Explore beautiful Emerald and its surrounds in a rental car
Emerald is a small town tucked away in the central highlands of Queensland, with just over 15,000 residents who call it home.
Its name comes from the verdant green landscape, but travellers will be quick to notice that several towns in the area are also named for precious gems, such as Sapphire and Rubyvale. In fact, Emerald is a gateway to one of the biggest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere, and the region around it is charmingly known as The Gemfields.
The region offers a balmy subtropical climate, so you can expect mild winters and hot summers, making for ideal visiting conditions no matter what time of year you’re in town. Naturally, you’ll need a rental car to help you get around, and Airport Rentals can help with that.
How AirportRentals.com can help
There are a half dozen car rental companies at Emerald Airport, but it’s easier to compare brands all at once rather than getting quotes from each one. When you enter your travel dates into the search function, Airport Rentals will bring up all available vehicles from multiple rental brands, so you can quickly see which cars best suit your needs and offer you the best deals.
From there, it’s simple to make your selection and confirm the booking. You won’t pay any booking fees, and you can use the 24/7 customer support service if you get stuck or have any questions at all.
Emerald Airport
As a small, regional airport, Emerald supports flights to and from Brisbane, and a number of regional charters. Qantas and Virgin are the two main carriers you can expect to offer flights to Emerald.
The airport offers a range of standard facilities, such as toilets and showers, baby change rooms, WiFi, public telephones, and an information desk in the arrivals hall. If you need to stock up on supplies, the town of Emerald is just 6 kilometres (less than 10 minutes) away.
You’ll find the car rental desks inside the terminal after you disembark the plane.
Emerald driving guide
As a small town, you won’t have to worry about the heavy traffic or congestion of large cities. If you’re arriving from North America or other areas where you drive on the right, don’t forget that you will need to drive on the left in Australia. Note that using your phone while driving is illegal, so you will need to pull over and stop to check a text or make a call.
Regional driving tips
If you’re planning on leaving Emerald, be sure to fill up with fuel before you go. Depending on your destination, it may be some time before you see another petrol station. Plus, you won’t be able to count on having cellphone reception during your trip, so use a GPS unit or old fashioned map to plan your route. It’s also a good idea to avoid driving after sunset, as this is when wild animals are most active on the roads, and they can be a real hazard.
Read our Australia driving tips for more information, and refer to our guide to Australia distances to help plan your trip.
From the airport
It’s a short 6-7 minute drive between Emerald and its airport, and the easiest way is via the A4 and the George Highway. The closest petrol station is at Coles Express right on the edge of town just off the A4, so you can fill up here before returning your Emerald car rental.
Emerald parking
Parking options at the airport include both short and long term spaces, both of which are available just outside the terminal. As it is a small town with minimal traffic, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a parking spot for your car rental in Emerald.
Emerald accommodation options
Whether you’re after an affordable place to rest for the night before getting back on the road in the morning, or a luxurious location where you can relax in style, Emerald has a little of everything when it comes to accommodation. Keep in mind that with your car hire, you won’t need to stay in a central spot so you can book somewhere out of town for a more rural Australian experience.
Keep an eye on the social calendar when you’re in Emerald, as there may be an enticing event that you can add to your Queensland itinerary. There are several events in town, as well as plenty of festivities nearby throughout the year!
One of the biggest draw cards in the area is the chance to try fossicking for your own precious gemstones, but there are plenty more scenic and cultural attractions to visit during your stay. Most of these spots will require a set of wheels to get to, so your car hire in Emerald will definitely come in handy!
