Darumbal People of the Darumbal Country
Queensland
Central Queensland
Stage One of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Redevelopment marks a key milestone in transforming one of Central Queensland’s most beloved public destinations.Â
Designed by COX Architecture with local firm Design+Architecture, this stage delivers a new visitor entrance that improves orientation, accessibility, and amenity. Located at the southern end of the Zoo, the entry replaces a previously informal arrival point with a clearly defined gathering space, providing public amenities, a multipurpose room, education spaces, reptile enclosures, and shaded outdoor areas for visitors to pause and connect.Â
As the first piece of the master plan, the visitor hub establishes a new circulation route through the Zoo, supporting future exhibit development and equitable access.
The redevelopment contributes to a broader vision: transforming the Gardens into a botanical collection of regional and national significance and positioning the Zoo as a leader in exhibitions, conservation, and welfare.
The new zoo entrance has completely transformed how we operate and welcome our community. After 100 years with only an open gate, we finally have a professional entry, public amenities, and space to showcase reptiles unseen for two decades. The multipurpose room has become invaluable for council meetings and, most importantly, community engagement. In just seven months, the Zoo Hub has enabled us to host 17 programs and events for 3,781 people—something we could never have achieved before. The Visitor Hub has reshaped how guests experience Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens, creating a true gathering place for learning and connection.
Richard Coulson, Project Director (QLD Registration Number 3039)
Steven Harth, Project Lead (QLD Registration Number 17770)
Vesna Lazarevic, Project Architect ((QLD Registration Number 3548)
Mitchell Buckley, BIM lead
Cecile Viollet, Interior Designer
Kim Huat Tan, Technical
Marko Trifunjagic, Documentation
Urbis, Landscape Architect, Planning and Heritage Consultant
Stantec, Services Engineers, Structural + Civil Engineers, Traffic and Sustainability
Philip Chun, Building Certification + Access Consultant
Goldi Design, Branding and Identity
Turner & Townsend, Cost Consultant
Burchills, Environmental Consultant
Butler Partners, Geotechnical Engineer