Local Emerald Attractions
Emerald is a large, modern country town that was established in 1879 as a base for the building of the western railway. The town is named after 'Emerald Downs Hill', a lush emerald green hill located just north of town. Emerald is now considered the hub for the Central Highlands and the gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields: the largest, and one of the richest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere. In 1972, the construction of Fairbairn Dam and the Emerald Irrigation Scheme allowed for the significant development and expansion of agriculture across the region.
Emerald offers a variety of attractions, including natural sites, historical locations, and recreational activities. Some popular choices include the Emerald Botanic Gardens, Fairbairn Dam (Lake Maraboon), the Outback Exploratorium, and the Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre.
Van Gogh Sunflower Painting
The world's biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting is situated in Morton Park, Emerald.
Emerald, famous as a major sunflower producer, is home to the world's biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting on an easel.
The huge painting is 25 metres high with approximately 13.6 tonnes of steel used in the making.
Emerald Aquatic Centre
Come down and enjoy yourself in our amazing facilities at the Emerald Aquatic Centre. Featuring a 50m outdoor, 25M Indoor, LTS Pool, splashpad and our slides!
The new pool and surrounds is an amazing place to go for a swim anytime, featuring inflatable slides, as well as another smaller pool for the kidlets.
Capella Pioneer Village
The Capella Pioneer Village is located in Pioneer St, next to Gregory Hwy. It has grown to a significant repository of the Central Highlands region’s pastoral and agricultural history, including the largest restored drop-plank construction homestead in Australia.
The Village Collection contains over 5000 individual items and is open from 9.00am to 12noon Wednesday to Friday and Sundays during Autumn, Winter and Spring.
Rubyvale & Miners Heritage
Located at Rubyvale Queensland, in the heart of the Queensland sapphire fields, Miners Heritage was established in 1982 as a working mine.
Visitors can embark on an underground tour of the mine, spend time in our park fossicking for your own gems, browse their range of Australian Sapphire Jewellery and pack a lunch and enjoy our undercover area.
Virgin Rock, Springsure
Visit the iconic Virgin Rock situated on Mount Zamia. Its name is derived from the figure appearing in the town-facing side of the rock that looks like the Virgin Mary cradling the baby Jesus.
See if you can spot these figures at night time when Virgin Rock is floodlit for all to see.
Blackdown Tablelands
Rising abruptly above the surrounding plains, Blackdown Tableland National Park is a cool oasis. Covering approximately 47,950 hectares, this sandstone plateau boasts colourful wildlife, spectacular views and a range of nature-based activities.
Blackdown is the traditional home of the Ghungalu people, who have visited this place for thousands of years and have left behind rock art; vivid reminders of their special culture.
Emerald Botanic Gardens
Situated on the banks of the Nogoa River, the Emerald Botanic Gardens are the only botanic gardens located within the Central Western District of Queensland. Covering an area of 42 hectares (420,000 square metres) the gardens provide residents and visitors with not only a place to relax and unwind but also an opportunity to gain further insight into the region's natural environments.
Fairbairn Dam, Lake Maraboon
Fairbairn Dam has 3 times more water in it than Sydney Habour. Locals love to take their boats out and go water skiing. It has been loaded with 8 species of fish, it also has red claw.
There is a small sandy shore where you can go swimming. Free electric BBQ & picnic table for you to set and enjoy a lovely bbq during the day or in the evening watching the sunset.
Only 15mins drive from Emerald.
Carnarvon Gorge
Immerse yourself in wilderness and embrace Mother Nature as you wind through the deep and dramatic gorge system, carved out by wind and rain over millions of years.
As you marvel at the geological wonder of Carnarvon Gorge, you start to wonder why stay for just one night when there’s so much more to explore.
Local Emerald History
Gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields!
Emerald is a large, modern country town that was established in 1879 as a base for the building of the western railway. The town is named after 'Emerald Downs Hill', a lush emerald green hill located just north of town. Emerald is now considered the hub for the Central Highlands and the gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields: the largest, and one of the richest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere. In 1972, the construction of Fairbairn Dam and the Emerald Irrigation Scheme allowed for the significant development and expansion of agriculture across the region.
