Situated on the banks of the Nogoa River, the Emerald Botanic Gardens are the only botanic gardens located within the Central Western District of Queensland. Covering an area of 42 hectares (420,000 square metres) the gardens provide residents and visitors with not only a place to relax and unwind but also an opportunity to gain further insight into the region's natural environments. The gardens have six kilometres of walking tracks that lead to picnic areas, playgrounds, mazes, sculptures and specialised plant communities.