Blackwater Qld 4717 (Pop 5 000)

Blackwater is an important Capricorn hinterland mining town situated 796 km n-w of Brisbane. Coal was first discovered here in 1840s but it took until 1960s for the township and coal mines to be established. The coal is transported to Gladstone by electric trains thereby avoiding dirty coal trucks in the area. Blackwater’s name originates from the colouring of the water resulting from ti-trees. A lovely feature of the town is its ornate JapaneseGarden (1998) symbolizing the friendship between Blackwater and its Japanese sister city, Fujisawa. Blackdown Tableland NP (30 km east) offers spectacular scenery, waterfalls and indigenous rock art. May Day Festival (May), Rodeo (Oct), Craft Fair & Art Exhibition (Oct).

Accommodation:
Blackwater has three motels, a hotel, farm stay and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Eliza’s Craft Cottage, Capricorn Hwy. Tel (07) 4982 5500.