The town remained a sleepy place for many years servicing the railway and surrounding stations. In the 1940's the area was chosen to grow cereal grains for the British market by the Queensland British Food Corporation. The Fairbairn Dam and the Emerald Irrigation Scheme were established in 1968-1972 this water resource allowed the establishment of further agricultural development in many different industries including, cotton, wheat, peanuts, citrus fruits, and cut flowers. Today Emerald produces one quarter of Queensland annual cotton harvest.
 

Other items of interest include the Gems of Country Festival, Easter Sunflower Festival, Gemfest or Festival of Gems.

In addition to our listed online travel guide information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.