It is a suffragan in the ecclesiastical province of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Brisbane.

The Diocese of Rockhampton was excised from the Archdiocese of Brisbane on 29 December 1882.

Prior to this, the Brisbane archdiocese had responsibility for the entire state of Queensland, but the creation of the Rockhampton diocese split the state with responsibilities for the southern part of Queensland to remain with the Brisbane archdiocese while the northern part of Queensland became the responsibility of the new Rockhampton diocese.

[1][2] The Diocese of Townsville was excised from the Diocese of Rockhampton in 1930, reducing Rockampton's coverage to Central Queensland, while Townsville took responsibility for the areas further to the north.

[3] The following individuals have been elected as Roman Catholic Bishops of Rockhampton:[4] The diocese is divided into four separate deaneries that administer individual parishes:[8] The diocese operates many Catholic schools via its Rockhampton Catholic Education Office.