Emerald

The city of Emerald in central Queensland is at the center of a huge mining and agricultural region that is economically one of the states most important regions. The coalfields that extend throughout the region provide fuel for the states power stations as well as providing export dollars from the export of its products to the industrial giants of Asia like China, Korea and Japan. Mining towns like Blackwater, Cleremont, Dysart and Tierri all rely on Emerald to provide supplies and an air access point from southern regions. The Capricorn Highway passes through Emerald and also services towns further to the west like Longreach and Winton. This is a major tourist route for organized tours and tourists exploring Australia by caravan, motorhome or campervan. To the west of Emerald lie the gemfields around Aanakie where many different types of precious stones are mined.

Emerald is also the center of a huge agricultural region and provides a railhead for stock and produce being exported from the region to other areas of Australia and internationally. This is the center of a huge beef cattle industry as well as grain crops and the like. Its location makes it a hub for both the mining and agricultural industries alike. Emerald is about 260 kilometers from the city of Rockhampton on the coast of Queensland and other towns and cites that lie in its immediate vicinity include Biloela, Springsure, Mount Morgan and Barcaldine.

The city itself has comprehensive shopping facilities and service industries to provide back up for both the mining industries and agricultural industries as well. There is a good supply of accommodation available for tourists passing through which is mostly in motel style accommodation. You must book ahead here as the town is often booked out as many mining staff on fly in fly out contracts that utilise the accommodation that is available.

The Emerald region is a particularly beautiful part of Australia and a region that we recommend you put on your next touring itinerary.