Name: Sapphire Gemfields Visitor Information Centre (accredited)
Address: 61 Rubyvale Road, Rubyvale QLD 4702
Phone: (07) 4985 4444
Opening Hours: Generally 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Type: Accredited Visitor Information Centre
Region: Sapphire Gemfields / Rubyvale / Sapphire / Anakie / Willows Gemfields / Central Highlands
What Area It Caters For
1. Rubyvale Township (Primary Area)
- Underground mine tours
- Gem shops and gem cutters
- Fossicking supply stores
- Local cafés and township services
- Rubyvale heritage and mining precincts
2. Sapphire Township
- Public fossicking parks
- Guided fossicking tours
- Gem shops and wash‑down areas
- Markets and gem‑related events
- Township facilities and visitor services
3. Anakie Township
- Gemfields orientation point
- Historic mining sites
- Gem shops and fossicking supply outlets
- Anakie Gemfields Hotel and community facilities
4. Willows Gemfields
- Remote fossicking areas
- Camping and day‑use fossicking sites
- Rural landscapes and quieter gemfields experiences
5. Designated Fossicking Areas (QPWS)
- Sapphire, Rubyvale and Willows fossicking zones
- Public fossicking sites with wash‑down facilities
- Safety, land‑use and permit information
- Gem identification and fossicking guidance
6. Emerald Township (Regional Hub)
- Emerald Visitor Information Centre
- Accommodation, dining and major services
- Fairbairn Dam / Lake Maraboon recreation
- Capricorn Highway touring connections
7. Central Highlands Touring Routes
- Capricorn Highway travellers
- Agricultural landscapes and rural touring
- Regional heritage trails and events
- Broader Central Queensland touring linkages
Services Provided
- Sapphire Gemfields maps and fossicking guides
- Fossicking permit information and designated area details
- Gem identification assistance
- Mine tour bookings and gem‑cutting information
- Accommodation and dining recommendations (Gemfields + Emerald)
- Event information (gem festivals, fossicking competitions, markets)
- Local history interpretation and mining heritage guidance
- Public amenities and visitor rest facilities
Summary
The Sapphire Gemfields Visitor Information Centre is the central accredited VIC for Queensland’s Sapphire Gemfields, supporting visitors exploring Rubyvale’s mine tours, Sapphire’s fossicking parks, Anakie’s gem shops, and the remote fossicking areas of the Willows. It provides essential guidance on fossicking permits, gem identification, mine tours, and regional touring across the Central Highlands. It is the key hub for fossickers, gem enthusiasts, heritage travellers and Capricorn Highway tourists.