Australian Outback Travel Guide

Emerald
Central Highlands

Emerald was established in 1879 as a base for the building of the western railway. Today it is a large and modern country town and the hub for the Central Highlands and 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. The dam construction, and its associated Lake Maraboon, also initiated large-scale coal mining within the Bowen Basin in 1977, which at present, produces a significant proportion of Queensland's total coal exports.

Fairbairn Dam is a holiday destination in itself with a selection of cabin, caravan and camping accommodation. The lake is stocked with eight different kinds of fish including barramundi, but is famous for the Red Claw Crayfish. Relax by the lake or take a swim. Picnic tables and free electric and wood barbecues are available.

Once famous for its reputation as a major sunflower producer, Emerald is now home to the world's biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting on an easel located in Morton Park at the western end of Clermont Street (Capricorn Highway). The superstructure is 25 metres high with approximately 13.6 tonnes of steel involved in its construction. Adjacent you'll find the 'straw bale' Visitor Information Centre where the friendly volunteer staff can provide information on exploring emerald and the surrounding Central Highlands.

Built in 1900 and restored in 1986, the National Trust listed Railway Station with its wrought iron lacework and pillared portico provides visitors with great photo opportunities. At the Emerald Town Hall view an ancient fossilised tree aged 250 million years.

Emerald Attractions

Emerald Historic Railway Station

In 1899 Emerald's first Railway Station was built, but unfortunately burned down within a year. In 1900 a new Railway Station was built of timber, with iron roof and wrought iron trimmings. The heritage-listed railway station boasts an elaborate entry with wrought iron lacework and pillared portico, offering great photo opportunities. Built in 1900 and restored in 1986, this National Trust listed Railway Station is well worth a visit.

Emerald Pioneer Cottage Complex

Soak up Emerald's history at the Pioneer Cottage complex. Included in the complex is one of Emerald's first cottages; a lead-lined lockup; St Marks Presbyterian Church and a communications museum. Unfortunately, little is left of Emerald's early history as it was ravaged by major fires in 1936, 1940, 1954 and 1968. The Emerald Pioneer Cottages are buildings from Emerald's past and offer visitors an opportunity to look at a number of aspects of the town's past.

Japanese Gardens, Blackwater

The Japanese Gardens in Blackwater are reputed to be the best of its kind in Queensland. The gardens mark the relationship between Blackwater and its sister city, Fujisawa in Japan.

Japanese Gardens Blackwater are an ideal spot to stop on your trip along the Capricorn Highway, located between Emerald and Rockhampton.

Nuga Nuga National Park and Lake Nuga Nuga

As the largest natural water body within the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt, Lake Nuga Nuga (adjacent to the National Park), provides a valuable habitat for waterbirds in an otherwise arid landscape. The Lake has only recently formed; the result of a series of natural events which occurred over a short period. Heavy rain and flooding of the Brown River filled the Lake and surrounding swamps. The many dead trees through the water indicate this relatively recent phenomenon. The park protects remnants of dry rainforest scrub whose origins come from earlier geological times. Mount Warinilla, at the south western end of the park, offers ideal views of the park and devoted bird watchers will find the lake a haven for pelicans, swans and numerous water birds.

Nuga Nuga National Park has very basic infrastructure in-place, including walking tracks, basic picnic and camping areas. As this park is remote, be sure to bring adequate supplies of food, water and fuel.

Nuga Nuga National Park

Van Gogh Sunflower Painting

The world's biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting is situated in Morton Park, Emerald. The superstructure is 25 metres high with approximately 13.6 tonnes of steel involved in its construction. It is part of a concept by Cameron Cross to erect seven Sunflower sculptures in seven different countries, reproducing Van Gogh's seven different Sunflower paintings. Emerald's Sunflower Painting was finished on 8 November 1999.

The painting celebrates the Central Highland's reputation as a major sunflower producer.

Emerald Weather - Average Temperatures and Rainfall