The Central Queensland Highlands sits at the centre of two completely different worlds – the Great Barrier Reef and Outback Queensland.
To find it, head inland from Rockhampton along the Capricorn Highway or if travelling north to south along the Great Inland Way.
Both major highways form a junction in the Central Queensland Highlands and the ‘X’ these two highways make on a map, marks the destination’s spot.
The Central Queensland Highlands’ main business centre might be Emerald, but the region’s natural attractions can be found dotted like a compass around the region – Carnarvon Gorge, Sapphire Gemfields and Blackdown Tableland.
In between its 60,000km2 borders, you’ll find small country towns like Duaringa, Dingo, Capella and Blackwater, which beg you to Explore More.
Explore More…
Arcadia Valley
Nestled between the Expedition and Carnarvon Ranges, Arcadia Valley lives up to the Greek origins of its name, Ideal Paradise….
Bauhinia
Located on the Dawson Highway and close to the south-east border of Central Queensland Highlands, the small town of Bauhinia…
Blackdown Tableland
EXPLORE BLACKDOWN Rising abruptly above the surrounding plains, Blackdown Tableland National Park is a cool oasis. Covering approximately 47,950 hectares,…
Blackwater
Blackwater, known as the coal capital of Queensland, is a town filled with a rich history and a heart-warming community….
Bluff
Originally known as Duckworth, the town name was changed in 1877 to Bluff to match the name of the railway…
Bogantungan
While today Bogantungan is just a few houses on the highway, it has its place in history. On 26 February…
Capella
EXPLORE CAPELLA Located within the famous Peak Downs District, this town is renowned for fertile soils, historical relics and spectacular…
Carnarvon Gorge
EXPLORE CARNARVON Immerse yourself in wilderness and embrace Mother Nature as you wind through the deep and dramatic gorge system,…
Comet
Comet was named after the Comet River that runs close to the township. The river itself was named by German…
Dingo
Nestled in grazing country, Dingo is named after the wild Australian dog that roamed the area. The town sits at…
Duaringa
The welcoming gateway to the Central Queensland Highlands, Duaringa dates back to the 1870s. Duaringa’s Historial Museum and Tourism Information…
Emerald
EXPLORE EMERALD Named not after the gem, but for the lush green pastures that surrounded the town, Emerald was established…
Lake Maraboon
EXPLORE LAKE MARABOON Located 25kms south-west of Emerald, Lake Maraboon is Queensland’s second largest lake and a favourite with locals…
Rolleston
Rolleston lies in the centre of a rich, resourceful and beautiful valley. The sandstone cliffs that follow the Carnarvon, Expedition…
Sapphire Gemfields
EXPLORE THE GEMFIELDS Come on a real-life treasure hunt in the Sapphire Gemfields, one of the largest sapphire bearing areas…
Springsure
Springsure’s name was derived from the permanent springs in the creeks and gullies at the time of settlement in the…
PHOTO: Taking in the views from Boolimba Bluff lookout, Carnarvon National Park. Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland. Photographer: Reuben Nutt.