The children's play park has undercover BBQ facilities and a wide range of equipment. There is also an area with fitness equipment if you want to keep in shape.

A short 10 minute walk from Motel 707 quality budget accommodation.

Rubyvale offers many gem fossicking areas and the best place to start is the Rubyvale Gem Gallery.

You can purchase your fossickers licence and any tools you need and receive expert instruction in how and where to look for precious gems.

The Blackwater International Coal Centre provides amazing perspectives of the coal mining industry as it showcases the Australian coal industry to the world. See how early settlers lived and worked. Marvel at the size and scale of the massive equipment used today, and learn about Australia's leading role in the development of technologies of global importance. Experience the warm welcome of a country mining town and be amazed at the sheer size of this vital, world-class industry. It's a totally interactive learning experience for the whole family.

The Blackwater Japanese Garden is a cooperative effort between the two sister cities Blackwater and Fujisawa establishing harmony and friendship now and for the future.

White gravel stones denotes water flowing from a waterfall. The placement of rocks within the gravel patterns symbolize the planets in space. The lanterns represent various facets of life and the Goju no tou lantern represents elements of water, fire, earth, wind and air. Some, like the Yamadoro lantern, are made from volcanic rock. The pond is an integral part of any Japanese garden as are all the elements of nature.

Founded in 1987, these gardens cover 42 hectares and offer picnic facilities, playgrounds & walking trails.

The Marathon windmill and pond present excellent photographic opportunities along with the abundant bird life. The stone chapel is a popular wedding site.

Other installations at the park include the Federation Pillars and Yarn Pit, Marbles in the Park and several exercise stations.

Australia's largest underground walk-in sapphire mine tour. Established in 1982 as a working mine , the mine entry & underground showroom were completed and the first official tour commenced in 1984.

The above ground air-conditioned showroom was completed in 2004 and gives visitors an insight into the craftsmanship of gem cutting.

A pleasant one hour drive east of Emerald is the beautiful Blackdown Tableland. Magnificent rainforest gullies and extensive views reward the traveller. The waterfalls and rock pools provide fresh, clear, cool water for those wanting to take a dip.

Munall Campground provides toilets and the walking trails are close by.

Camp sites must be booked and you will need to bring your own water.

Lake Maraboon was created when the Fairbairn Dam was built southwest of Emerald in 1972 for the primary purpose of irrigation.

Its capacity is approximately three times larger than Sydney Harbour.

The lake is a popular fishing and swimming spot with a number of BBQ's and picnic tables provided for visitors.

Maraboon is Aboriginal for "where the black ducks fly".

The Aquatic Centre boasts an Olympic size swimming pool partially covered to provide some shade as well as a heated indoor pool.

The 3-tube water slide is popular with older children and adults.

Three children's play areas include the outdoor water dump playground, an indoor play area for toddlers as well as a toddlers pool.

The centre has a popular kiosk offering light meals and snacks and stocking everything from sunscreen to swimwear.

Rubyvale Observatory is in the grounds of the Rubyvale Motel.

The ‘Gems by Day, Jewels by Night’ Observatory Session is a fascinating tour into the wonders of the night sky above the Sapphire Gemfields.

Bookings are essential.

A 45 minute drive will take you south to the town of Springsure and the Minerva Hills National Park.

The park features a rugged landscape with volcanic peaks, sheltered gorges, sheer cliffs, open woodlands and dry rain forest. There are four lookouts and a picnic area for visitors. Camping is not allowed in the park.

The world's biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting, standing 25 metres high, is situated in Morton Park, Emerald.

It is part of a concept by Cameron Cross to erect seven Sunflower sculptures in seven different countries, reproducing Van Gogh's seven different Sunflower paintings. 

The painting celebrates the Central Highland's reputation as a major sunflower producer.

The Emerald Information Centre and Pioneer Village are located in the same park and make for an interesting excursion into the region's past.