Central Queensland Highlands

Central Queensland Highlands Welcome to the official tourism page of the Central Queensland Highlands! TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
1.

From Carnarvon Gorge to Emerald, Blackdown Tableland, and the Sapphire Gemfields – adventure is calling. 🌿✨ Explore walks and 4WD tracks and discover wildlife and indigenous rock art in Carnarvon Gorge National Park, a spectacular natural wonder.
2. Catch Gem Fever by following the Sapphire Gemfields Interpretive Trail through Rubyvale, Sapphire, Willows and Anakie.
3. Rising abruptly

above the flat plains of the Bowen Basin, Blackdown Tableland National Park is characterised by rugged cliffs, spectacular views, diverse wildlife, waterfalls and swimming holes.
4. The 42-hectare Emerald Botanic Gardens on the banks of the Nogoa River include a rose garden, maze, bush chapel, sculptures, rainforest and playground.
5. Call into Blackwater to explore its world-class International Coal Centre and book a fascinating guided tour of the area’s mine.
6. Explore More of the region’s agricultural and pastoral history at the Capella Pioneer Village, with its centrepiece 1869 “Peak Downs” Homestead.
7. The Old Rainworth Fort complex near Springsure includes an original fort building constructed to store food and resist attack.
8. Enjoy a picnic, bird watch, swim, fishing or try water skiing at Lake Maraboon.
9. Take a short stroll along Emerald’s Egerton Street to view the town’s magnificent public art then return at night to see the C*D sparkle with thousands of fairy-lit trees.
10. Take in the views from the spectacular lookouts in Minerva Hills National Park, discovering wildlife along the bushwalking tracks.

Carnarvon Gorge's Art Gallery vs Cathedral Cave 👇Most visitors make it to the Art Gallery. Fewer make it to Cathedral Ca...
10/09/2026

Carnarvon Gorge's Art Gallery vs Cathedral Cave 👇

Most visitors make it to the Art Gallery. Fewer make it to Cathedral Cave, and it's a very different experience.

🎨 Art Gallery
📍 10.8km return from the Visitor Area
One of Australia's finest examples of stencil art. Hand and boomerang stencils, engraved animal tracks and intricate geometric designs layered over at least 3,650 years. The sheer concentration and variety of rock art is the standout.

🏞️ Cathedral Cave
📍 18.2km return from the Visitor Area
A massive sandstone overhang (not actually a cave!) that sheltered Bidjara and Karingbal peoples for generations. Hand stencils, engravings and unique motifs can all be found here. Together, the rock art and the enormous sandstone shelter make Cathedral Cave a truly memorable stop.

Our verdict? If you're short on time, the Art Gallery is the easier option. If you're heading further into the Gorge, Cathedral Cave offers a completely different experience and is worth the extra walk.

Which one left the biggest impression on you? 👇

📷 instagram.com/jessandcolby

08/09/2026

You can see Minerva Hills National Park from the road.

But the views from the top are even better.

Just outside Springsure, it's worth the detour for the walking tracks, volcanic rock formations and sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.

🚙 4WD recommended.

Have you made the trip up yet?

🎥 Tourism and Events Queensland

The kind of day where kids ask questions and grandparents know the answers. 🚜Here are 6 things you don't see every day.....
06/09/2026

The kind of day where kids ask questions and grandparents know the answers. 🚜

Here are 6 things you don't see every day... but can at the Capella Pioneer Village Museum Heritage Day 👇

🚜 Jackieboy
A farm-built tractor made from WWII General Grant tank components.

⚒️ Blacksmith at work
Watch red-hot metal being transformed before your eyes.

🐑 A woolly sheep being shorn
A skill that's becoming less common across the region.

🔧 Vintage tractors in action
Parades, challenges and plenty of horsepower.

🎬 The Country Cinema
Old-school cartoons and short films on the big screen.

⛏️ The new mining display
Underground vehicles, memorabilia and mining stories.

There'll also be damper cooking, steam and stationary engines, sewing and quilting demonstrations, a petting zoo, pedal-powered tractors, rubber ducky races, restored heritage buildings and plenty more throughout the day.

📅 Saturday 12 September
🕘 9am–3.30pm
📍 Capella Pioneer Village

Who's bringing the kids... or the grandparents? 🚜

More details 👉 bit.ly/CPVHeritageDay2026

03/09/2026

Is Carnarvon Gorge Queensland's most beautiful hike? 👀

We'll let you decide.

But here's something you might not know...

That incredible green-blue water at Big Bend isn't edited. The colour comes from a combination of crystal-clear spring water, the surrounding canopy and the towering sandstone cliffs reflecting in the pool 🌿💧

And that's just one stop along a walk that also takes in ancient rock art, hidden side gorges and some of the most spectacular scenery in Queensland.

Hmm... maybe it really is 😉

Plan your visit 👉 bit.ly/explorecqh-cg

📷 instagram.com/80lappin

Did you know the Springsure Federation Woolshed is not just a Visitor Information Centre and Driver Reviver stop for a c...
01/09/2026

Did you know the Springsure Federation Woolshed is not just a Visitor Information Centre and Driver Reviver stop for a coffee and biccie break, but also home to some fabulous heritage items?

👉 Swipe through to see six surprising things you’ll discover when you visit:

1️⃣ Once a busted chassis seemingly destined for the scrap heap, this buggy was lovingly restored by local volunteers. We love the list beside it that shows everyone who left their mark on this community project.

2️⃣ This antique machine came from an old bottle factory, running from 1932 to 1970. Ask the volunteers how it worked because it’s fascinating!

3️⃣ One of the most beloved items in the Springsure Federation Woolshed is a preserved glass plate that was once shown in the local movie theatre, advertising a local Chinese food shop.

4️⃣ This collection of wooden panels showcases brands from local property owners and managers. The owner of the Queens Arms Hotel collected them for display in his pub as a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

5️⃣ This 1920 Furphy cart is generously on loan from a local family. It was a portable water tank, pulled by a horse or donkey, taken to communities in need of water. Ask what the shorthand engraved on the tank means... the answer may surprise you!

6️⃣ The Springsure Federation Woolshed has plenty of locally made souvenirs to remind you of your visit, including these beautiful table runners by Edna. Edna has been volunteering (and creating awesome art) at the centre since it opened in 2001!

👀 Which one would you like to see up close when on your next trip to Springsure?

One of Queensland's most scenic free camps? We think so ⛺Lions Park sits at the foot of Minerva Hills National Park, off...
30/08/2026

One of Queensland's most scenic free camps? We think so ⛺

Lions Park sits at the foot of Minerva Hills National Park, offering front-row views of the dramatic sandstone peaks above Springsure.

The most famous formation is Virgin Rock. Some people see the likeness of the Virgin Mary cradling a child. Others just see an impressive rock face 😉

Either way, it's worth pulling up a chair for.

✅ Free camping
✅ Pet friendly
✅ Campfires permitted
✅ Just 3km from Springsure

📍Save this one for your next road trip.

Plan your visit 👉 bit.ly/cqh-spring

📷 When In Roam

27/08/2026

Looking for an experience that's uniquely Queensland?

Sapphire fossicking is a must-do when visiting the Central Queensland Highlands, and it's easier than you might think.

Buy a bag of wash and follow these five quick steps. It's easy to see why visitors become hooked on the thrill of finding their own gemstones!

This haul of raw sapphires was captured at Rubyvale Miners Cottage stand during the recent Jewel of the Gemfields festival.

Ready to find your own? Plan your Sapphire Gemfields visit 👉 bit.ly/explorecqh-gemmies

One of the biggest misconceptions about Carnarvon Gorge?That it's just one walk.1️⃣ The Main Track & Side TracksThe main...
23/08/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about Carnarvon Gorge?

That it's just one walk.

1️⃣ The Main Track & Side Tracks

The main track stretches 19.4km return, with side tracks branching off as you go deeper into the Gorge. Walk as little or as much as you like. Each side track is a destination in its own right.
🌿 Lower Gorge (up to 14km return): Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Art Gallery
🌿 Upper Gorge (up to 21km return): Cathedral Cave, Boowinda Gorge and Big Bend

2️⃣ Walks Near the Visitor Area

🌿 Nature Trail: 1.5km return
🌿 Rock Pool: 600m return
🌿 Mickey Creek Gorge: 3km return
🌿 Boolimba Bluff: 6.4km return (a steep climb, but the views are worth it)

3️⃣ The Carnarvon Great Walk

For the serious adventurer.
🌿 87km multi-day walk
🌿 Explores remote sections of Carnarvon National Park beyond the main gorge
🌿 Rugged sandstone landscapes most day visitors never see

Whatever your legs are up for, there's a walk to match.

Plan your visit 👉 bit.ly/explorecqh-cg

📷 instagram.com/waimarie.joy

20/08/2026

Take a morning stroll through the Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens 🌿

Sunlight filtering through the trees.

Ducks gliding across the water.

Flowers beginning to bloom.

No rush. No agenda. Just one of Emerald's most peaceful spots.

Planning a visit? Check out the map and start exploring 👉 bit.ly/EmeraldRegionalBotanic

Central Highlands Regional Council

18/08/2026

Your beginner's guide to specking for sapphires 💎

Specking is exactly what it sounds like: searching the ground for sapphires visible on the surface.

No equipment needed. Just patience and a keen eye.

Our top tips:

🌧️ Go after rain. Rain can expose sapphires that were hidden beneath the surface.

💧 Think like water. Follow gullies, creek lines and low spots where water slows down. Check around rocks and debris where sapphires can get trapped.

🥾 Keep moving. The more ground you cover, the better your chances.

And yes, people really do find sapphires this way. Just watch until the end. 👀💎

📷 Jamies Gemstones

Address

Emerald, QLD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+61749824142

Website

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