7 minute read
Discover the Highlands hub
Serving as the hub to all the attraction spokes of the Central queensland highlands is Emerald.
Emerald
With towns named Rubyvale and Sapphire, you wouldn’t be the first to think precious stones are what gave this central business district its moniker, but it was the green fields after heavy rain that earnt its title – something you too can see after summer downpours.
cqh visitor information centre
Commence your tour of the region at the visitor centre. The building is an attraction itself as the walls are made from 300 bales of barley straw covered in lime and earthen renders.
walking tours
The CQH Visitor Information Centre offers guided tours of the Emerald CBD. Bookings are essential.
van gogh sunflower painting
Once famous as a major sunflower producer, Emerald is now home to one of the world’s largest reproductions of a Vincent van Gogh Sunflower painting. The superstructure is 25 metres high with 13.6 tonnes of steel involved in its construction.
centenary of federation mosaic pathway
The Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway leads you through 100 years in 100 metres of Emerald’s colourful history. The footpath features intricately tiled designs that trace history from the beginning of time to visions of the future.
pioneer cottage complex
The Pioneer Cottage Complex echoes the rich history of the Emerald region. It showcases a small historical village, including the town’s lead-lined lockup, St Marks Presbyterian Church and a communications museum.
cbd artworks
Take a short stroll along Egerton Street and view the town’s magnificent public art. Come back at night to see the CBD sparkle with thousands of fairy lights.
emerald botanic gardens
The Emerald Botanic Gardens is located on the banks of the Nogoa River. The 42 hectares of gardens has six kilometres of walking tracks that lead to picnic areas, playgrounds, mazes, sculptures and specialised plant communities.
railway station
Built in 1900, the National Trust-listed railway station, with its wrought iron lacework and pillared portico, provides visitors with great photo opportunities.
emerald art gallery
The Emerald Art Gallery showcases exhibitions from local, state and national artists and is located at the Council office.
Base yourself in Emerald and tick off these tried and tested things to do with kids on your next family getaway.
1. Sapphire Gemfields
Children will enjoy the thrill of searching for a gem at one of the fossicking parks or venturing 16 metres underground on a mine tour. 2. national parks | free
Take the family to nearby Blackdown Tableland National Park and spend the day bush walking, swimming in the rock pool and spotting local wildlife.
3. lake maraboon
Hire a boat or canoe and take to the waters of Lake Maraboon. Throw in a pot and see if you can catch some Red Claw crayfish for dinner. 4. skate park | free
Have kids who love to skate? The skate park caters to all skill levels with half and quarter bowls and two large quarter pipes. 5. bmx park | free
Bring the bikes and let the kids enjoy the jumps, bumps and turns of the BMX track.
6. aquatic centre
Go for a dip at the aquatic centre which features three waterslides, 50-metre pool, heated 25-metre pool and a children’s splash pad area. 7. botanic gardens | free
Spend the morning walking or biking through the gardens. Stop for a picnic by the river, before tiring out the kids on the monorail, flying fox and mouse wheel.
8. cinemas
Pick from a range of latest release movies and then get to the real decision, popcorn or choc top ice cream?
9. science centre
Discover the wonders of science at the Outback Exploratorium’s STEAM lab, including a discovery space, workshop and retail outlet.
10. golf
See who can hit a golf ball the farthest at the driving range or play a game of mini golf.
emerald central hotel
Emerald Central Hotel offers stylish one and two bedroom hotel rooms complete with their own private bathroom, bar fridge, fl at-screen TV and individual air-conditioning. Guests can relax by the large pool and enjoy a delicious meal and drink at Centro Bar and Grill, our in-house bar and restaurant.
P 07 4982 3388 E reservations@emeraldcentralhotel.com.au 13 Opal Street Emerald Q 4720 emeraldcentralhotel.com.au
emerald central palms motel
Modern 4 star motel with air-conditioning, undercover parking, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool and private patio to all rooms. Walking distance to hotels, restaurants, cinemas and shops.
P 07 4982 3600 E centralpalms@iq.net.au 19 Esmond Street Emerald Q 4720 emeraldcentralpalms.com
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Entertainment and Camp Fire » Laundry » Camp Kitchen » Amenities » Kiosk » Free Wifi » Pet Friendly » 300m to Town centre » Pool Oct 2021.
Emerald Cabin and Caravan Village
• Large powered drive thru sites • Fully self-contained cabins • Camp kitchen • Wifi available • Walking distance to the CBD • We overlook Emerald 18 hole golf course which has a club house & bistro
64 Opal Street Emerald 4720 P: 07 49 821 300 | F: 07 49 875 320 E: eccv1@bigpond.net.au | www.emeraldcabinandcaravanvillage.com.au
court action
Open daily 9am – noon & 5pm – to last booking. ● Tennis ● Squash ● Coaching ● Archery Range ● Fixtures & Comps ● Volleyball ● Golf Driving Range & Mini Golf (Day & Night) ● Gym & Sauna ● Personal Training
P 07 4982 4333 32 Peacey Road Emerald Q 4720 FB: Court Action
little gem yoga - kelly corbishley
Join me for yoga in the park, in nature to connect with your body & breath. ● Tuesdays & Thursdays – Emerald @ 5.30pm ● Saturdays – Sapphire @ 7.30am Classes suitable for all levels. Phone or email Kelly to book.
P 0429 473 314 E kelly@littlegemyoga.com.au li legemyoga.com.au
the inner bean hub
Emerald’s newest Café and Coffee Destination. ● Great Coffee ● Delicious Food ● Breakfast All Day ● Open Early ● Opposite Shell Service Station
P 0487 067 055 E admin@innerbeanhub.com.au The Hub, Corner Opal Street Emerald Q 4720 innerbeanhub.com.au
fairbairn bakery
Award winning Bakery Café, old school bakery goodies, aircon, sit down and drive thru. Must try! Best pies in Central Queensland as voted!
E fairbairnbakery@bigpond.com 117 Clermont St Emerald Q 4720 P 07 4982 1103 41-43 Hospital Rd Emerald Q 4720 P 07 4982 1485 FB: Fairbairn Bakery Emerald
retail therapy
If you’re looking to purchase a unique gift, stock up on supplies or need running repairs, Emerald has you covered. Get your retail therapy in the local boutiques and national chain stores located across our three shopping centres and central business district.
Emerald also has a wide range of services, including medical, banking and automotive, to meet your needs. Call into the CQH Visitor Information Centre for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Local tastes
RESTAURANTS There’s no better place than the Central Queensland Highlands, one of Australia’s leading beef producers, to enjoy a succulent steak. Try one cooked at your table on a heated stone.
Each restaurant has their signature dish, would you prefer crispy crocodile spring rolls, sticky lamb rack or smokehouse pork ribs? Perhaps you’d like an espresso martini with a side of tapas. CAFÉS leave you spoilt for choice, offering freshly roasted coffee, gourmet burgers, home baked favourites and healthy options. Many cafés also offer takeaway and picnic options for your travels.
PUBS With five pubs and two sporting clubs in Emerald there is always somewhere to grab a relaxed counter meal and beer after a day exploring.
wellness
Pack your yoga mat and add a little bit of me-time to your travel plans.
Emerald offers a range of yoga, pilates, tai chi and meditation classes. Book in for a massage, reiki or bowen therapy, or be pampered at one of the beauty therapists.
If your version of wellness is hitting the gym, Emerald has seven, boasting a range of equipment and classes. The Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot for cycling or walking and plays host to the weekly Park Run. Other facilities include an Olympic size swimming pool, squash and tennis courts and golf course.
Highlands Homewares The Inner Bean Hub
