Emerald - Places to See

The Historical Precinct
One building which is still standing is the Emerald Pioneer Cottage (turn north off the Capricorn Highway at Borilla Street and follow the signs) which was built as a shop on Clermont Street around 1880. It was moved to its present site in the 1980s. It is now part of a small historical village which includes the town's lockup (built in 1910 and still operating in 1970), St Marks Presbyterian Church (built in 1884) and a Communications Museum which has important memorabilia tracing the town's written and sound communications history.

Emerald Railway Station
The most impressive building in Emerald is undoubtedly the Emerald Railway Station in Clermont Street. Classified by the National Trust it is arguably the finest building in the Central Highlands. Made out of chamferboard it boasts an elaborate central entry porch with much iron lacework and some impressive cast-iron columns.

Lake Maraboon
Lake Maraboon, which has been dammed by Fairbairn Dam, is vast (larger than Sydney Harbour) and its waters have become a popular leisure haunt for the Emerald townsfolk.

Fossilised Wood
Outside the Emerald Town Hall in Egerton Street is a piece of fossilised wood estimated to be 250 million years old. It was dug up in 1979 when a new railway bridge was being built across the Mackenzie River. Discovered in the year of Emerald's centenary it was presented to the town by the company operating the Gregory Mine to the north.

Information Centre
The Tourist Information Centre is located to the west of the town centre on the highway and is interestingly housed in the old Operating Theatre building from the local hospital. It is worth a visit even if you have no enquiries.

The Emerald Cotton Gin
Located on Springsure Rd, 3 km out of Emerald, the gin used to run free tours but, sadly, occupational Health and Safety concerns have closed this fascinating experience down. It is no longer open for visitors.