This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Emerald.
Emerald, Australia, is a small town on the banks of the Nogoa River in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland. It has a population of about 15,000 people and is the business capital of the region. The town is not near the coast, but you can get a hostel near the bank of the river if you want to wake up to it in the morning while staying in Emerald.
The Emerald Botanical Gardens are a must-visit when staying in the town. They are called a tropical paradise by the locals. Take a picnic lunch from your hostel when you go to the gardens to have a nice day out while getting in touch with nature. It is also a good place to embark on a walk early in the morning.
If you decide to leave your hostel for the day, take a trip down to the Fairbairn Dam and Lake Maraboon, both of which are prime scenic locations near Emerald. There is a wide variety of marine life to see in the lake, including eight different species of fish like the Red Claw Crayfish. You can swim in the lake if you want to, although other activities like water skiing are also available.
For more natural wonders, visit the Carnarvon Gorge system near Emerald. This is noted as being a wondrous system of wide cliffs and steep ravines located in the nearby Carnarvon park. With over 170 species of birds, rainforests, and long walking and hiking trails, the park and gorges are a good place in which to adventure and explore.
If you are a fan of classical paintings, check out the biggest representation of the Van Gogh sunflower painting. This massive structure is about twenty-five meters tall and made from fourteen tons of steel. Located in Morton Park, this is a sight worth seeing in Emerald.
Written by local enthusiast for Emerald hostels
Jakob Lombardi