Have You Tried Gem Fossicking?
Australians have been exploring and fossicking different parts of Australia for a long time now, for most, it is a pastime with the bonus of potentially making a few dollars or customising some jewellery. Regardless of your experience, this is an outdoor activity with a sense of adventure, health benefits and it can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family.
Generally, a gem will contain a feature of beauty, normally a colour, surface patterning or distinctive feature and they are incredibly strong and resistant to scratching. Some of the gems you can expect to find in Australia include Opals, Sapphires, Topaz, Moonstones and Quartz to mention a few.
Over the years, the dedicated have banked a wealth of knowledge about fossicking, identifying the best locations and honing their techniques. If you meet an experienced fossicker, maybe ask them for some hints, probably best to ask what you need, best digging techniques etc. but not their best locations!
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If you have never tried fossicking before or do not know an experienced person, not to worry, there is a wealth of knowledge online and your local area may even have a gem / fossicking club. I guess the most important questions include what do I need, and where can I dig.
What do I need?
This is a list of the basics just to point you in the right direction,
- Shovel
- Pan
- Sieve
- Rock Pick
Other items to consider include Buckets, water containers, gloves and depending on your enthusiasm, you might want an inspection table and sieve stand.
Where do I dig?
Below you will find a list of Australia’s most well-known regions sorted by the types of Gem you can expect to find.
However, remember to research each area to ensure you don’t require permits or require the permission of private landowners. These State government websites will provide you with a lot information:
Fossicking Queensland
Fossicking Northern Territory
Fossicking New South Wales
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PRECIOUS OPAL
NSW: Lightning Ridge.
South Australia: Coober Pedy , Andamooka, Mintabie
Queensland: Opalton, Yowah
GARNET FIELDS
Northern Territory: Harts Range
Queensland: Fullarton River
ZIRCON FIELDS
Queensland: The Mud Tank , Sapphire
PERIDOT FIELDS
Queensland: Chudleigh Park
Victoria: Mortlake
MOONSTONE FIELDS
Queensland: Moonstone Hill
Travelling, camping or caravanning in Australia, whether it’s the outback or closer to the coast can be a very pleasurable pastime and if finding some of this great lands hidden treasures interests you, why not plan a road trip that includes a trip to the Gem fields?
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SAPPHIRE FIELDS
Queensland: Anakie, Rubyvale, Sapphire, Glenalva, The Willows, Inverell, Glen Innes
TOPEZ FIELDS
Victoria: Beechworth
Queensland: Mt Surprise, O'Briens Creek
Tasmania: Killiecrankie
New South Wales: Torrington
QUARTZ REGIONS
New South Wales: Mt Hope, Inverell
Victoria: Beechworth, Mooralla
Western Australia: Yellowdine Lake
Queensland: Cloncurry
Northern Territory: Wave Hill
PREHNITE FIELDS
Northern Territory: Wave Hill
The Experience Caravanning and Camping website offers a range of over 800 quality caravan holiday parks, conveniently found using the Find a Holiday Park icon. So get out there, hit the road and experience this great country of ours!
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