Best Scenic Drives From Emerald And The Car Hire You’ll Need

Fairbairn Dam & Lake Maraboon Loop

Just a short drive from town, Fairbairn Dam and Lake Maraboon offer calm waters, shaded picnic areas and scenic vistas. This is a perfect day-trip for couples or families wanting a relaxing escape without venturing too far.

You’ll be driving on well-maintained sealed roads, so there’s no need for a heavy-duty vehicle. A compact hatch or comfortable sedan is ideal for this route. The drive is leisurely, and the destination is just as rewarding.

Here’s why a smaller car works well for this loop:

• Compact vehicles are fuel-efficient, easy to park, and perfect for sealed regional roads.
• Families can opt for a mid-sized sedan with boot space for picnic baskets and swimming gear.
• With your own hire car in Emerald QLD, you control your timing—stay for sunset, take the scenic route back, or pull over at a quiet lookout.



Hiring your own vehicle means no rush, no shared tours—just the freedom to enjoy the drive your way.

The Sapphire Gemfields Trail

One of the most rewarding trips from Emerald is the short journey west to the famed Sapphire Gemfields, which includes Rubyvale, Sapphire, and Anakie. It’s a chance to explore fossicking parks, historic pubs and art galleries set amid Queensland’s gem country.

The terrain can shift from smooth bitumen to gravel roads depending on how far you venture. A car rental in Emerald with a bit more clearance—like a small SUV—is a good call if you plan to go off the main path.

For this adventure, here’s what to consider:

• A mid-size SUV handles uneven surfaces better and gives you a smoother ride when exploring fossicking areas.
• Having your own vehicle allows you to visit multiple towns at your pace, rather than sticking to a one-town tour.
• Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of water, and a good offline map or GPS for areas with patchy mobile reception.

With your own Emerald car hire, every detour is a discovery and every roadside stop a potential treasure hunt.

Carnarvon Gorge Excursion

If you’re keen for a true outback adventure, Carnarvon Gorge is a must-see. Roughly a 4.5-hour drive from Emerald, the trip is best done as an overnight getaway or a long day trip for those willing to rise early and return late.

The road is partly sealed with some gravel sections closer to the national park. A reliable SUV or 4WD is recommended for this trip, especially if wet weather is expected.

This type of journey is where hiring a car in Emerald, QLD becomes not just convenient but essential:

• Larger vehicles like SUVs offer stability, cargo space for camping or hiking gear, and peace of mind on changing road surfaces.
• The journey passes through remote rural towns and open plains—having your own wheels lets you explore beyond the typical tourist trail.
• Make sure to pack extra fuel, snacks, and water, and always check park alerts or road closures before departure.



With the right vehicle, this drive turns into a journey through some of Queensland’s most striking landscapes.

Capricorn Way Drive

For those wanting to see more of the broader region, the Capricorn Way is a well-known touring route that links inland Queensland to the coast. Even a small segment of this route, starting from Emerald, makes for a scenic and rewarding drive.

On this longer highway journey, comfort becomes more important than rugged capability. A modern sedan or SUV offers the right balance between fuel efficiency and space.

Some benefits of this route and vehicle type include:

• Comfortable driving with air conditioning, good road handling and cruise control makes the distance more enjoyable.
• Ample space in an SUV or sedan means you can pack a full esky, extra clothes, and have room to spare.
• Stopping in small country towns along the way becomes part of the adventure when you set your own pace.



Hiring a vehicle ensures you travel comfortably without relying on rigid schedules or transfers.

Town & Country Flexibility

Not every journey from Emerald needs to be long or remote. Sometimes, the best days are spent visiting art galleries, exploring botanical gardens, or heading out for a casual lunch at a nearby town.

This is where the freedom of Emerald car hire really shines. You can tailor the vehicle to your plans.

Here’s how different vehicles match different trip styles:

• Couples on a weekend escape might opt for a compact car—easy to zip around town and ideal for short country drives.
• Families might prefer a sedan with boot space for strollers or shopping bags.
• Travellers looking to explore more rural areas can go for an SUV with higher ground clearance and comfort features.



Having your own transport removes the limitations and lets you enjoy Emerald and its surrounds on your own terms.

What To Pack & Prepare Before Hitting The Road

Whether you're heading to a nearby dam or embarking on a multi-day gorge expedition, a bit of planning can go a long way. When you hire a vehicle, you also need to be ready to manage fuel, weather changes and road conditions.

Here’s a list of essentials to consider before leaving town:

• Always bring your valid driver's licence—international visitors should check local requirements.
• Familiarise yourself with the hire vehicle before setting off, including the fuel type and emergency contacts.
• Pack a small car kit with a map, water, snacks, phone charger and basic first-aid supplies.
• Download offline maps or carry a printed version in case you lose signal.
• Check fuel station locations and fill up when you can—some regional areas have long gaps between stops.
• Monitor the weather and road condition alerts, especially before long or remote drives.



These steps help ensure your car rental in Emerald becomes a hassle-free base for adventure, not a source of stress.

How Car Hire Enhances Your Travel Experience

Hiring a car for your Central Queensland trip offers more than just a way to get around—it transforms your journey. You’re not tied to bus timetables or restricted by guided tour durations. Instead, you decide where to stop, what to explore, and when to head home.

A hire car in Emerald, QLD gives you:

• The ability to explore hidden lookouts, quiet picnic spots and roadside attractions.
• The confidence to adjust your plans based on the weather or whim.
• The comfort of a clean, reliable vehicle matched to the region’s roads.



In a place where destinations are sometimes hundreds of kilometres apart, car hire offers flexibility that can’t be matched.

Travel With Confidence – Choose Locqal

At Locqal Car Truck Trailer Rentals, we’re proud to support road-trippers, visitors and locals with reliable, well-maintained vehicles that suit every kind of journey. Whether you’re chasing sunsets at Lake Maraboon, fossicking in the Gemfields, or trekking to Carnarvon Gorge, we’ll match you with the right hire vehicle for the road ahead.

Contact us to browse our fleet and book your vehicle today. You can also contact us to discuss your travel plans and vehicle requirements. Start your Central Queensland journey with confidence—your adventure begins with us.