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Emerald
Named not for its gems but for the lush green pastures that once
surrounded the town, Emerald is the hub of the Central Highlands area.
Established in 1879 as a base for the building of the western railway,
Emerald is located on the Nogoa River 263 km west of Rockhampton, Most
of Emerald’s early history was destroyed by massive fires in 1936,
1940, 1954 and 1968. Emerald was established in 1879 and is a thriving
rural centre supporting the Central Highlands agricultural and coal
mining industries. Emerald has an established airport which is
currently being upgraded to take large jet aircrafts.
The town has a number of community orientated attractions for visitors
to enjoy; such as the Botanic Gardens on the Nogoa River, Mosaic
Pathway, Art Gallery and the world’s biggest Van Gogh Sunflower
painting is situated in Morton Park. The first operational tractor on
the Central Highlands can be seen in restored condition at Gindie, 22km
south.
Historical Village
About 1880, Emerald Pioneer Cottage was built as a shop in Clermont
Street and moved to the Historical Village in the 1980s. The Historical
Village includes a Communication Museum, the town lock-up, which was
built in 1910, and St. Marks Presbyterian Church built in 1884.
Historic Railway Station
Emerald's historic Railway Station, built in 1900, is located within
walking distance of the town's centre and is perfect for great photo
opportunities. Classified by the National Trust, it is arguably the
finest building in the Central Highlands. Made out of chamferboard, it
boasts an elaborate central entry porch with much iron lacework and
some impressive cast-iron columns.
Strawbale Visitor Information Centre
The Central Highlands Visitor Information Centre was constructed in
2005 using straw bales. Straw was used as it provides twice the level
of insulation and is an inexpensive, renewable and aesthetically
pleasing building material.
