With train transport taking off in Australia from the mid 1800s, it’s no surprise that the Central Queensland Highlands has plenty of historical railway stations.

Here’s a few of our favourites:

• Emerald Railway Station was built in 1900 and added to Queensland’s Heritage Register in 1992. The building is made of timber and has an iron roof, wrought iron trimmings and pillared portico. A popular spot for a photo, even if you’re not a train traveller.
• Anakie’s station is home to a 140-year-old bottle tree, engraved with the initials of the soldiers who were on their way to war.
• Bogantungan’s station has panels and memorabilia about one of Queensland’s worst train disasters, that took place in the area 63 years ago.
• The station at the town of Bluff has more of a contemporary claim to fame. It is a major interchange for large coal trains for what is a massive industry for the Central QLD Highlands. Have a beer at the pub, directly across from the railway station, and watch the trains go past.
• Honourable mentions go to to Blackwater’s former station building, which is nearly 150 years old and now part of Lions Park; Comet’s station building, which shut in 1995 and now lives at the town’s Whistle Stop Park; and Capella’s historic ‘tent roofed’ railway station.

Use the free visitor guide to Explore More of the region.