DON’T go looking for emeralds in the town of Emerald.

For this town was not named after a gemstone. In fact, it was the lush colour of Emerald Downs Hill that gave the town its name.

But there is a piquancy to the name of the town, for Emerald is right in the middle of gem country - only the jewels in question are not emeralds, they’re sapphires. The Emerald Shire encloses the world’s largest sapphire producing area.

Emerald is the hub of the Central Highlands. Originally a cattle and sheep area and settled in the 1860s, Emerald is now central to a host of industries. The lifeblood of these industries is the Fairbairn Dam on Lake Maraboon 19km south of town. A visit to the dam is an enjoyable experience. The dam was completed in 1972 and now supplies water for the coal, cotton, table grapes and other cropping industries.

Historically, Emerald has stood up well considering it has survived four devastating fires since 1930. The Emerald Railway Station, built in 1900 and declared by the National Trust, is one architectural survivor and is a popular destination for shutterbugs. Another great photo opportunity is the gigantic sunflower painting, a Van Gogh copy that is truly larger than life. You’ve never seen anything quite like it!

The Pioneer Cottage in Clermont Street is one of the first homes built in the area and has been developed into the town’s museum. The complex also houses the town’s first jail (complete with padded walls) and its first church, St Marks Presbyterian Church.

Also visit the multi-award-winning Emerald Botanic Gardens and explore the newly built straw-bale visitor information centre. For more information on the attractions of Emerald and the Central Highlands, visit the Emerald Tourist Information Centre, located on the Capricorn Highway - or phone them on (07) 4982 4142.