Things to do in Emerald Queensland

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Emerald is viewed as the gateway to outback Queensland in Australia. Many people heading west will spend the night to break the journey between Rockhampton and Longreach. This is a shame as the town has an interesting past and is a steppingstone to the gem fields of Sapphire and the aquatic pleasures of Lake Maraboon, famous for its fishing and red claw crayfish.

So, get ready to explore the things to do in Emerald Queensland (QLD) and let us show you why Emerald should be more than just a stopover.

Are you planning your visit to Emerald last minute?

Be sure to book your accommodation ahead of time as Emerald Hotels sell out!

 

Here is our recommended hotel in Emerald:

 

Here is our top pick for cabin style accommodation:

 
Things to do in Emerald
Caravan

Where is Emerald QLD

Emerald sits on the banks of the Nogoa River in the Central Highlands of Queensland in Australia. The closest city to the town is Rockhampton which is 270km away on the Queensland coast. The Rockhampton to Emerald drive time is around 3 hours on the Capricorn Highway.

The Emerald to Brisbane distance is around 832km depending on what route you take. When travelling inland through the towns of Dalby, Miles, Taroom and Springsure the journey can take around 9.5 hours to drive.

Some like to take the Queensland coastal route from Brisbane to Rockhampton and then head inland to Emerald. This route takes longer but is one that many people enjoy as they can stop off at coastal communities such as Hervey Bay, Bargara near Bundaberg or Yeppoon near Rockhampton.

Longreach to Emerald is 417km with a drive time of around 4.5 hours and travels through the towns of Alpha, Barcaldine and Ilfracombe.

EmeraldTop

Map of Emerald QLD

For more information see our interactive Emerald map below.

Emerald QLD Weather

Enjoying a subtropical climate Emerald weather comprises of warm to hot summers and mild, dry winters. The average Emerald QLD temperature in summer is between 34 Celsius and 21 Celsius. It is not unusual to find summer days with temperatures reaching the late 40 Celsius.

Average winter temperatures fluctuate between 22 Celsius to 6 Celsius. When visiting just be aware that winter nights have been known to reach a low of -5 Celsius.

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Emerald Attractions

The Emerald Central Queensland region is the traditional home of the Gayiri people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The first European to pass through the region was Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845.

The town was established as a base for the Central line from Rockhampton in 1879 and gets its name from the lush green pastoral lands of Emerald Downs, the property of early settler Peter Fitzallan MacDonald.

What to do in Emerald QLD

When visiting there are several Emerald tourist attractions that should not be missed, here are our top picks of things to do in Emerald.

Emerald Railway Station

If you are a fan of Victorian architecture your first stop should be to the railway station. This National Trust listed railway station was built at the end of the Victorian era in 1900 and was lovingly restored in 1986.

The railways station is decorated with the beautiful wrought iron lacework of the time. One of the popular things to do in Emerald is to take a holiday snap within this charming portico.

Visit the Railway Station one of the many things to do in Emerald
The stunning historic Railway Station

Van Gogh Sunflower Painting

The Emerald Van Gogh Sunflower painting is a reminder that region was once a major sunflower producer.

The painting holds the record for being the world’s largest Sunflower painting and sits on the Big Easel which stands at a whopping 25 metres high. The painting is a colourful addition to the town and can be found in Morton Park.

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 The sunflower painting, Emerald tourism office, Mosaic Pathway and Pioneer Cottage Complex are within walking distance to each other.

Giant Van Gogh Sunflower Painting in Emerald
Hard to miss this giant Van Gogh Sunflower Painting

Pioneer Cottage Complex

This historical village gives a glimpse into Emeralds past and includes St Marks Presbyterian Church, the towns lead lined lockup and communications museum.

Pioneer Cottage Complex Emerald
Worth a visit to the Pioneer Cottage Complex

Mosaic Pathway

The Mosaic Pathway commemorates the Centenary of Federation (1st of January 1901 to 1st of January 2001) which united the Australian colonies to form one nation.

The pathway winds its way through 100 years of Emerald’s history with a colourful range of tiled discs depicting creation, the native Murri people’s perspective of the land, exploration, settlement, industry and the future.

Mosaic Pathway Emerald
The Mosaic Pathway commemorates the Centenary of Federation

Emerald Town Hall

At the entrance to the Town Hall you will find a fossilised tree which is estimated to be 250 million years old. The tree was discovered in 1979 while building the new railway bridge across the Mackenzie River for the Gregory Mine.

CBD Artworks

When exploring Emerald’s CBD make sure to visit Egerton Street. Here you can view a selection of public artworks which were chosen after a public competition.

Emerald Botanic Gardens

The botanical gardens sit on the banks of the Nogoa River and includes a rose garden, bush chapel, sculptures, maze, rainforest and so much more. The gardens are a green oasis and the perfect place to relax and get back to nature.

Emerald Aquatic Centre

If you are looking to cool off or just want some family fun, head on over to the aquatic centre. Adults can enjoy a dip in the pool while children are well catered for with a toddler’s pool and splash pad for water play.

Things to do around Emerald QLD

There are lots of interesting day trips from Emerald, the town is the gateway to the Gemfields, the fishing of Lake Maraboon and the stunning scenery and history of Springsure.

Fairbairn Dam

Fairbairn Dam was built in 1972 and its primary function is farming irrigation. This impressive dam can hold 1.3 million megalitres of water and when full is three times the size of Sydney Harbour.

If you drive over the dam and take the road up to the lookout, you will find a well shaded picnic spot with stunning views of the dam and Lake Maraboon.

Fairbairn Dam Emerald
The Fairbairn Dam

Lake Maraboon

Lake Maraboon Emerald would have to be one of the best fishing and boating spots around. The lake is stocked with Barramundi, Murray Cod, Yellowbelly and Saratoga. Even with this great selection of fish the real star of the show is the Red Claw freshwater crayfish that Lake Maraboon is famous for.

There is a designated swimming area and the lake is popular for water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking and water skiing. While there are no restrictions on the lake there is a no boating and no fishing zone around the Fairbairn Dam wall.

**If you are looking to fish on Lake Maraboon you will need a fishing permit, you can obtain one at the Emerald Post Office or online at daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/recreational

Lake Maraboon QLD
Lake Maraboon is famous for its Red Claw crayfish

Visit the Gemfields Emerald

When visiting Emerald, fossicking for gems would have to be one of the top things to do. The three towns of Sapphire, Rubyvale and Anakie make up the Gemfields and are with around a 42km drive from Emerald.

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SAPPHIRE

As you enter Sapphire you will notice many gem shops and fossicking parks. Here you can bring out your inner miner and experience the effort it takes to mine for sapphires.

Pats Gems

We chose to try our luck at Pats Gems Fossicking Park. We discovered that sapphires come in a range of colours including blue, yellow and green with yellow being the rarest and most valuable.

Visit Pats Gems in Sapphire a great day out when looking for things to do near Emerald
Pats Gems fossicking park

First, we dug for wash (sapphire bearing gravel), shovelled it into a sieve to shake off the dirt before swirling it in water to clean the stones and help the sapphires fall to the bottom. Then we turned the sieve out onto a table and started the painstaking process of searching for sapphires.

We were excited to find many sapphire chips and a zircon, it was a fantastic day and so much fun.

Ros fossicking in Sapphire
Had so much fun fossicking for Sapphires

RUBYVALE

A short drive from Sapphire is Rubyvale, where you can stop in for a meal at the New Royal Hotel or head underground at the Miners Heritage – Walk in Sapphire Mine.

The Rubyvale Gem Gallery

If you are looking to buy fine quality gems look no further than the Rubyvale Gem Gallery. The gallery has an outstanding collection of sapphires and designer jewellery.

The Rubyvale Gem Gallery also has accommodation with a selection of modern self-contained apartments and a charming historic cottage.

Gem Gallery Rubyvale
Rubyvale Gem Gallery has a great range of gems and jewellery

Miners Heritage – Walk in Sapphire Mine

Just outside of Rubyvale you will find the Miners Heritage – Walk in Sapphire Mine. Here you can take a tour down into Australia’s largest underground sapphire mine and fossick for gems.

Miners Heritage – Walk in Sapphire Mine
Go underground at the Miners Heritage – Walk in Sapphire Mine

This is an fascinating tour where you will learn how mining has changed from picks and shovels to large scale machinery, the geology of the mines and the cast of characters that have made Rubyvale the town it is today. After the tour try your hand at sieving for gems, it is a lot of fun and harder than it looks.

Alan fossicking at Rubyvale which was a highlight of our Emerald visit
Had a great day fossicking at the Miners Heritage – Walk In Mine

Springsure

As you drive the 67km from Emerald to Springsure you will be surprised by the contrast between the lush green crops and the dry brown countryside.

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Just when you get used to the endless flat terrain the craggy peaks of the Minerva Hills National Park stand majestically on the horizon and you are engulfed in dense bushland and the towering outlines of the hills.

Springsure information board
Welcome to Springsure

Federation Woolshed

The Federation Woolshed is a replica of the woolsheds of the early 20th century and houses a collection of antiques and historical photos depicting the history of the area.

Next to the Federation Woolshed is a park with a windmill and an interesting array of old farming machinery and buildings.

The Federation Woolshed also acts as the visitor information centre and is open from March to October.

Federation Woolshed Springsure
The Federation Woolshed Springsure

The Wills Memorial Site

The Wills massacre took place on the 17th of October 1861. The Wills party were early pastoralists arriving in the area with over 10,000 sheep. Nineteen people were killed including women and children and it became the largest massacre of white settlers in Australian history.

Though the Wills party were innocent victims’ retaliation to this frontier conflict was swift with many aboriginals losing their lives, a tragedy for all involved.

A memorial headstone can be viewed at the site of the conflict north of Springsure on Cullin La Ringo Road.

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Old Rainworth Fort Complex

The Old Rainworth Fort Complex is a 10km drive south of Springsure. The stone fort was built in 1862 as a store house for Rainworth Station and as a shelter against aboriginal attack following the Wills massacre the previous year. On site is the Cairbeigh homestead an 1800’s school which houses a collection of historical artefacts.

**The Old Rainworth Fort is open from 10am to 3pm and closed on Thursday’s.

The Old Rainworth Fort Complex is well worth visiting when looking for things to do near Emerald
An overcast day at the Old Rainworth Fort Complex

Minerva Hills National Park

The Minerva Hills National Park is dominated by Mt Boorambool and Mt Zamia which offer panoramic views of the surrounding region. The mountains were once volcanoes, some of the oldest in eastern Australia.

To access the park, travel 4km on Tambo Road and turn right onto Dendle’s Road drive where you can enjoy panoramic views from the lookouts, hike the walking trails, or admire the local plants and wildlife.

**The road is mainly unsealed, windy and steep making it unsuitable for caravans.

The Virgin Rock from Lions Park

The Virgin Rock is on the eastern side of Mt Zamia and named for its likeness to the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus.

The best vantage point to see the Virgin Rock is from the Lions park just north of Springsure. The park is a great place for a picnic while getting the best views of the Virgin Rock.

The Virgin Rock Springsure
Virgin Rock from Lions Park

Where to eat in Emerald

Although we did not get the chance to dine out often, we did come across this charming restaurant for coffee and cake.

Le Porte Rosse

Le Porte Rosse is an award winning Italian restaurant that can be found on a corner close to the railway station.

We dropped in for a morning tea of coffee and cheesecake which was delicious. When the waitress carried out lunch dishes, what we saw made us regret not choosing from the lunch menu.

The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, a taste of Italy in Emerald Queensland.

Coffee at Le Porte Rosse Emerald
Coffee and cheesecake at Le Porte Rosse

Emerald shopping

While the town has many speciality shops just waiting to be discovered, for those wanting mainstays such as Coles and Woolworths there is a choice of Emerald QLD shopping centre to choose from including The Plaza @ Emerald and the Central Highlands Marketplace.

If you are heading west to Longreach on the weekend or stopping off at the smaller towns along the way our top tip would be to stock up on essential items at the shopping centre Emerald QLD as shops shut earlier on Saturday and are closed on Sunday.

Where to stay in Emerald

When looking for Emerald accommodation you will be spoilt for choice of Emerald motels, hotels, serviced apartments, budget accommodation, cabins and caravan parks with powered and unpowered sites.

Here are just a few examples of what the town has to offer.

Best motels in Emerald QLD

The style of accommodation you choose will depend on how long you are staying, and which type suits your needs. Below is our pick of motels which give a choice of standard motel room accommodation or fully equipped motel apartments.  

Emerald Central Palms Motel Review

The Emerald Central Palms Motel is situated in the heart of town, just off the Gregory Highway. With Deluxe Queen Rooms, Executive King Rooms, a Self-Contained Unit, Standard Twin Rooms and Family Rooms there is a room style to suit most travellers.

Each air-conditioned room has a patio, flat-screen TV with cable channels, tea & coffee making facilities and ironing facilities. All rooms feature private bathrooms which include a hairdryer and free toiletries.

This 4-star motel features a guest courtyard and an outdoor swimming pool. There is a restaurant next door which offers breakfast and evening meals and will deliver to your room.

The motel is across the road from the Twin Cinemas and a 5-minute walk to shopping centres, supermarket and local cafes. The Hospital is a 6-minute walk away.

Book now your stay at Emerald Central Palms Motel

Emerald Park Motel Review

Emerald Park Motel is located across from the Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre. There are a range of rooms including Queen Rooms, Twin Rooms and Queen Rooms with Disability Access.

All rooms come with a flat screen TV and fully equipped kitchenette which includes a microwave, kettle, toaster, fridge and Delonghi Coffee Machine. All cutlery, crockery and glassware are provided.

There is a table and chairs to enjoy the garden view and there is a fully equipped guest laundry with coin operated washing machines and dryers. The motel is a 5 minutes’ walk to the showgrounds, restaurants, cafes, and fast food stores.

Book your stay at Emerald Park Motel

Emerald Motel Apartments Review

Emerald Motel Apartments has an array of apartment styles including the Executive One Bedroom Spa Apartments, One Bedroom Accessible Apartment and Executive Family 4 Spa Apartment. These stand-alone fully self-contained apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, stove, and a microwave.

Each apartment has a living room with a flat-screen TV and boasts a spa bath and laundry facilities. There is also an easy access apartment with a roll in shower instead of a spa bath.

The apartments have a private patio with garden views and are just 500 metres from the town centre and the Hospital is directly across the street.

Book your stay at Emerald Motel Apartments

Emerald Hotel QLD

There are a few hotels in Emerald Queensland with some featuring Aparthotel accommodation. We have also included budget style hotel accommodation.

Direct Hotels – Villas on Rivergum Review

Direct Hotels – Villas on Rivergum offer one and two bedroom self-contained apartments the Direct Hotels – Villas on Rivergum is an 8-minute drive from the centre of town.  

All the apartments are air-conditioned with a fully equipped kitchen, dining and lounge area. There is a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a DVD player. The bathroom has a hairdryer and free toiletries. The patio has garden views.

The hotel is a 6-minute drive from the botanic gardens and a 30-minute drive from Lake Maraboon and the Sapphire Gem Fields.

Book your stay at Direct Hotels – Villas on Rivergum

Emerald Caravan Park QLD

If you are caravanning or camping and looking for a caravan park accommodation look no further than the Emerald Cabin and Caravan Village.

The village is a short walk to the aquatic centre and Emerald Golf Club. There are a range of cabins and well shaded powered and unpowered campsites. Facilities include a camp kitchen, laundry and unisex suite bathrooms.

Emerald

Caravan Parks Near Emerald QLD

Lake Maraboon is a popular boating and fishing spot which is a short 23km drive from Emerald. Lake Maraboon is famous for red claw crayfish and is well stocked with a variety of fish including Barramundi.  

Lake Maraboon Holiday Village

The holiday village has a range of cabin accommodation from Deluxe 2 bedroom Villas, Family Cabins, Lake View Cabins & Disabled Access Cabin.

Lake Maraboon Holiday Village offer powered and unpowered sites and if you are travelling with a dog there are pet friendly powered sites available. For meals you can use the camp kitchen or visit the seasonal restaurant.

You may like to join our Queensland Travel Planning Facebook Group – it is a great place for information about travel in Queensland. Please join us to help you prepare for your trip.

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Quick Facts on getting to Emerald

How do I get to Emerald QLD?

There are several ways to get to Emerald Queensland Australia, by car, train and plane. If you are travelling by car, here are the distances between a selection of popular Queensland destinations.

The distance from Brisbane to Emerald is 832km (depending on route)

Emerald to Rockhampton is a short 270km

The drive from Emerald to Longreach is 417km

The distance from Emerald to Winton is 596km

Emerald to Townsville is 613km (depending on route)

The journey from Emerald to Charters Towers is 478km

The drive from Emerald to Carnarvon Gorge is 239Km

Is there a train to Emerald?

The Spirit of the Outback travels to Emerald twice a week on its way to Longreach. The Brisbane to Emerald train departs from Brisbane’s Roma Street Station on Tuesdays and Saturdays, arriving on Wednesday or Sunday depending on which service you take.

Is there a train from Emerald to Brisbane?

Trains from Emerald to Brisbane depart from Emerald Station Monday and Thursday, arriving in Brisbane on Tuesday or Friday depending on which day you choose to travel.

Are there flights to Emerald from Brisbane?

Qantas flies to Emerald Airport daily with multiple flight times to choose from, flights take around 1.5 hours to reach the destination.

Last Words on things to do in Emerald Queensland

So, is Emerald worth visiting? Yes it is a place to discover Queensland’s pioneering roots, to experience the natural beauty of the region and to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the sapphire miners. Emerald is much more than just a stopover

We have enjoyed our time exploring the things to do in Emerald and I am sure you will too! Have You been to Emerald? What was your favourite thing to see and do in Emerald Queensland?

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What to see in Emerald QLD
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