Central Highlands Netball Carnival
Central Highlands Netball Carnival is one of Emerald’s signature events, drawing visitors from across the Central Highlands and beyond. Regional netball carnival with family-friendly atmosphere and multiple age groups.
About Central Highlands Netball Carnival
Netball CQ organises regional carnivals bringing teams from across the Central Highlands for competitive and social play. Multiple age groups compete — from juniors through to open divisions. The atmosphere is family-friendly, with canteen facilities and a supportive community around the courts.
The event typically attracts 600–1,000 visitors.
When & Where
When: Multiple carnivals throughout the season (March–September) Where: Emerald netball courts Expected attendance: 600–1,000
Why Attend
Regional netball carnivals are a strong part of Central Highlands community life. For families travelling with sporting children, these events provide competition and social connection. For spectators, they’re a genuine window into regional sporting culture.
Getting There
Emerald is accessible via the Capricorn Highway from both Brisbane (9 hours) and Rockhampton (3 hours). Emerald Airport has daily flights from Brisbane via QantasLink and Alliance Airlines.
Emerald Inn — A Washing Machine for a Netball Weekend
Two days of carnival netball produces a remarkable amount of washing, and a dryer matters when the same dress has to front up again on Sunday morning. Every one of our apartments has its own washer and dryer — not a shared laundry with a queue and a coin slot.
We are at 28–30 Esmond Street, close to town for the post-game feed, with free undercover parking so the car is off the street overnight. Two Bedroom apartments sleep up to six if you are travelling as a couple of families.
Stay with us: 28–30 Esmond Street, Emerald QLD 4720. Check availability or call (07) 4980 0600. Compare the three apartment types.
For the Rest of the Weekend
Carnival netball takes up the mornings and not much else. Somewhere to take the team, or the siblings, afterwards:
- Fairbairn Dam & Lake Maraboon — the dam wall walk and the best sunsets in the district
- Emerald Botanic Gardens — the quietest half hour in Emerald, before the day warms up
- Where to eat in Emerald — cafes, pubs and the local beef, all within walking distance
- Fossicking with kids — how to keep young diggers happy for an afternoon
Plan Your Visit
- Accommodation: Emerald Inn — Deluxe, Executive, and Two Bedroom apartments
- Dining: Emerald dining guide — cafes, pubs, and local beef
- Services: Emerald services guide — supermarkets, fuel, medical
- FAQs: Emerald QLD FAQ — climate, distances, what to expect
- Contact: Emerald Inn — (07) 4980 0600 or bookings@emeraldinn.com.au