Find a drive


Dawson Highway

Take a scenic drive from Rockhampton to Emerald through the magnificent Sandstone Wonders. Australia’s Beef Capital, Rockhampton, lies on the banks of the Fitzroy River. Look out for the bull statues situated throughout the city celebrating the breeds grown in the area. Fish for barramundi more than a metre long in the river right outside the CBD. The city was built on wealth from colonial pastures and gold mines.

Itineraries

Take a scenic drive from Rockhampton to the magnificent Sandstone Wonders

The Dawson Highway offers a picturesque journey from Rockhampton to the stunning Sandstone Wonders. Starting in Rockhampton, known as Australia’s Beef Capital, explore its colonial pastures and gold mines reflected in heritage precincts like Quay Street. Don’t miss the bull statues celebrating local breeds and fishing for barramundi in the Fitzroy River. Travel the Leichhardt Way to Mount Morgan, once the world’s largest gold mine, now a historical gem.

Pass through Dululu, a gateway to the Sandstone Wonders, then Biloela, with its country charm and tributes to prosperity at the Queensland Heritage Park. Banana, despite its name, is not home to plantations but celebrates its heritage with reverence to a bullock. Rolleston, near Carnarvon Gorge, boasts a rich pastoral history and links to Queensland’s legendary bushrangers, the Kenniff brothers. En route northwards to Emerald take the opportunity to turn off the highway and visit Fairburn Dam and Lake Maraboon. The lake is stocked with eight different species of fish including barramundi, saratoga and delicious red claw.

Watch Dawson Highway Videos

  • Banana
    watch

    Meet the teamster's bullock who gave his name to the town of Banana ...

    | Highways: Dawson Highway, Leichhardt Highway

  • Biloela Art Trail
    watch

    Take a journey through art on the Biloela Art Trail...

    | Highways: Australia's Country Way, Dawson Highway

  • Heritage Park
    watch

    Celebrate our pioneers at the Queensland Heritage Park...

    | Highways: Australia's Country Way, Dawson Highway

  • Rita's Cafe
    watch

    Rita's Blue Cafe...

    | Highways: Australia's Country Way, Dawson Highway

  • Biloela Lions Park
    watch

    Biloela Lions Park...

    | Highways: Australia's Country Way, Dawson Highway




Dawson Highway Itineraries

  • 500km

    Rockhampton to Emerald via the Sandstone Wonders

    From: Rockhampton to Emerald

    Take a scenic detour from Rockhampton to Emerald along the Dawson Highway.

  • 75km

    Scenic Way

    From: Biloela to Biloela

    Much like the Dawson Valley, Banana Shire’s Callide Valley provides rich coal resources and vital power supplies to Queensland.

  • 150km

    Fishing the Fitzroy

    From: Fitzroy River to Port Alma

    Spend time Fishing the Fitzroy River and discover why Rockhampton is now the must do fishing destination in Queensland.

  • 163km

    Rural Villages

    From: Biloela to Biloela

    Terrific way to experience country life, the rural villages to the north of the shire may seem small but they are the big heart of their community.


Events on Dawson Highway