Central Highlands

Central Highlands Tourism

Central Highlands is one of the most beautiful regions in Queensland, Australia, offering a diverse range of attractions to tourists. Here in this article, we have outlined some of the best tourist attractions in and around the region.

1. Carnarvon Gorge National Park – Carnarvon Gorge National Park is a popular attraction in Central Highlands. The Park is home to several walking tracks and trails that offer visitors the chance to witness breathtaking scenery. The tracks include Main Gorge Track, Rock Pool, and Carnarvon Gorge Circuit, all of which offer stunning views of the park's sandstone cliffs, scenic waterfalls, and diverse vegetation.

2. Blackdown Tableland National Park – Blackdown Tableland National Park is another significant attraction in Central Highlands. The park features several vibrant landscapes with waterfalls, rock pools, and dramatic cliffs, as well as a fascinating cultural history of the Indigenous Paiwan people. Visitors can take a walk to the Rainbow Falls or the Moores Creek Falls to explore the scenic beauty of the National Park.

3. Sapphire Gemfields – The Sapphire Gemfields is a must-visit spot in Central Highlands for tourists interested in gemstones and mining. The region is home to several mining towns, such as Sapphire, Rubyvale, and Anakie, where visitors can learn about the gemstone mining process and even try their hand at fossicking for gems.

4. Emerald Botanic Gardens – Nature lovers can head towards the Emerald Botanic Gardens to capture the beauty of the flora and fauna of Central Highlands. Established in 1987, the gardens showcase an extensive collection of native and exotic plants, a lagoon, and picnic areas for visitors to relax and enjoy a quiet escape.

5. Lake Maraboon – Lake Maraboon is Central Highlands' most significant water storage reservoir and an ideal spot for all entertainment enthusiasts. The Lake offers a variety of activities like fishing, boating, swimming, bushwalking, and watersports, making it a perfect stress-free getaway spot.

6. Tom Murphy Nature Reserve - For nature lovers, Tom Murphy Nature Reserve is a must-visit spot in Central Highlands. It is a popular camping destination that provides campsites with basic amenities. The reserve extends over 6,000 hectares and offers visitors the chance to explore the walking trails, wildlife spotting, and panoramic views from Mount Zamia.

7. The Gemfields - The Gemfields are considered as the largest sapphire fields in the world. The area is famous for its geological features, stunning wildlife, and the fascinating history of the indigenous Wadja Wadja people. For those interested in sapphire mining, the region offers visitors the chance to 'noodle' – the local term for picking through the soil to search for sapphires.

8. Minerva Hills National Park - Minerva Hill National Park is a diverse reserve featuring beautiful landscapes, rare plants, and abundant fauna. The park is well-known for its flora and fauna conservation, wildlife watching and a range of opportunities for bushwalking and camping.

9. Peak Range National Park - Peak Range National Park is home to some of the finest rock formations and pictographs in the Central Highlands. The Park offers visitors bushwalking opportunities along with several unique explorations of the Pioneer Valley foothills in Central Highlands.

Conclusion:

Central Highlands is one of the most beautiful regions in Queensland, Australia, offering a diverse range of attractions to tourists. This article gives an insight into the top tourist attractions in the region, including Carnarvon Gorge National Park, Blackdown Tableland National Park, Emerald Botanic Gardens, Lake Maraboon, Tom Murphy Nature Reserve, The Gemfields, Minerva Hills National Park and Peak Range National Park. Visitors can enjoy the variety of outdoor activities, national parks, botanic gardens, and cultural attractions while exploring this unique region of Queensland, Australia.