Blue Gem Tourist Park – Sapphire Central QLD

Experience the heart of the Sapphire Gemfields at the Blue Gem Tourist Park, an ideal destination for both seasoned fossickers and curious travellers. Located conveniently on the main thoroughfare in Sapphire Central, this friendly park provides the perfect basecamp for your outback gem-hunting expedition. A standout feature is the park’s own on-site fossicking area, where visitors can purchase a bag of sapphire-bearing ‘wash’ and learn the techniques of sieving and sorting. This hands-on activity is a fantastic and accessible way for everyone, from children to adults, to experience the excitement of uncovering a genuine Queensland sapphire without needing to venture into the fields themselves.

The park is well-equipped to host a wide range of travellers. For those with caravans, campers, or motorhomes, there’s a great selection of powered and unpowered sites, including convenient drive-through options to make your arrival and departure seamless. The sites are well-maintained, offering a choice between sunny spots or welcome shade. If you’re travelling without your own accommodation, the park’s comfortable and clean cabins and villas provide a cosy retreat after a day of exploration. The park’s facilities are designed for comfort and convenience, with clean ablution blocks, a communal camp kitchen and BBQ area for social cook-ups, and a laundry to keep you going on your travels.

The Blue Gem Tourist Park acts as a gateway to the rich history and unique landscape of the surrounding region. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to share local insights, pointing you towards the most promising public fossicking areas or recommending a visit to the nearby towns of Rubyvale and Anakie. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of outback life, swap stories with fellow adventurers, and feel the genuine thrill of searching for treasure. Whether you find a priceless gem or simply a wealth of memories, a stay at the Blue Gem Tourist Park is a quintessential Gemfields experience.

Campsite Information

• Location: Sapphire Central, on the main Anakie Sapphire Road.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access directly to and within the park.
• Site Surface: Grass, dirt, and some slab sites available.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, cabins, powered, and unpowered sites available.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified maximum; contact park for long-term stay information.
• Number of Powered Sites: Available.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Available.

Facilities & Features

• Facilities: Toilets, showers, laundry, camp kitchen, BBQs, on-site fossicking park.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal BBQ and camp kitchen areas.
• Potable Water: Yes, available for guests.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra reception. Other carriers may have limited service.
• TV Reception: Generally good for major channels.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for park guests.
• Ullage/Dump Point: Yes, a dump point is available on-site for guests.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, provided throughout the park.
• Open Fires: Not permitted at individual sites. Check with management about communal fire pit availability.
• Generator Use: Permitted within designated hours; please confirm with park office upon check-in.
• Number of Sites Available: Bookings are essential, particularly during the peak fossicking season (April to September).
• Essentials to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, closed-toe shoes for fossicking, and a sense of adventure.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on sites by prior arrangement. Conditions apply.
• Fishing: Limited local opportunities. Major fishing is available at Fairbairn Dam near Emerald.
• Short Walks: Walking around the park and the immediate local area is pleasant.

Local Amenities

Pubs

• The New Royal Hotel Rubyvale: ~7 km
• Anakie Hotel: ~15 km
• Various pubs in Emerald: ~56 km

Places to Eat

• Sapphire Gemfields Takeaway: <1 km
• Rubyvale Cafe & Store: ~7 km
• Muggachino’s Cafe (Rubyvale): ~7 km

Local Attractions

• The Sapphire Gemfields Fossicking Areas: Surrounding the park
• Miners Heritage Walk-in Mine Tour (Rubyvale): ~8 km
• Rubyvale Observatory: ~7 km

Nearest Caravan Parks

• Sapphire Caravan and Cabin Park: ~1 km
• Rubyvale Caravan Park: ~7 km

Next Free Camps

• Anakie Rest Area: ~15 km
• Bedford Weir (via Blackwater): ~151 km

Essential Services

• Nearest Dump Points: Onsite for guests. A public dump point is also at Anakie (~15 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Fuel is available in Sapphire and Rubyvale. Major service stations are in Emerald (~56 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Located at facilities in Sapphire and Rubyvale.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Sapphire Gemfields

The Gemfields region has a semi-arid climate, known for its clear skies and sunshine.

• Summer (December – February): Very hot, with average temperatures from 23°C to 35°C, though can exceed 40°C. Higher chance of rain and thunderstorms.
• Autumn (March – May): Conditions become very pleasant as temperatures and humidity drop. Averages range from 18°C to 30°C.
• Winter (June – August): The peak tourist season. Days are mild, clear, and sunny (10°C to 25°C), while nights are cool and can be cold, often dropping below 5°C.
• Spring (September – November): Temperatures rise steadily from 17°C to 33°C. It remains mostly dry until the build-up to the summer wet season late in the period.