Guide to Emerald Queensland Australia

Emerald is a large country town that looks relatively new considering it was established in 1879 as a base for the building of the western railway. The disastrous town centre fires events of 1936, 1940, 1954 and 1968 combined with the much more welcome construction of the Fairbairn Dam and the Emerald Irrigation Scheme in 1972, and the commencement of large scale Bowen Basin coal mining in 1977, shaped the town into what you see today.

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.

Visit the world’s biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting on an easel 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. The painting celebrates the Central Highland’s reputation as a major sunflower producer.

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

The Botanic Gardens straddle the Nogoa River. Use the walking tracks to weave your way around the twelve themed gardens. Don’t miss the bush chapel and Federation Pillars.

Drive north to get a view of the irrigation area activities; east to see explorer Leichhardt’s ‘DIG’ tree at Comet; south to Gindie to see the first tractor on the Central Highlands; or west to Lake Maraboon.