Emerald - the heart of the Central Highlands and Sapphire Gem fields doesn't get its name from the green gem, rather the green fields around the area when it initially was named. Emerald is sunflower territory and for proof have a look at the world's largest painting on an easel - its Van Goughs sunflowers standing 23 metres high! Visit the National Trust listed Railway Station, the 250 year old fossilised tree, the Emerald Botanic Gardens, School of Distance Education and the native flower farm. Lake Maraboon and Fairbairn Dam are popular for fishing, redclawing and water sports. The gem fields serviced by the towns of Rubyvale and Sapphire are a great outing. Armed with fossickers licence try your luck. 54 kilometres north is the village of Capella. You'll notice the pole murals along Peak Downs Street. Take special notice of the one outside the pub - it commemorates the fact that placing emu plumes in the hats of the Australian Light Horse Brigade began right here during the Great Shearers Strike of the 1891. The pioneer village includes the Peak Downs Homestead, the Gordon Downs woolshed and store, and an extensive collection of vintage agricultural machinery.