We said goodbye to Carnarvon Gorge. We decided as we left that we had spent the perfect amount of time there for us. It was a travel day today. We are overnighting in Emerald on the way to Airlie Beach.

It was a pretty short day of driving  244km. We passed a town on the way, Springsure, with the most beautiful backdrop – Minerva Hills National Park. Would have been good to have had time to do some walks there.

The highway we are following is called The Great Inland Way. It goes from Orange NSW to Cooktown QLD. We are only doing the part from Dubbo to Emerald. I took some photos of scenes along the road on the way. We are just enjoying seeing all the different farms and small towns and signs and sights along the way.

We arrived at Emerald about lunchtime. I had looked up what to do in Emerald and number one was to see a dam, followed by see the Sunflower Painting and the Botanical Gardens. Honestly none were inspiring me.

We headed to the Information Centre mainly to find out about the road conditions to Airlie Beach. Again the lady there was  lovely. Suggested the botanical gardens and a heritage walk. The painting I had read about  was conveniently located at the park where the Information Centre was located. We walked out of the Information Centre and saw the painting right outside. Check. Sight seeing done.

A local was walking past “Oh, you’re looking at that ugly painting. Most of the locals hate it.”

We decided to over achieve and also tick off Number 5 on TripAdvisor List of Things to Do in Emerald: Visit the Emerald Aquatic Centre. Conveniently located right next to our caravan park. I love a country outside pool. The water wasn’t heated, it was pretty cool so we jumped in, sat in the sun, dried and jumped in and out again. There was hardly anyone there. It was very relaxing.

We came back, sat down with a drink outside our caravan and admired the view at the caravan park.

We are staying at Emerald Cabin and Camping Village. We just wanted somewhere on our way through. The amenities are spotless.