History of Rockhampton Base Hospital

The Rockhampton Base Hospital is a heritage complex containing multiple buildings constructed between the 1920s and 1930s in The Range. The main structures include residential quarters for medical staff, specialized treatment areas, and accommodation for nursing personnel arranged across the Canning Street site.

The hospital relocated to its current location in 1867 to better serve Rockhampton's growing population. Following the Hospitals Act of 1923, the facility underwent major expansions with new buildings constructed throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

The facility became known for treating poliomyelitis with methods that emphasized movement and massage rather than immobilizing patients. This approach attracted people from across the region seeking specialized care that differed from standard practices elsewhere.

The heritage site spans multiple buildings across a campus setting on Canning Street within an inner residential area. Visitors should allow adequate time to explore the various structures and appreciate how the different sections fit together as a functional facility.

This facility housed Queensland's only purpose-built clinic dedicated to Kenny polio treatment methods starting in 1938. The specialized center was distinctive in design and operation among hospitals in the state at that time.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -23.37900,150.49520

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40