Its members have formed an important part of the social and political life not only of Rockhampton, but also of Queensland as well.

[1] The Archer brothers had made a private expedition to the Rockhampton district in 1853, and were the first Europeans to record and chart the Fitzroy River.

With additional movement of European pastoralists and settlers into the area the significance of the Archer landing place on the Fitzroy increased.

[1] After the short lived Canoona gold rush of 1858 Rockhampton was proclaimed as a town and declared a "port of entry" in 1858.

The success of the business saw McLaughlin moving to new premises in 1884, situated on the corner of Quay, Wood and Wharf Streets.

In September 1890 an application was made to bring Allotment 7 of Section 45 under the Torrens Title system by William, Thomas and David Archer.

Ferguson retired from the building trade in 1888, after becoming one of the half dozen millionaires in Rockhampton, a result of his investing in the Mount Morgan Mine.

He was also the president of the Central Queensland Separation League advocating the creation of a new state centred on Rockhampton.

[1] The design of the Rockhampton Club building at Quay Street was the work of James Flint (1862–94).

At this time John William Wilson and James Flint were the main architects active in Rockhampton.

[1] Tenders for the erection and completion of new premises for the Rockhampton Club in Quay Street had been called for by James Flint on 7 January 1892.

Despite an increase in numbers with the inclusion of women, the Club was finding it difficult to maintain levels of membership.

[4] The Rockhampton Club is a two storeyed painted and face brick building located prominently on Quay Street overlooking the Fitzroy River.

[1] The Rockhampton Club has a rectangular plan facing Quay Street with two rear extensions; a double storeyed service wing on the south eastern property line and a single storeyed former billiard room extension on the north western property line.

The shallow hipped roof over the principal section of the building is clad with early corrugated iron.

[1] The Rockhampton Club's Quay Street facade, constructed of brick which has been subsequently painted, is lined with a double storeyed verandah, featuring ornate timber and iron work.

The six panelled timber door is surrounded by sidelights and a rectangular transom light, which is fitted with etched glass with lettering "ROCKHAMPTON CLUB".

Early half glazed double doors have been fitted within a new glass and plasterboard partition to form the entrance to the sitting room.

[1] At the rear of the original entrance area, and separated by a plaster moulded archway is an elegant and finely crafted geometric stair, with winding handrail and a newel on the third tread.

[1] The interior features many important pieces of furniture and fittings, including an honour board, an original Rockhampton Club sideboard other early furniture associated with the club and an early bell indication board.

The upper floor, reached by a dog legged timber stair is attached to the main building with a partially open walkway.

This section of the building is clad internally with plaster walls and fibrous cement ceiling which is braced with strips of timber roll moulding, this cladding extends to the interior of the central lantern, where operable clerestory windows provide light and ventilation.

[1] To the rear of the building is a substantial car parking space, with a brick boundary wall facing Quay Lane.

[1] Rockhampton Club was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 having satisfied the following criteria.

The Rockhampton Club has aesthetic significance as a well designed prominent building which is an important element of the Quay Street streetscape.

The building contains many important and well crafted features, including a geometric stair, early furniture and an honour board.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.

It has a special association with the lives of John Ferguson founding president of the Rockhampton Club, and one of the leading lobbyist for a separate state centred on Rockhampton, and Rees Sydney Jones trustee of the Club and founder of the oldest legal firm still practising in Queensland.