There are some destinations whose attractions all sit on the surface, are easy to see, predictable, and overpopulated, and then there are others that sit more quietly, sparking your curiosity and nudging you quietly to explore more.
The Central Queensland Highlands is one of them, with its diverse landscape that encourages you to dig a little deeper with each and every kilometer you put on your odometer.
Located in Central Queensland at the crossroads of the Capricorn Highway and the Great Inland Way, these two arterials serve like arteries to the visitor economy, connecting travellers to 60,000km2 of the equally arid and verdant Central Queensland Highlands.
No matter which direction you’re travelling from, or where you’re heading to next, within the Central Queensland Highlands you’ll find a tableland that’s set for adventure.
While the region might be diverse in landscape, the region is starkly similar in its shared values; it’s grounded, honest and authentic.
The true value of the destination can be found all over the terra firma of the Central Queensland Highlands – whether you’re interested in geological creations, cascading cliffs, Indigenous history or the agriculture industry.
While most choose to define their adventure by the Central Queensland Highlands’ trifecta of natural attractions – Carnarvon Gorge, Blackdown Tableland, and the Sapphire Gemfields – to stay only on these beaten paths mean you miss what more there is to explore.
In between, small country towns define the Central Queensland Highlands experience, with friendly locals who reflect what outback hospitality is all about, quaint communities and historical museums and railway stations only a marked signpost away.
No matter when you visit, every day is a new discovery in the Central Queensland Highlands, whether it’s a new Indigenous rock art site, a precious sapphire stone or a new mine.
And just when you think that’s everything there is to see and do in the Central Queensland Highlands, you’ll find there’s more to explore.
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 CREDITS: Tourism and Events Queensland, Sean Scott