Local Area

ATTRACTIONS

Located on the Capricorn Highway, Blackwater is known as the Coal Capital of Queensland and it really is well worth a visit to the Blackwater International Coal Centre which showcases the Central Highlands Coal Industry. Take advantage of one of the mine tours offered at the Centre and learn more about the industry and the history of the local area with a wander through the interactive displays.

Adjacent to the Coal Centre, Blackwater also boasts a peaceful Japanese Garden, marking the relationship between the town and its Sister City, Fujisawa, Japan. 


The Central Highlands is an area with many natural attractions and you can enjoy bushwalking in parks and forests, 4WD in the Blackdown Ranges or enjoy a driving tour through diverse and scenic countryside along one of the local tourist routes.

Gaze in wonder at the vast star-filled night sky... 


Take the time to soak up the history of this large and wonderful region and try your luck at the gem fields in quest of a big, sparkling sapphire...


...or just kick back, relax and enjoy a fish or ski at one of the dams in the area.


From sandstone escarpments and sapphire fossicking fields to glistening fresh water springs, the Central Highlands is the perfect place to embark on an adventure.

Blackwater International Coal Centre

The Blackwater International Coal Centre and the Australian Coal Mining Museum are perfectly situated at the entrance to the Central Highlands. Blackwater is a charming rural town for delving into the impressive coal mining industry, exploring the Blackdown Tablelands, and relaxing by the Bedford Weir.


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Carnarvon Gorge

Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland's Sandstone Country is a majestic haven for hikers, showcasing narrow gorges, towering cliffs, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and diverse plant life. Home to 173 bird species, it's a top spot for wildlife enthusiasts.


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Bedford Weir

The Bedford Weir, a human-made reservoir on the Mackenzie River, is located 25 kilometers north of Blackwater. Offering amenities such as water, toilets, and showers at no cost. Nestled in shaded riverside areas, wood-fired barbecues and a children's playground create an idyllic spot for picnics.


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Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Gardens in Blackwater are renowned as the finest of their kind in Queensland, symbolizing the bond between Blackwater and its sister city, Fujisawa in Japan. A visit to the gardens offers an ideal retreat to unwind, contemplate, and bask in the tranquility. These traditional gardens showcase a variety of styles typical of Japanese landscaping.



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Dig The Tropic

Explore Dig the Tropic, a geotourism trail linking fifteen sites along the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland, Australia. From Boulia to the Great Barrier Reef, this trail is the world's only one of its kind, perfect for a unique self-drive adventure.



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Sapphire Gemfields

The Sapphire Gemfields, a vast expanse rich in history and natural beauty, is renowned for its abundance of precious sapphires. Towns like Rubyvale and Sapphire offer a glimpse into the vibrant gemstone mining industry, where visitors can experience the glittering allure of these precious gems amidst the rugged landscape.



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Little House of Gems

To immerse yourself in the thrill of bush fossicking, choose from our selection of three exceptional tours: the Rubyvale Sapphire Fossicking Day Tour, the Rubyvale Sapphire Camping and Fossicking Tour, and the Rubyvale Sapphire Fossicking Kit Hire.



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