A small, rural town in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland, Emerald is as lush and charming as its name suggests. Home to an array of unique and intriguing attractions, including the world’s largest replica Vincent Van Gogh painting (The Big Easel), a visit to Emerald offers a blissful and exciting country escape. Avid anglers will find an abundance of fish in the Fairbairn Dam, while birdwatchers can spot native water birds at the Botanic Gardens. Heading to Emerald for a holiday? Discover the best places to visit on your trip in your Hertz rental car.
Discover Outback Central Queensland
In town, natural beauty is in excess at the Emerald Botanic Gardens. Get lost in the scenic charm of the Melaleuca Maze, traverse the Gardens at your own pace with plenty of walking tracks to choose from, and enjoy a picnic in the park by the lagoon or river. Green thumbs can make their way through the themed Gardens, with highlights including a rainforest area and celestial garden, and art enthusiasts will enjoy the sculptures scattered throughout. The Gardens provide a picturesque setting for every traveller to enjoy. Swap natural beauty for man-made art with a visit to the Emerald Art Gallery while in town. From handcrafted ceramics to detailed paintings, the Gallery frequently rotates themed exhibitions, showcasing the best of local talent. Plus, the Annual Art Exhibition in November offers visitors an opportunity to purchase some pieces on display - a must for collectors of fine art.
Sports enthusiasts won’t have to look far to play a game or two in Emerald, with both the Emerald Golf Club and Bowls Club in the centre of town. Golfers are treated to the only 18-hole course in the Central Highlands, with greenery on and off the course as far as the eye can see. The Club boasts an on-site Pro shop for all your golf gear needs, plus, patrons can dine at the Bistro for lunch or dinner. The Emerald Bowls Club encourages players of all skill levels to play on the manicured lawns, and the Bistro invites visitors to settle in for a hearty meal with pub classics on offer. After a day on the green, wind down with a wellness session at Highlands Remedial. The spa offers sauna sessions, remedial massage and a magnesium floating tank among other services to refresh and invigorate your mind, body and soul. An uplifting experience, visit here to make the most of your luxury holiday in Emerald.
Unearth Rarity in the Gemfields
Take your visit to central Queensland outside the box with a visit to Sapphire Central. Only 35 minutes from Emerald in the rental car, this town is aptly named for its lucrative Sapphire mining industry, with many gemstone-themed events and celebrations held here throughout the year. If stones, jewels and gemstones pique your interest, a visit to the Gemfields Fossicking Park is a must. Here you can learn how to fossick for precious stones, tag along on a fossicking tour and take home an exquisite piece of locally mined fine jewellery at the gift shop. Discover the area on foot with a walk through the Sapphire Gemfields Wetland Reserve. Here you’ll find a range of walking trails shrouded in greenery, an informative restored miner’s hut and viewing platforms ideal for bird-watching. The wetlands are filled with bird sounds and native wildlife, as well as informative signage and four landmarks to admire, offering visitors a relaxing and educational experience.
Similarly to Sapphire, Rubyvale is also a part of the Central Queensland Gemfields region and is a 40-minute drive from Emerald. Here you can fossick for Rubies and Sapphires. Get a behind-the-scenes look into the life of a miner at the Miners Heritage - Australia’s largest underground Sapphire mine. Here, a local miner will take you through the ‘Monkey Drive’ tunnels that were dug in 1906, and fill you in on all you need to know about gemstone mining. Unearth the most beautiful and captivating jewellery at the Rubyvale Gem Gallery. From Sapphire engagement rings to stunning necklaces, adorn yourself with the unique luxury of the Sapphire, or treat that special someone in your life to a piece of Central Queensland jewellery they’ll cherish forever. When the sun sets, a visit to the Rubyvale Observatory is highly recommended. Here you can look through the 14” Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope and admire the wonders of the outback night sky.
Discover the charm of Emerald and its surroundings with the freedom of a Hertz rental car. From the serenity of the Botanic Gardens to gem-filled adventures in Rubyvale and Sapphire, your Central Highlands escape awaits.
