Emerald Car Hire

Guide to Emerald

Geography

The town of Emerald is located within the Central Highlands Region in Queensland, Australia. It is perched on the banks of the Nogoa River.

Climate in Emerald

Emerald is situated 10km south of the Tropic of Capricorn and has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and wet, and winters are cold and dry. January is the hottest month and July is the coldest month.

Culture

Prior to European colonisation, the traditional owners of Emerald were the Gayiri people.

Things to do in Emerlad

Learn about how precious stones are obtained

The Sapphire Gemfields are an important part of Emerald’s history. Since sapphires were first discovered here in 1875, it has given rise to several surrounding townships including Emerald, Sapphire, and Rubyvale. You can take an underground mine tour, digging tour, or just visit one of the gem shops to awe at the brilliance of these precious stones.

Relax at Lake Maraboon

Go fishing, camping, picnicking, or just take a stroll around the tranquil Lake Maraboon. If you want to get in the water, you can swim, kayak or waterski. There are also barbecue facilities on site.

Go hiking at Minerva Hills National Park

Formed as a result of volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago, Minerva Hills National Park features distinctive jagged peaks and craggy cliffs that lend a foreboding vibe to the place. Nevertheless, it’s a popular hiking spot among tourists. Keep an eye out for interesting rock art created by the Karai people.

Eating out in Emerald

Capricornian Restaurant is one of the best eateries in town, thanks to their excellent service, ambience, and, of course, food. Try the crocodile spring rolls there. For a hearty breakfast, head to Theo’s. They cater to different dietary preferences and their portion sizes are huge. The Maraboon Tavern is frequented by the locals and for good reason. Their dishes are cooked to perfection and the portions sizes are, again, extremely generous.

Emerald Transport

Closest Airport to Emerald

The closest airport to Emerald is Emerald Airport (EMD).

Getting around Emerald

You can take the “Spirit of the Outback” train to reach Emerald from Brisbane. Queensland Rail also connects Emerald to other towns such as Mackay and beyond. There is also a private coach service from Mackay to Emerald. Car hire is a popular option among visitors due to the convenience and flexibility it offers. Popular car hire agencies in Emerald are Avis, Hertz and Budget. Enjoy Travel allows you to book a one-way hire, which means that you can pick up your vehicle in one city and drop it off in another, saving you the hassle of driving it back.

Traffic in Emerald

The two major highways that pass through Emerald are Gregory, which runs from north to south, and Capricorn Highway, which runs from east to west. The highways tend to generally be busy but within the town of Emerald, traffic congestion is unheard of.