Granite Belt Drive
Take in fruit orchards, wineries, tourist attractions and more between Dalveen and The Summit on this 12km alternate route to Stanthorpe.
Go back in time to learn what makes the Central Queensland Highlands region so special, from mining to agriculture and everything in between, there is something for all history buffs to discover.
The Big Easel, Emerald, Central Queensland Highlands
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Day 1: Rolleston and Springsure
Take the morning to explore Rolleston by foot, admiring the historic buildings that line the main street on the self-guided Rolleston Heritage Walk (guides of the trail are available at Rolleston Library). Finish your tour at Beazley Park in the heart of Rolleston, where Purbrook Hut (assembled from pieces of a grand homestead from the 1860s) is on display.
Continue to Springsure [70km] and visit the Federation Woolshed (open Easter to October), a treasure-trove of historical photos and memorabilia. Ask about access to Yumba Burin (Keeping Place) to learn more about the region’s Indigenous history.
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Lake Maraboon, Emerald, Central Queensland Highlands
Day 2: Emerald
On your way to Emerald [70km], take a detour to Lake Maraboon. Not only has the dam enabled the development of the region’s mining and agricultural industries, but it is also a great place to fish, boat, and picnic.
Travel 100 years in 100 metres and see Emerald’s history laid out as colourful mosaics on the Centenary of Federation Pathway. Afterwards, take a tour of some of the town’s original buildings at the Pioneer Cottage Complex (open Easter to October). While in town, snap a picture of the 1900s National Trust-listed railway station or the world’s biggest replica of van Gogh’s Sunflower painting.
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Capella Pioneer Village, Central Queensland Highlands
Day 3: Capella
Spend the day at Capella [55km], starting at the Pioneer Village (open Easter to October), which houses items from the region’s agricultural, pastoral, and mining past. Over 5,000 items are on display alongside the 1869 Peak Downs Homestead; Australia’s largest restored drop-plank homestead. Wander along the main street to see the historic bakehouse oven and Australian Light Horse monument.
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Lions Park, Blackwater, Central Queensland Highlands
Day 4: Comet, Blackwater and Duaringa
On your journey east to Blackwater stop in Comet [90km] and get to know the colourful characters and stories of the town’s past on the Comet Tales and Walking Trails tour.
Continue on to Blackwater [35km] and learn about the history of coal mining at the Blackwater International Coal Centre which offers a collection of exhibits, media displays and simulators that dive into the past, present and future of mining. The nearby Lions Park has one of the largest displays of flags in the world representing the different nationalities that worked together to establish the district’s coal industry.
Finish your journey in Duaringa [85km], exploring the historical buildings and sites that shaped the town’s history on the Duaringa Historical Trail, guides are available from the Visitor Information Centre.
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