If you seek an outdoor adventure or crave quiet time in nature or love to learn about history, you’ve come to the right place. The Central Queensland Highlands has a range of must-visit and must-do destinations for you to Explore More!

Emerald

As the Gateway to the Outback, Emerald is a great base to refresh and restock but it's worth a longer stay to explore its 42-hectare Botanic Gardens and the nearby Lake Maraboon, Queensland's second largest lake and home to beautiful sunsets.

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Carnarvon Gorge

Immerse yourself in wilderness and embrace Mother Nature as you wind through the deep and dramatic gorge system, carved out by wind and rain over millions of years. As you marvel at the geological wonder, you start to wonder – why stay for just one night and tackle just one of the trails, when there’s so much more to explore.

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Sapphire Gemfields

Among the largest sapphire bearing areas of the world, the Gemfields take in the townships of Rubyvale, Sapphire Central, Anakie Siding and Willows Gemfields. Once you’ve tried your luck at fossicking, follow the Sapphire Gemfields Interpretive Trail to learn about the local characters and capers, or breathe in the serenity of the Wetland Reserve.

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Blackdown Tableland

Rising abruptly above the surrounding plains, Blackdown Tableland National Park is a cool oasis of deep sandstone gorges, spectacular lookouts, scenic waterfalls and unusual plants. It's the traditional home of the Ghungalu people, who have left behind rock art –  vivid reminders of their special culture.

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