Travel Smart Hub

budget-busting TIPS AND TRICKS

Scroll down to get real‑time fuel tools, EV charging locations, and smart ways to enjoy the Central Queensland Highlands without the extra kilometres.

Check fuel prices and availability

EV charging and connectivity

Low-fuel adventures

One-drive wonders

FUEL PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Here are our top picks to find the latest and most accurate fuel prices:

PETROLSPY

RACQ FAIR FUEL FINDER

FUEL DADDY

FUEL RADAR

Reported fuel availability can be found on this map as part of the Central Highlands Disaster Dashboard.

central highlands fuel prices (emerald)

Latest average prices across Emerald. Updated: 20 May 2026.

Fuel Type	Average Price (c/L)
ULP 91	186.5
E10	183.4
Premium 95	218.4
Premium 98	208.4
Diesel	240.1

Based on Emerald (QLD) reporting data. Nearby towns may vary slightly.

EV CHARGING locations

The Queensland Government’s Electric Super Highway includes fast charging stations at:

Emerald (Morton Park, corner of Dundas Street and Capricorn Highway)
Dingo (2 Palmer Street)
Rolleston (Warrijo Street)

Or download one of these apps to find an EV charger near you:

PLUG SHARE

CHARGEFOX

low-fuel adventures

Try a 1–2 hour mini adventure, perfect for travellers trying to conserve fuel or settling in for a longer stay:

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emerald

Explore the Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens’ walking trails and playground.
Swing by the Emerald Railway Station to take in its historic architecture (built in 1900).
Call into Morton Park to see the giant Van Gogh Sunflower Painting, follow the Federation Mosaic Pathway and wander through the Pioneer Cottage Complex.

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sapphire gemfields

Base yourself in Rubyvale for easy, low‑fuel access to attractions and eateries.
Take an underground mine tour.
Hunt for treasure by purchasing a bag of wash at a local fossicking park.
Browse Rubyvale’s gem shops for cut stones, jewellery and souvenirs.
Spot cattle, horses and camels roaming on Miners’ Common.

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blackwater

Learn the region’s mining story and watch a movie (school holidays) at the Blackwater International Coal Centre.
Find your serenity in the Japanese and Timeless Gardens.
See the world’s largest display of flags and a historic locomotive train at Lions Park.
Take a self-guided audio tour of Ghungalu Nunee Garden.

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capella

Follow the path along Capella Parklands to see interpretive signage, bottle trees and the Australian Light Horse Monument.
Get a sense of the scale of the local mining industry by stopping at the huge Eartheater bucket at the north end of town.
Wander through Capella Geo Park, home to rock samples and a fossilised tree trunk (looks like bark but is actually solid stone).

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lake maraboon

As you arrive, take it slow driving across the Fairbairn Dam wall to spot the impressive spillway below.
Pull in at the lookout to soak up views and read the signage that shares the story of the dam.
Follow the road through to the public recreation area to wander along the lake’s edge.
Time your stay for sunset, when the vast water and open skies put on a memorable display.

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springsure

Begin at the Federation Woolshed, a replica of the historic sheds shipped from Britain in the early 1900s and filled with photos and antiques.
While you’re there, pick up a Heritage Walk map to take in the town’s past.
Do the short drive to Lions Park to see Virgin Rock, a formation on Mount Zamia said to resemble the Virgin Mary holding her child.

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ONE-DRIVE WONDERS

Save fuel by choosing one great place to explore. Here’s our favourites:

caRNARVON GORGE

From the Carnarvon Visitor Information Centre, you can fit the top attractions of Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, and Art Gallery into a (mostly!) leisurely four-hour roundtrip. Take a refreshing dip in the Rock Pool.

EMERALD REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Located on the banks of Nogoa River, this park spans 42ha and includes a rose garden, maze, bush chapel, sculptures, rainforest, playground and 6kms of walking and bike tracks. Always a huge hit with kids!

SAPPHIRE GEMFIELDS WETLAND

This 14-hectare reserve features walking and cycling tracks, seating, a boardwalk and bird watching hide. A restored fossicker’s dwelling gives a unique glimpse into the way miners lived. Extra special after rain.

COMET TALES AND TRAILS

Starting from DIG Tree Park, take a self-guided walk around the township, stopping at 16 historical sites to take in the fascinating story of the Comet area since European settlement. Each site has a QR Code for more details.

capella pioneer village

It’s easy to spend a few hours stepping back in time at Capella’s star attraction, where heritage buildings, machinery and memorabilia bring the region’s early stories to life. The village features a restored 1869 homestead.

BLACKDOWN TABLELAND

Make a beeline for Gudda Gumoo walking trail, the shining jewel of this national park. The picturesque walk (4km-return) leads you down to the natural pool at the base of the gorge waterfall, an idyllic swimming spot.