Make the smart move
to a better life.Â
Welcome to the Central Queensland Highlands – a region abundant in opportunity, natural beauty, and meaningful community connection. Spanning almost 60,000 square kilometres, our diverse region is the perfect place to balance a rewarding career with a lifestyle rich in outdoor adventure, country charm, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
From well-established resource and agriculture sectors, affordable housing, and vibrant, family friendly communities, to contemporary healthcare and education facilities, the Central Queensland Highlands offers everything you need to thrive both professionally and personally.
Discover why making the smart move to the Central Queensland Highlands is the best decision for your family’s future.
Endless job opportunities
With a robust economy driven by mining, agriculture, horticulture, and tourism, the region has hundreds of diverse job opportunities available right now! From managerial, professional, tech and trade roles, to essential community positions like doctors, nurses, police officers, educators, and childcare providers – your skills are in high demand, making this the perfect place to achieve your professional goals.
| Mining | 6,704 |
| Agriculture | 1,970 |
| Retail | 1,242 |
| Education | 1,162 |
| Accommodation & Food | 1,132 |
| Health | 998 |
| Government | 692 |
Affordable accommodation
Housing in the Central Queensland Highlands is significantly more affordable than metro areas, with a median house price of $285,000 compared to Brisbane’s $610,000 average. The region offers a wide variety of options, from sprawling acreage and spacious family homes, to compact, easy-to-maintain units. While Emerald serves as the main centre with all the modern conveniences, smaller towns provide opportunities to save on costs, and enjoy larger blocks. It’s a good idea to explore your options early to secure the perfect place, as housing is in high demand reflecting the region’s popularity.
| +Housing Costs | Buy | Rent |
| Emerald | $380,000 | $450/w |
| Blackwater | $227,000 | $380/w |
| Capella | $284,000 | $405/w |
| Springsure | $190,000 | n/a |
Quality education for all ages
The Central Queensland Highlands is home to a wide range of educational options, making it a great place to raise a family. Our region offers childcare and early education centres, public and private primary and secondary schools, and quality higher education institutions including campuses for CQUniversity, James Cook University, and TAFE Emerald Campus.
Modern healthcare facilities
The region boasts three hospitals and comprehensive, medical and allied health facilities, ensuring you and your family are well-supported with access to quality healthcare. From visiting specialists to general practitioners, the healthcare system here is designed to meet the needs of a growing and dynamic community, giving you peace of mind as you focus on building your future.
An enviable lifestyle
With pristine natural attractions like Carnarvon Gorge, Lake Maraboon, and the Sapphire Gemfields, the Central Queensland Highlands is perfect for those who love outdoor adventures. Spend your weekends hiking, fishing, camping, horse riding, or exploring off-road trails. Beyond nature, you’ll find a vibrant community life with sporting and recreation clubs, churches, and retail centres. Immerse yourself in local culture with artisan markets, art galleries, and country race days and rodeos that celebrate our outback heritage. Just a short three-hour drive west of Rockhampton or a 1.5-hour flight from Brisbane, here you’ll experience a unique blend of urban connectivity and rural tranquillity.
