The railway allowed Rockhampton people easy access to seaside recreation at Emu Park.

The railway line was officially opened on Saturday 22 December 1888 by Archibald Archer, the local Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Rockhampton.

[10] The line was extended over the years, and then sections progressively closed.

[11] The North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant commenced operation in 1986.

[3] The North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant is at 108 Lakes Creek Road (23°22′30″S 150°31′40″E / 23.3749°S 150.5278°E / -23.3749; 150.5278 (North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant)).

[16] The Common contains a number of recreational facilities: There is a boat ramp and floating walkway at Robert Clark Drive (23°22′49″S 150°31′13″E / 23.3803°S 150.5204°E / -23.3803; 150.5204 (Robert Clark Drive boat ramp)) for boating access to the Fitzroy River.