Rockhampton to Emerald road trip: Distance, driving time & stops

Rockhampton to Emerald road trip: Distance, driving time & stops

Rockhampton to Emerald drive: Blackwater International Coal Centre

Continuing west, the next town you come to is Blackwater. Here, the Blackwater International Coal Centre tells the story of coal mining in Central Queensland and across Australia.

From Blackwater, it’s about 54 minutes’ drive to Emerald. There’s nothing worth stopping for along the way.

Highlights of Emerald include the Mosaic Pathway, Emerald Botanic Gardens and the world’s biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting. You can also enjoy some R&R at Fairbairn Dam.

Where to stay in Emerald

The best Emerald accommodations options are:

Lake Maraboon, created by Fairbairn Dam near Emerald, Queensland
Lake Maraboon, created by Fairbairn Dam near Emerald, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland/Blink Photography.

More Queensland travel

How long is the drive from Maryborough to Hervey Bay?

Stop at Roma and Longreach on the Brisbane to Winton drive.

Visit Plainland on the drive from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

Stop for photos at the Rex Lookout on the Palm Cove to Port Douglas drive.

Indulge at the Mungalli Creek Dairy in the Atherton Tableland.