a permit/licence to fossick on any public fossicking sites. Note that private claims are always marked by four white posts with the owners name and registered number printed on them - you must not dig on these claims. Permits can be purchased for a small monthly fee, and are available from the Departments of Mines and Energy (located in Rockhampton and Emerald) or numerous local businesses throughout the region. Alternatively day trippers can fossick through tourist operators who offer bucket and bag sales – no permit required. For more information contact Central Highlands Information Centre on 07 4982 4142.
How much time should I allow to visit the Capricorn Region?
The Capricorn Region is one of diverse landscapes and hidden treasures. There are so many sites to visit that you will need more than just a few days to experience the whole region. We recommend spending 3-4 nights visiting the rural hinterland of Blackdown Tableland and Carnarvon Gorge National Park, then spending 2-3 nights exploring the Sapphire Gemfields, and 4-5 nights exploring the beauty of Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast, and the Keppel Islands.
