Description
According to the official road-numbering system, the 574km long Capricorn Highway from Rockhampton to Barcaldine is Australia’s very own Route 66. Many over 2km long trains transport coals from central Queensland to the coast every day. It is best to visit in the cooler months between April and November.
Coming from Rockhampton you will find the life-size, bronze statue of a dingo commemorates the town’s name. The World Championship Dingo Trap Throwing Competition is held here every July. 11km further west is the turnoff to the beautiful Blackdown Tableland National Park where you can stay overnight on a remote campsite in the forest.
Blackwater is mainly a coal mining town. The six coal mines around Blackwater generate 26% of Queensland’s coal export. The Lions Park in Blackwater has one of Australia’s largest displays of flags. Next is Emerald which is a bigger town and heart of Queensland’s Central Highlands.
The Gemfields around Sapphire, Rubyvale, Anakie and Willows are the world’s largest of their kind and renowned for large, rare sapphires. Experience the unforgettable thrill of finding one in its natural state.
The streets in Alpha (168km west of Emerald) are named after poets, while in Jericho they are named after scientist. Alpha is branded the “Town of Murals” due to the 27 colourful murals painted on buildings throughout the town. For the total movie experience you cannot go past the 36-car drive in the Jericho Drive in Theater. Movies are shown once a month.
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