A visit to Emerald is a fun adventure for families, whether you’re looking for a day out or an overnight stay.
The town has plenty to do for families, including several attractions and outdoor activities. Visitors can participate in fossicking tours and sapphire hunting, while the town’s indoor play area is great for kids.
While it is a small town, the city is vibrant with beautiful landscape that makes it a great place to spend your vacation.
For those with kids, a visit to Emerald, Queensland is not just about the city’s history, but its subtropical climate makes it an ideal destination for a family holiday. There are also plenty of sights and attractions to explore with kids including the town’s many parks and museums.
When travelling with the family, be sure to pack plenty of water to ensure you remain hydrated (although you will be able to pick some up along the way when exploring in Emerald), some sunscreen and hats, and appropriate gear for adventuring.
Without further ado, here are the top things families should check out when in Emerald.
The Emerald Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking to get back to nature with your kids, head to the botanical gardens in Emerald. A tropical paradise that offers the lush retreat into Mother Nature’s beauty, take a walk into this oasis in the Outback.
Nestled on the banks of the Nogoa River, the Emerald Botanic Gardens spans over 42 hectares and is the only botanic gardens in Central Western Queensland. There are 6 kilometres of walking tracks followed by plenty of picnic areas, mazes, playgrounds, art sculptures, and plant communities and zones to explore.
Check out the heritage
A fossilised tree, estimated to be 250 million years old, was discovered during the construction of a new railway bridge. It’s now located at the entrance of the town hall, and visitors can walk on it to see what the fossilised tree looks like.
The Emerald Historical Village
While visiting Emerald, you should make sure to take your kids to the Emerald Historical Village. This historical landmark has a replica of a lead-lined lockup, where people were incarcerated and tortured. It also has a communications museum, where visitors can learn more about the history of the town. Taking a family trip to Emerald is a fun way to spend the day with your loved ones.
A dip in Lake Maraboon
In the summer, Emerald offers a cool retreat from the heat. Its famous Lake Maraboon offers a dip in the lake, and a visit to the nearby Sapphire Gemfields can provide plenty of exercise, but you should be prepared to spend a day in the sun.
Lake Maraboon is known for its watersports including fishing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and more. Anglers will be thrilled to experience fishing at Lake Maraboon, with regularly fish stocked at the lake.
The area is also home to a wide array of birdlife for those who enjoy wildlife, and the free to use barbeque pits will give you all the excuse you need to cook up a storm while enjoying the scenery.
For a more active adventure, you could always head to the Minerva Hills National Park, which is close to Emerald. It features jagged peaks and high altitude.
Shopping in Emerald
Despite its reputation as a cosmopolitan and multicultural town, the town also has plenty of shopping options. Its shopping centres, including the Central Highlands Marketplace, are located in the city’s centre. Most of them are open seven days a week, which means you can have a day-long adventure without having to worry about missing out on a meal. You can plan a staycation by staying in the city and then go for the scenic drive to the surrounding region.
Where to eat in Emerald, Queensland
For a memorable meal, head to the Maraboon Tavern for exceptional pub food and an outdoor playground to keep the little ones busy.
It’s a local favourite for good reason, offering the warm welcome of Emerald followed by first class dining as a result of specially curated meals created by the professional chefs that run the show. The Maraboon Tavern keeps things exciting by introducing new menus every so often, featuring the best of local produce and fresh ingredients that continue to entice your taste buds and enhance your dining experience in Emerald.
From perfectly grilled meats, smoked meats that melt in your mouth, classic Aussie pub fare with a modern twist to pasta and noodles, schnitzels, fresh seafood, and other mains that will have you coming back for more, there’s always something for everyone at the Maraboon Tavern. Portions are very generous and the wide range of drinks and fresh beer on tap help complete your meal nicely.
Discover what all the fuss is about, and make a booking by calling the Maraboon Tavern on (07) 4982 0999 to not miss out on this local fave.
Banner image credit: Queensland.com
