Emerald is a charming town in the Central Highlands, 270 km west of Rockhampton. While you could be mistaken for thinking that the town was named after the gem, it was actually after the beautiful green pastures that 1860 settler, P.F. MacDonald found. Today, the town is still just as beautiful, but is also bursting with charm and many attractions. If you had not considered Emerald for your next break, here are five reasons why you should!
1. To see the town’s history
Did you know that Emerald was established back in 1879? Because of its long past, history buffs will love visiting the town! If you are history fanatic, be sure to spend a while visiting the Emerald Historic Railway Station and exploring Emerald’s history by walking along the Emerald Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway. While you are in town, stop by the Emerald Town Hall in Egerton Street to see a piece of fossilised wood that is estimated to be 250 million years old. The wood was dug up in 1979 and is now preserved outside the town hall.
2. To see the world’s largest reproduction of Van Gogh’s sunflower painting!
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Did you know that Emerald used to be a major sunflower producer? Because of this, Emerald is home to a giant reproduction of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting. The painting towers over Morton Park at a whopping 25 metres tall.
3. To enjoy one of Australia’s biggest lakes
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If you love watersports, swimming or fishing, then you are bound to love a visit to Lake Maraboon. The lake is Queensland’s second largest lake, holding up to five times more water than Sydney Harbour when full. Crazy, right? If you are looking for an inland spot to wet a line, Lake Maraboon is a fantastic spot to catch eight different species of fish, such as cod, barramundi, and even redclaw crayfish.
4. To visit the largest gemfields in the Southern Hemisphere
While you are in Emerald, jump in the car and head 45 minutes west to the Sapphire Gemfields. At 900 square kilometres, the Sapphire Gemfields are one of the world’s biggest largest sapphire fields. If you want to get up close and personal with the gemfields, why not join in on a guided underground mine tour or even try your hand at fossicking yourself.
5. To escape the city
If you are in need of some country air, the Central Highlands are a great area to visit. You could easily spend days checking out the area. We think Emerald is a great spot to visit on your country escape, so why not plan a road-trip?
For some handy Outback road-trip tips to get you on the road, click here!
By Kate Nutting
