Queensland Holidays - Destinations - Central Highlands

The spectacular Carnarvon Gorge should not be missed! Ancient Aboriginal art works, remnant rainforests and 21km of walking tracks meandering through the craggy sandstone cliffs lead to extraordinary sites such as the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Ward's Canyon. The 298,000 hectare Carnarvon wilderness area is segmented into parks each with outstanding features courtesy of Mother Nature.

Winding northwards, the Great Inland Way passes through Rolleston to arrive in Springsure. A striking sight lit at night, Virgin Rock looks over the town from within the pretty Minerva Hills National Park. Take one of the self-drive tours and visit the historical Old Rainworth Fort, the Wills Massacre site and Fred's Gorge. Access to the Ka Ka Mundi and Salvator Rosa sections of Carnarvon National Park are from Springsure.

You won't find a single emerald gem stone around Emerald, the vibrant heart of Queensland's Central Highlands, 66km from Springsure. The new straw-bale visitor information centre is not hard to find - just look for the giant Van Gogh sunflower painting. Allow a few days for this area has much on offer. Around town, pay a visit to the Emerald Botanic Gardens, heritage listed Railway Station, the 250-year-old fossilised tree, and mosaic pathway.

Extremely popular for those into fishing are Lake Maraboon and Fairbairn Dam. Here the famous Redclaw - freshwater crayfish - are caught by the dozens. A mere 44km to the west of Emerald is one of the world's largest sapphire fields. Admire sapphires in a myriad of sparkling colours in the local galleries and gem shops.

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, is the friendly town of Capella, 54km north of Emerald, encircled by a patchwork of multi-coloured crops forever changing across the black fertile plains. Drop in and see Australia's largest wood-roofed station homestead - the Peak Downs Homestead at the Pioneer Village and take the relaxing self-drive tour through the Peak Range.

Next is Clermont where gold fossickers armed with a detector and licence, are often compensated with valuable finds. Picnic at Hoods Lagoon and don't miss the free tour of Blair Athol Mine to witness mining at the world's largest seam of steaming coal. Only a few kilometres south, Theresa Creek Dam is a beaut spot to camp and fish. At nearby Copperfield, see all that remains of Queensland's first copper mine.