What’s happening?
Rare Spares Rockynats is returning for its fifth instalment from 4–6 April 2025, and it’s already on track to break records in Rockhampton. This year’s event will feature 1,800 car and bike entrants, surpassing the total from Rockynats 04, and includes crowd-favourite ‘Hanful’—the iconic 1973 Holden HQ GTS Monaro known for its burnout mastery.
The legendary burnout car and its Gold Coast-based owners, Mark and Julie Schwarz, along with their son Jacob, will lead the Friday Street Parade and star in an FMX Kaos stunt show—a Rockynats first. This high-octane family trio will also deliver powerful performances on Skid Row and the burnout pad, further elevating the action-packed program.
Why it matters?
Rockynats has evolved into Queensland’s largest car and bike festival, becoming a staple in Australia’s motorsport calendar. The event’s success highlights Rockhampton’s growing appeal as a major tourism and motorsport destination. For the first time, the event will not take place over the Easter long weekend, creating more opportunities for visitors to explore the region and support local businesses.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said, “Over the past 4 years, Rockynats has become a staple for thousands of entrants and patrons alike, having firmly established itself as a must-attend event on Australia’s motorsport calendar.”
He added, “Every year, we see more drawcard entrants coming back to experience the thrill, the atmosphere and the action.”
Local Impact
The shift away from the Easter weekend opens up the event to a wider audience, which benefits local cafés, restaurants, and retailers. Mark Schwarz shared, “We love how close everything is, visiting all of the different precincts and heading out for a meal at one of the local pubs at the end of the day.” The Schwarz family and their crew book an entire 22-room hotel each year, reinforcing the event’s value to the local economy.
By the Numbers
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1,800: Car and bike entrants confirmed for Rockynats 05, breaking last year’s record.
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4–6 April 2025: The event dates, marking the first time it won’t be held over Easter.
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22 rooms: The number of hotel rooms booked by the Hanful Motorsports crew and friends annually.
Zoom In
Mark Schwarz has owned ‘Hanful’ for over 20 years, buying it as a wreck before transforming it into a showstopper. Originally built for burnout competitions, the car has since featured at MotorEx, the V8 Supercars Gold Coast 500, and Summernats. Mark said, “Back when my friends and I first got into it all in the 90s, burnouts were just beginning a sport—it wasn’t anything like it is today.”
His wife Julie handles logistics, while son Jacob follows in his father’s tyre tracks as a competitive driver. This year’s Rockynats marks their debut in the FMX Kaos stunt show, where stunt bikes will jump over Hanful, creating an unmissable crossover act.
“I love revving the crowd up and seeing the kick they get out of ‘Hanful’ on the track,” Mark said. “We like to give it our best crack!”
Zoom Out
Backed by Rockhampton Regional Council, presented by Autoglym in association with Summernats, and supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, Rockynats 05 showcases the strength of public-private collaboration in regional event delivery.
With precincts across Quay Street, East Street, Bolsover Street, the Northside Burnouts and the Showgrounds, Rockhampton transforms into a hub of horsepower and hospitality. Mayor Williams said, “It’s a huge coup for our city.”
What to Look For Next?
Don’t miss your chance to experience Rockynats 05. Discounted tickets are still available at rockynats.com.au/Tickets. Fans can also plan their experience by downloading the Rockhampton Events App via Google Play or the App Store for real-time updates and access to the full program.
Mark’s final message for those still undecided:
“Just trust us when we say it’s an event you just have experience it for yourself. It sets itself apart from other car festivals in that it’s so family-friendly, with a massive amount of entertainment both on and off the track, and its unique city and river backdrop. Walking down Quay Street, surrounded by incredible cars in immaculate condition—it’s truly something special.”
