Emerald, Queensland - Art, Sunflowers and Sapphire Country

Wander * Explore * Discover
Aug 3, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Emerald, Queensland - Art, Sunflowers and Sapphire Country

Set in the heart of the Central Queensland Highlands, Emerald is a vibrant inland town with a creative spirit and a rich connection to the land. Located 878 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, Emerald was established in 1879 and has grown into the regional hub of the Central Highlands. It is also the gateway to one of the largest sapphire fields in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a fascinating destination that blends art, history and outback adventure.

On our visit to Emerald, we wandered around the town centre on the art trail and visited the historic railway station. We saw the large Van Gogh Sunflower Painting, the mosaic pathway and the historic village. We also explored the Botanic Gardens, Lake Maraboon, and the Sapphire Gemfields.

A Town That Celebrates Art in Unexpected Places

One of the first things we noticed in Emerald was how creatively the town expresses itself. Wandering through the town centre, we followed the Emerald Art Trail, discovering colourful murals, sculptures and playful street art along main streets, tucked into laneways, painted onto footpaths and splashed across building facades. Each piece adds character and tells part of Emerald’s story.

The Visitor Information Centre is a great place to start, as it provides a detailed Street Art Map with information about the artists and the artworks scattered throughout town. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to explore Emerald on foot.

Sunflowers, Dragons and Mosaics

Emerald was once a major sunflower-producing region, and today that legacy lives on in a truly eye-catching way. Near the Visitor Centre in Morton Park, you’ll find the world’s largest Van Gogh sunflower painting, standing an impressive 25 metres high. It’s impossible to miss and has become one of Emerald’s most iconic sights.

Nearby, the Emerald Dragon guards the entrance to the Visitor Centre. This giant Eastern Bearded Dragon sculpture was created from recycled farming equipment and reflects the region’s strong agricultural roots.

We also enjoyed wandering along the Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway, a 100-metre trail filled with colourful and intricate mosaic artworks.

Just behind the Visitor Centre, the Pioneer Cottage Complex offers a glimpse into early life in the region, with historic buildings and artefacts that bring Emerald’s story to life.

Heritage on the Rails

Emerald’s historic railway station is a standout landmark and a reminder of the town’s importance as a regional transport hub. Originally built in 1900 and carefully restored in 1986, the station features elegant wrought-iron lacework and a striking pillared portico. Now heritage-listed, it remains one of the town’s most photographed buildings and a beautiful link to Emerald’s past.

A Tropical Oasis on the Nogoa River

The Emerald Botanic Gardens, located along the banks of the Nogoa River, are a peaceful and beautifully designed space to slow down and relax. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the gardens cover 42 hectares and feature around six kilometres of walking and cycling paths, along with picnic areas, playgrounds and shady spots to rest.

As you wander through the gardens, you’ll discover themed plantings, sculptures and tranquil river views, making it one of Emerald’s most enjoyable outdoor spaces.

Lake Maraboon and Big Country Water

Around 25 kilometres from Emerald, Lake Maraboon offers a striking contrast to the town’s artistic heart. As Queensland’s second-largest lake, it is three times the size of Sydney Harbour and can hold an astonishing 1.3 million megalitres of water.

The lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming and boating, with facilities including picnic tables, BBQs, walking tracks, a boat ramp and designated swimming areas. It’s a wonderful place to experience the scale of Central Queensland and enjoy the outdoors.

Gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields

A 45-minute drive from Emerald takes you into the Sapphire Gemfields, the largest sapphire fields in the Southern Hemisphere. This unique region invites visitors to try their hand at fossicking, browse gem shops and galleries, sift through wash bags and admire large sapphire-inspired artworks. Whether you strike it lucky or simply enjoy learning about the area’s gem-mining heritage, it’s an unforgettable part of any Emerald visit.

Why Emerald Is Worth the Journey

Emerald is more than a regional hub — it’s a town that proudly celebrates creativity, history and its connection to the land. From vibrant street art and giant sunflowers to peaceful gardens, vast lakes and sparkling sapphire country, Emerald offers a diverse and rewarding experience for travellers exploring Central Queensland.

It’s a place where outback stories meet unexpected colour, and one that leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve moved on.