Road Trip Guide
Capricorn Highway: Central Highlands Run
Rockhampton to Longreach
Start
Rockhampton
Finish
Longreach
Distance
685 km
Duration
7 hours 30 minutes driving time
Best Months
April - September
Budget
$$
EV Ready
6/10
Kid-Friendly
7/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Rockhampton
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Dingo Service Station
Fuel & Rest
A vital stop for fuel and a famous 'Dingo Burger' before the long stretch to Emerald.
Duaringa Rest Area
Driver Fatigue Stop
A great spot to stretch your legs; look for the unique 'Bottle Trees' in the town center.
Anakie Junction
Fuel & Information
The turn-off for the Sapphire Gemfields; check your tire pressure here if you plan on driving on unsealed roads in the fields.
Insider Driving Tips
Always carry at least 10 liters of water per person when heading into the outback, even if staying on the main highway.
Avoid driving at dawn or dusk when kangaroos and emus are most active and likely to cross the road.
Download offline maps and music playlists, as mobile reception drops significantly between major towns like Emerald and Alpha.
If a road train is behind you and wants to overtake, indicate left briefly to signal it is safe, but never pull over onto soft shoulders at high speed.
Check the 'Queensland Traffic' website for road closures, especially during the summer wet season when flash flooding can occur.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Rockhampton: The Beef Capital
The Criterion Hotel
“An iconic heritage pub where you can enjoy a world-class rib-eye steak in a dining room that has hosted royalty and celebrities since 1889.”
Quay Street Heritage District
Capture the golden hour light hitting the Victorian-era facades and the ironwork of the Customs House.
The Big Bull Statues
A classic kitschy Australian photo op; there are several located at the city entrances representing different cattle breeds.
Mount Archer Skywalk
Drive up to the summit of Nurim Circuit for a breathtaking boardwalk experience that offers panoramic views of the city and the winding Fitzroy River.
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Public Garden
“One of the oldest and most beautiful regional botanic gardens in Australia, featuring a stunning collection of exotic plants and a Japanese garden.”
Rockhampton Zoo
Zoo
“Located within the botanic gardens, this zoo offers an intimate experience where you can see native Australian wildlife and exotic animals like chimpanzees and otters.”
Archer Park Rail Museum
Museum
“Housed in a beautifully restored heritage-listed railway station, this museum features a unique French Purrey steam tram and fascinating local history displays.”
Mount Morgan: The Golden Mount
Mount Morgan Hot Bread Shop
“Famous for their traditional meat pies and fresh cream buns, perfect for a quick stop before the next leg of the journey.”
Arthur Timms Lookout
Provides the best vantage point of the massive open-cut mine and the remaining brick chimneys.
The Suspension Bridge
A historic pedestrian bridge offering a unique perspective of the town's rugged topography.
Stop 77 Railway Station
A beautifully preserved timber railway station that now serves as a museum and visitor center, showcasing the unique rack railway system used to climb the range.
Mount Morgan Mine Site
Historic Landmark
“Explore the remnants of one of the world's richest gold mines and witness the striking colors of the historic open-cut pit.”
Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum
Museum
“Discover the town's rich industrial heritage through fascinating exhibits housed in the original railway station building.”
Mount Morgan No. 7 Dam
Nature Reserve
“Enjoy a peaceful spot for birdwatching, picnicking, and walking trails around this scenic reservoir that once powered the town's mining operations.”
Blackwater: The Coal Capital
Blackwater Country Club
“A classic regional club offering hearty 'parmies' and cold beers with a view over the golf course.”
International Coal Centre
The outdoor display featuring a massive dragline bucket gives a sense of the scale of the machinery used in the mines.
Blackwater Japanese Gardens
The traditional torii gate and manicured gardens look stunning against the bright blue outback sky.
Bedford Weir
Located 25km north of town, this is a popular spot for locals to boat and fish, often home to a variety of birdlife and a great place for a bush camp.
Blackwater International Coal Centre
Museum and Visitor Centre
“This facility offers a fascinating look into the history and technology of the local coal mining industry with interactive displays and a Japanese garden.”
Blackwater Lions Park
Public Park
“A perfect stop for travelers to stretch their legs, featuring the iconic 'Big Engine' monument and well-maintained picnic facilities.”
Bedford Weir
Recreational Area
“Located just a short drive from town, this scenic spot on the Mackenzie River is ideal for fishing, water skiing, and camping.”
Emerald: Gateway to the Gemfields
LePorte Rosse
“An unexpected find in the outback, this Italian restaurant serves authentic wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta.”
The Big Easel
The 25-meter high reproduction of Van Gogh's Sunflowers is a mandatory stop for any road tripper.
Emerald Railway Station
Built in 1900, this heritage-listed station features beautiful wrought iron and timber work.
Fossilised Wood
Located outside the Town Hall, these ancient specimens are over 250 million years old, dating back to the Permian age.
Emerald Botanic Gardens
Public Park
“Stretching along the banks of the Nogoa River, these beautiful gardens feature diverse themed zones and peaceful walking paths perfect for a road trip break.”
The Big Easel
Landmark
“Standing at nearly 25 meters tall, this massive replica of a Van Gogh painting is a unique and iconic photo opportunity celebrating the town's artistic spirit.”
Fairbairn Dam
Scenic Lookout
“Located just a short drive from town, this expansive dam offers stunning water views, excellent fishing spots, and great areas for a lakeside picnic.”
Alpha: The City of Murals
Snow's Bakery
“A legendary outback bakery known for its 'Alpha Pie' and thick, old-fashioned milkshakes.”
The Mural Trail
The mural on the side of the Alpha Pharmacy is particularly striking, depicting the town’s early settlers.
Alpha Railway Gates
The long, straight tracks disappearing into the horizon capture the essence of outback travel.
The Fossilised Forest
A local display of ancient petrified wood that showcases the region's prehistoric past when this dry land was a lush forest.
Alpha Mural Trail
Art Gallery/Public Art
“Explore the town's unique identity by viewing the extensive collection of vibrant murals painted on buildings throughout the streets.”
Jane Neville-Rolfe Gallery
Art Gallery
“This local gallery showcases impressive rotating exhibitions featuring the works of talented regional artists and historical displays.”
Alpha Railway Museum
Museum
“Discover the rich history of the Central West railway line through well-preserved artifacts and memorabilia housed in a charming heritage building.”
Barcaldine: The Tree of Knowledge
Shakespeare Hotel
“A classic outback pub with a stunning ironwork veranda, serving massive portions of traditional pub grub.”
Tree of Knowledge Memorial
The architecture is spectacular at night when the hanging timber chimes are illuminated.
The Windmill
A large, iconic windmill located at the entrance to town, symbolizing the importance of artesian water.
Between the Bougainvilleas
A quirky local heritage center and garden that captures the domestic history of the outback through vintage artifacts.
The Tree of Knowledge Memorial
Historic Landmark
“This striking architectural monument commemorates the site where the Australian Labor Party was founded under the branches of a historic ghost gum.”
Barcaldine & District Folk Museum
Museum
“Explore a fascinating collection of local memorabilia and artifacts that showcase the pioneer history and pastoral heritage of the region.”
Barcaldine Artesian Country Visitor Information Centre
Visitor Center
“This hub offers insightful displays on the Great Artesian Basin and serves as the perfect starting point to learn about the town's unique outback culture.”
Longreach: The Heart of the Outback
The Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show
“An immersive dinner experience featuring bush poetry, stew, and billy tea under the stars.”
Qantas Founders Museum
The sight of a massive jet engine against the backdrop of a red outback sunset is surreal and iconic.
Thomson River at Sunset
The water reflects the vibrant oranges and purples of the sky, framed by ancient coolabah trees.
Starlight’s Lookout
Located 55km north of town, this rocky outcrop was used by the bushranger Captain Starlight to watch for approaching police; it offers 360-degree views of the Mitchell Grass Downs.
Qantas Founders Outback Museum
Aviation Museum
“Explore the rich history of Australia's national airline and take a guided tour of a retired Boeing 747 and 707.”
Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame
Heritage Museum
“This iconic institution offers a deep dive into the lives and legends of the pioneers, stockmen, and Indigenous Australians who shaped the Outback.”
Thomson River Sunset Cruise
Nature & Wildlife Tour
“Experience the beauty of the Outback landscape from the water while enjoying a traditional sunset dinner and live entertainment on the riverbank.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
The Sapphire Gemfields
A 15-minute detour from the highway takes you into the towns of Sapphire and Rubyvale. This is one of the largest sapphire bearing areas in the world.
Why It's Worth It
“You can try your luck at 'specking' for gems on the ground or join a guided underground mine tour to see how these precious stones are extracted.”
Fairbairn Dam (Lake Maraboon)
Located 25km south of Emerald, this massive reservoir is three times the size of Sydney Harbour.
Why It's Worth It
“It is a premier spot for catching Red Claw crayfish and offers a refreshing change of scenery with its vast expanse of blue water in a dry landscape.”
Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways
While 110km south of Winton (which is 1.5 hours from Longreach), this site contains the world's only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede.
Why It's Worth It
“It is a hauntingly beautiful site where thousands of footprints are preserved in the rock, telling a story from 95 million years ago.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Capricorn Highway is a fully sealed, two-lane bitumen road from Rockhampton all the way to Longreach, making it accessible for all vehicle types, including 2WD sedans and caravans.
The best time is during the cooler months from April to September. Daytime temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C), and nights are crisp. Summer (December-February) can be extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C.
Yes, major towns are spaced about 100-150km apart. However, it is a good rule of thumb in the outback to never let your tank drop below half, just in case a station is closed or out of fuel.