It might seem the name gives away everything the Sapphire Gemfields has to offer, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover there’s more to explore of this unique corner of the Central Queensland Highlands.
Taking in the townships of Rubyvale, Sapphire, Anakie and Willows Gemfields, the Sapphire Gemfields are a 45-minute drive west of Emerald and the largest sapphire-bearing area in the southern hemisphere.
The moment you arrive, you’ll see the Gemfields has a personality and charm like no other. The landscape is dotted with quirky homes made of billy boulders and bush timber, and camels, horses and cattle roam freely on Australia’s last remaining miner’s common.
Above all else, precious stones will always be the star attraction, with visitors coming from around the globe in search of the blue, green, yellow, parti-coloured and star gems.
The easiest way to dig for treasure is to visit a fossicking park or take a guided tour.
If DIY is more your style, buy a fossicking licence (call MyMines (07) 3199 8133) and then take your pick from several designated fossicking sites.
Our nation’s penchant for ‘Big Things’ is on full display, with Sapphire’s Big Ring just one of six oversized photo ops in the Gemfields.
The jewel in the crown is Sapphire Reflections at Anakie Crossroads. This 12m-high art piece is the starting point of the Sapphire Gemfields Interpretive Trail, a series of interpretive signs telling the fascinating story of the area and its characters.
A fabulous mix of sapphires, gemstones, jewellery, earth treasures, entertainment and demonstrations will combine to form a brilliant event at the famous Gemfest Festival of Gems from August 8th to 10th 2025.
Michelle from Brewstar Coffee is well known for her great coffee. Situated at the crossroads on the Capricorn Highway at Anakie, Brewstar Coffee is in the perfect location for travellers needing a pick-me-up. The range of coffees available is impressive, including affogatos, piccolo lattes, mochas, along with the usual cappuccinos and lattes. You also have your choice of syrups to add some extra flavour. And if you need something a bit more refreshing, iced coffees and iced chocolates are also on the menu. The choice of milk includes dairy, Zymil, soy milk and coconut milk. There is also a small range of soft drinks for sale.
If you are feeling a bit peckish, Michelle also sells pies from the Outback Pie Company, muffins and cookies. The cookies, white chocolate macadamia and triple chocolate, also happen to be gluten free.
Brewstar Coffee operates all year round, from 6am-11am during the off season, and 6am-1pm during the tourist season.
Get immersed in nature by wandering through the Sapphire Gemfields Wetland Reserve, on Rockhound Road, Sapphire. Walking and cycling tracks wind through the reserve’s Coolabah, Brigalow and Poplar Box trees. This tranquil place is refuge to kangaroos and other wildlife, and there’s even a camouflaged bird-watching hide.
Jim and Jenny Elliot have been mining sapphires on the Central Queensland Gemfields for over 40 years. They started as partners in the Queensland Government project to mine the road reserve between Sapphire and Rubyvale, and in return, to replace the old dirt track with a new bitumen, all weather road. On completion of this project in 1988, they formed their family company, Coolamon Mining Pty. Ltd., and have mined continuously ever since.
Andrew and Lorna McArthur had been coming to the Gemfields for holidays since the early 1980s. When they decided to do an around-Australia trip in 1991, they never made it past their favourite gem and holiday region, Sapphire. More than 34 years later, they continue to be dedicated to their pride and joy, McArthur’s Jewellers.
Between them, brothers Keith and David Bezett provide a fascinating mixture of fossicking tours, self-drive adventure, gemstones and jewellery. Keith heads up the Gem Fossicking Self Drive Tour and David covers the retail part of the business, Fascination Gems and Crystals, in Rubyvale. David’s wife Anne adds another dimension to the mix with an interesting little shop that’s a pleasure to browse through.
Central Queensland Highlands
Phone (within Australia) 07 4982 4142
Welcome to Travel Action Matilda Country!
We are passionate about promoting the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Outback Queensland. Our website is designed to provide you with all the essential information, insider tips, and exciting experiences to make your journey an unforgettable adventure.
