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Archive: 5 September 2009
Budda and Jess follow the Tropic of Capricorn
The Tropic of Capricorn is the line of latitude that marks the most southerly point at which the sun is directly overhead at midday and it runs right through the middle of QLD. Journeying along the Tropic of Capricorn within QLD takes travelers through many interesting places. The trail, that extends from the reef to the outback, has recently been dubbed “Dig the Tropic” due to the high number of geological marvels found along the way.
Buddha and Jess began their journey along the Tropic of Capricorn by staying at theGreat Barrier Reef’s Heron Island. Voyages Heron Island is a 4 star resort that gives visitors the chance to explore the world heritage listed coral cay. The island boasts some of the best dive spots on Earth and is home to migratory birds and turtles. It is accessible by catamaran and helicopter from Gladstone.
Another of the most popular stops along the “Dig the Tropic” is the Capricorn Caves. The caves are believed to have formed about 390 million years ago and have been wowing tourists for over 120 years. The caves host weddings and concerts and, for the more adventurous, there is ‘wild caving’ which is open to anyone over the age of 16.
Break up your drive along the Capricorn Highway with a pit stop at Blackdown Tableland National Park, just near Blackwater. It boasts great views, 4WD tracks, beautiful bushwalks and is open to campers.
In the town of Blackwater itself, the biggest attraction is the Blackwater International Coal Centre. Blackwater is considered the coal capital of QLD, and the Coal Centre gives visitors an idea of how coal was formed and how it is used today. The centre has over twenty interactive exhibits and also organizes guided mine tours and joy flights over local mining operations.
Towards the end of the ‘Dig the Tropic’ route is the town of Emerald, considered the gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields. A popular place to stay is at Emerald Homestay. It offers charming rooms, secluded gardens, and a personal touch that is refreshing.
The Gemfields are comprised of the towns of Willows Gemfields, Sapphire, Anakie and Rubyvale. All the towns have something different to offer and one of the most popular attractions is Miners Heritage in Rubyvale. It is the largest walk-in Sapphire mine in Australia, that descends 15 metres underground. Visitors can also fossick for Sapphires and other gems and, best of all, it is finders keepers. Miners Heritage can also arrange for gems to be cut and polished.
The biggest event in the Sapphire Gemfields is Gemfest, an annual four-day festival. Gemfest features gems from all over, that hosts entertainment, fun activities and a crowd of thousands from around Australia.
Contact:
Dig The Tropic
www.digthetropic.com.au
Herson Island and Voyages Resort
www.heronisland.com
Capricorn Caves
www.capricorncaves.com.au
Blackdown Tableland National Park
www.derm.qld.gov.au
Blackwater International Coal Centre
www.bicc.com.au
Emerald Homestay
www.emeraldhomestay.com.au
Miner’s Heritage
4985 4444
Gemfest
www.gemfest.com.au
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