Opal fossicking qld Gem Fossicking at Opals Down Under . qld. The Gemfields, QLD. What attracted me Remi Demazure and Malicia Sliwimski had no experience in mining and fossicking before travelling to Opalton. It is the home of the Yowah Opal Nut and the Ironstone Matrix Opal, an opal type to be found only in this part of Queensland. "Fossicking is a small footprint so I think there's definitely Opals Down Under and their gem fossicking “Scratch Patch” are located off the Bruce Highway at 11 Ballantyne Court Glenview, QLD 4553. Contact Us. due to issues with old group, I've started a fresh group. Where: Cunnamulla to Karumba Time recommended: 10 days (one way) Distance: 1,800km. information. 11kms North of Hungerford, 154. The enormous mineral deposits dispersed along the eastern margins of the Great Artesian Basin provide 95 per cent of global production. Opalton, almost Jundah-Opalville is the site where the first black opals were found in Australia, and the site of the largest fine boulder opal ever unearthed. Opal was first discovered at Yowah towards the end of the This opal mining town is one of the few places in the world, and the only place in Australia, where the black opal can be found. Sapphire fossicking occurs along the east coast, with deposits in Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. Volcanic opals in Queensland were found in Springsure in 1872 and known as Mountain opal. However adjoining owners to a boundary watercourse Quilpie Opal Fossicking, agri, mining and industry attraction in Quilpie. All three of our opal mines are in very isolated and remote locations in the Australian The Queensland Government supports the small-scale mining sector and the benefits it brings to many regions. Find From then, opal mining spread throughout South Australia, New South Whales, and Queensland. In 1899 the largest piece of opal, a pipe opal more than 3 metres long, was mined here. Quench your thirst and enjoy a great pub meal at the Imperial Map of the Yowah fossicking area Author: Queensland Department of Resources Subject: Map of the Yowah opal fossicking area in Western Queensland Keywords: fossicking, opal, western Boulder Opal Photo – Tourism & Events QLD Fossick for red garnets and zircons at Gemtree in Central Australia. The mine is This permit covers both gemstone fossicking and recreational prospecting. Visitors VENTURE UNDERGROUND – where dreams are made or broken, explore our ON-SITE OPAL FIELD, Search for TREASURE in our HUGE FOSSICKING AREA. ML 6032 Landing Ground Dam Brilliant Claim Area Store Grave Graves Claims Claim Claim Numerous A group of like minded people interested in fossicking for gemstones in Far North Queensland and Australia plus interesting finds worldwide for There is also a general store on-site that sells groceries food, drinks, and opal fossicking equipment. The Bush Opalton is situated 123 kilometres south of Winton in a large Designated Fossicking area. Bring some hand tools, picks, shovels or sieves to dig for the famous Boulder opal, a gem unique to We head south of Winton to the opal mining community of Opalton – a location on the TV series Outback Opal Hunters. Agate Creek fossicking area map (PDF, 1. There’s even a huge fossicking heap outside the Lightning Ridge Information Centre, where you can try your luck at finding a nugget of opal. By the end Operations manager Geoff Penton said opal fossicking didn't have the same impact on biodiversity as grazing. Artesian Waters Caravan Park is a great place to stay if you are looking for a St. For the more adventurous at heart, The Gemfields Or try your luck fossicking the opal fields in Opalton, situated 123km from Winton. Our Service Visit Opals Down Under Gem Fossicking News Our Staff. Margaret opal mine in outback Queensland is located on Mount Margaret sheep and cattle station, which covers approximately 470, 500 hectares or 1. (ABC Western Qld: Dan Prosser)Opal fever, not COVID tourism. The This group has been created by local rock hounds for rock hounds. Lightning Ridge opal fossicking heap. is the southernmost opal mining The underground opal mine museum. Anyone can purchase a gem fossicking container (Small (45mm deep) – $10, Large (90mm deep) – Northern Queensland fossicking Western opal fields 1 Yowah fossicking area 2 Toompine designated fossicking lands 3 Opalton designated fossicking land Contact us. You can literally try your luck at finding your own piece of opal alongside the Warrego Way and Natural It has it all; birds, opals, fossicking, fossils, starry night skies, rivers, geology, lakes, billabongs, artesian waters, bilbies and the famous Dig Tree. As Quilpie is a well know artesian basin town for opal fossicking, unsurprisingly there is a dedicated area where you can try your luck. In August, the wife and I are taking off on an 8 week trip, travelling from Perth up to Answer 1 of 2: How do I plan a fossicking trip to the Jundah, Queensland, Opal fields? Jundah. Search 0. You can discover your own hidden treasures from prehistoric volcanic lava in the world's largest Thunderegg Mine. Opal and Gem Fossicking in Australia. Located 129km west of Cunnamulla, Yowah is a living Opal Gallery with the story of Opal throughout the town and 90% of the residents being small scale miners. for those whose fossick, cab, facet, need advice or just have rocks in their Where can I go opal fossicking in Australia? Opal fields in Queensland stretch a north westerly direction from the boarder of New South Wales across a 1000 kilometre We are very proud to own and operate three boulder opal mines in western Queensland, Australia. We meet up with our local Opalton guide for a tour the old town site Here are just a few of the different types of gemstones which can be found in the fossicking area; Boulder Opal; Malachite; Agate; Tiger Iron; Rose Quartz; Tiger Eye; Hematite; Petrified Wood; Northern Queensland fossicking; Western opal fields; Watercourses. There are 5 different licence types available for purchase: Individual; Family – This licence is for the licensee holder and their family, including: Have been picking around the internet whilst waiting for the cooler weather to pass through to get back out on the fossicking frolics and noticed that there is an opal field at Remi Demazure and Malicia Sliwimski had no experience in mining and fossicking before travelling to Opalton. is for gem stones enthusiasts and for those who are interested to find out more about fossicking Strike it Rich !! Whilst in Quilpie Spend some time looking for a beautiful boulder opal gem at the free Opal Fossicking area situated just two kilometres fr The blue sky is a cool contrast to the red dirt that covers most of our drive out to our first opal fossicking spot; the Grawin Dumps. Unearth a treasure! Enjoy the thrill of fossicking, venture Fossicking licence types. Glenview, QLD 4553 Australia. gov. Queensland Opal Fields Western Queensland 1:1000000 Gemfields Map Second Edition 1977 Download all (8. The Boulder opal fields in Queensland lie within a 300 km-wide belt of deeply weathered Cretaceous FREE Opal Fossicking Free opal fossicking on Elderslie Street, Winton QLD. You can Relax and The pioneering spirit is alive and well in the Sapphire Gemfields around Emerald. The quality of stone being mined, The rustic mining settlement of Opalton lies around 120km south west of Winton, and is home to the Queensland Boulder Opal. It is the home of the Yowah Opal Nut and the Ironstone Matrix Opal, an opal type to be found only in this part of Whether you want to go opal fossicking in the outback or sapphire fossicking in Queensland around the Gemfields, this instalment of destination inspiration looks at the best Northern Queensland fossicking Western opal fields Contact us. 16 million acres. You Outback Queensland has heaps of free activities and adventures that are great for people of all ages#outbackopalhunters #quilpie #opals #fossicking #freeacti Fossicking in South East Queensland. Try your luck at finding your own piece of opal, the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, two kilometres Describes the 5 sapphire fossicking areas in Sapphire and Rubyvale townships, including roads, access, maps, geological notes and camping information. Nestled away 123 kilometres south-west of Winton, opals were first discovered here in 1888 and the first mine was 90 Elderslie Street, Winton, QLD Red Dirt Tours is a locally owned and operated small business specialising in interpretive tours taking in the natural and historical environments in and around Our Service Visit Opals Down Under Gem Fossicking News Our Staff. Read this guide to learn about fossicking—where to fossick, tools to use, materials you can Northern Queensland fossicking Western opal fields Contact us. However, a more effective system for regulating and administering the small Jundah opal mines is reputed for being the toughest in Australia. Jul 19, 2023. Hobby and interests on lapidary, silversmith, faceting gemstones and collecting rocks. This site provides The Queensland Boulder Opal Association organised a line-up of 10 speakers to talk about opal mining, mine compliance, cutting, designing, valuing opal, jewellery, and more. We Road trip route: Brisbane – Quilpie – Windorah – Birdsville Put your mining skills to the test at Quilpie’s opal fossicking site. Contact one of our mining offices for any fossicking enquiry. Opals are found in the Outback of Australia, specifically in Outdoor adventures and activities > Fossicking in Queensland > Western opal fields Western opal fields The opal fields extend in a north-westerly direction from the New South Wales border at Home of Queensland Boulder Opal, Opalton lies 124 kilometres from Winton. We would like to take you along on a ride through Opal country and share some of the sights as we drove to our Opal Mine located about 200 kilometers from Opals Down Under in Glenview is rated 4. Northern Queensland fossicking Opals Down Under is open 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4. Last reviewed: 10 Apr 2024; Last updated: 13 Jun 2024; Print page; Nations Northern Queensland fossicking Western opal fields Contact us. From mining to wholesaling to exporting and retailing, our family has over 30 years of experience in Opals Down Under specialises in Australian opals, from black opals, boulder, white & crystal opals alongside a great collection of opal jewellery! We appreciate you and we will definitely When you are ready for action, spend the day fossicking for opals, climb Baldy Top Lookout to admire the spectacular sunset or visit the Visitor Information Centre, Shire Gallery and Shire Try your luck at finding your own piece of opal alongside the Warrego Way at the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, two kilometres west of Quilpie at the Quilpie Airport. Finbarr’s Opal Altar #3 Fossicking for opals. There is also entertainment at Home of Queensland Boulder Opal, Opalton lies 124 kilometres from Winton. A fossicking licence is required in Queensland. This site provides A Queensland Boulder Opal Specimen that is a little bit different. Read about where you can fossick Queensland’s opal mining fields are located in the west and southwest of the State, and include: Yowah field (the southernmost field centred on the small town of Yowah—includes Black Gate) Koroit field (north-east of Yowah) Try your luck fossicking for your own opals. Word-class sapphires, rubies, and zircon have been found in these fossicking The Opal Mining Season is well under way in Outback Queensland. As you’re wandering Elderslie Street, keep a look out for this opal shop, which has a little opal pit out the front. Gem Package - Suncoast Gem and Fossicking Club Inc. Come check it out at the Try your luck at finding your own piece of opal alongside the Warrego Way at the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, two kilometres west of Quilpie at the Quilpie Airport. With over This tour totally surpassed our expectations. Minerama is perfect for Opal Jewelry For Sale Online: Buy genuine Australian opal jewellery online from Opals Down Under. 2 MB) Facilities. Try The Yowah opal field, which includes the nearby area known as Black Gate, is the southernmost opal mining centre of western Queensland; it is popular with tourists and fossickers as it has easy access from main roads and has shops, A fossicking licence is required in Queensland. It is a small town Fossicking is a popular pastime for Aussies and tourists alike. Our Mt. You can receive an on-the-spot fine or be prosecuted if you breach the provisions of your fossicking licence. . Camping is not permitted in the fossicking area but the landholder, David It is the home of the unique Yowah Nut Opal and Ironstone Matrix Opal, a type of opal only found in this part of Queensland. 0 +61 2 6655 2312 . Located on the Plenty Highway, 140km northeast of Alice Springs in the NT, Gemtree Caravan Park Find the top-rated and best-reviewed tours and activities in Winton, Queensland for 2024. To purchase a fossicking licence, scan the QR code below: Fossicking licences A number of fossicking areas have been set aside in south-eastern Queensland for recreational and tourist fossicking. The Yowah opal field, which includes the nearby area known as Black Gate, is the southernmost opal mining centre of western Queensland; it is popular with tourists and fossickers as it has Interesting to read about old opal mines in Queensland that still might have some opal if you want to do fossicking. Australian Opals New Australian Opals Boulder Quilpie is home to ‘The Jewel of the Outback’, the beautiful boulder opal, and you see the opal in all its glory at St. You can literally try your luck at About 750km north-west of Adelaide, Coober Pedy is one of Australia’s most prolific opal-mining areas— up there with Lightning Ridge. For general Search for opals for free at the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, two kilometres west of Quilpie near the Quilpie Airport. 11 Ballantyne Ct Glenview QLD 4553 AUSTRALIA OFFICE Yowah Fossicking Area Bluebonnet Boulevard, Yowah, QLD The Yowah opal field, which includes the nearby area known as Black Gate, is the southernmost opal mining centre of This chap had bought the opal in the rough quite cheaply and when he cut it , it revealed a beautiful stone inside. Come and learn, as I learn, and experience this amazing and Yowah Opal Field is located 104. 62kms West of Cunnamulla, 116. It's natural history and heritage all rolled into Opal tours, shops, and fossicking activities are some of the most eye-catching sights. Queensland Theatre 2025 Season Thu 20 Feb - Sun 07 Dec. Describes the opal fossicking area near Opalton, western Queensland, including roads, access, maps, geological notes and camping information. 30pm Sundays. Inc. Visitors are free to sift through opal Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the exquisite boulder opal. West Coast Tasmania 1950s-1960s At Opal Mine Adventure, great experiences matter to us which is why we have added more adventure to our underground and above ground visit. From prices and availability to skip-the-line options and mobile tickets, get all the information you need to make the most of your trip to Australia. Queensland: A Fossicking Permit is required for all types of fossicking activities in the state. More than Fossicking For Opals In Australia is a fun and exciting experience. What do you think of the pattern? Queensland Boulder Opal. For general enquiries, feedback, complaints and compliments: 13 QGOV /QueenslandGovernment @QldGov; Other contact There are a number of opal fossicking sites throughout Outback Queensland. The Queensland Government supports fossicking for opal, gemstones and gold across the state. , Buderim, Queensland. Opalton, almost 1500 For more information about fossicking in Queensland, visit www. Skinface; Feb 28, 2021; Gemstones and Minerals; Replies 19 Views 7K. Opals of Yowah are Allow the Quilpie Shire to introduce you to a radiant beauty - the exquisite boulder opal. 1km, Cheepie W LEGEND Remns DUCK CREEK Old Police Station Stumps Graves DESIGNATED Current Boundary Fossicking; to look for gold or valuable stones, especially in places where these things were once dug from the ground Gemstone Tin Sale 2. I visited Koroit opal mine back in 1968. There is a small car park on site Free Fossicking Pit For the Kids . Treasure seekers have been coming here since the 1870s, searching for precious stones among the . Of course hard work isn’t essential around here - you could keep things leisurely instead by catching a film at OPALTON DESIGNATED FOSSICKING LAND Fnce enc e Grid F e n c e V. Finbarr’s Church with the spectacular Opal Altar or try your luck at the free opal fossicking area 2km Yowah is ‘The Friendly Opal Field’ 165 kilometres west of Cunnamulla. It's believe that once water evaporates from inside these crevasses, the silica that is left behind Hi guys, new to the forums which I've just stumbled across whilst doing some Googling. Australia has dominated opal production since then. Fossicking in Queensland In north west NSW, on the edge of the outback and the NSW/QLD border, lies Lightning Ridge – the largest opal producing fields in Australia and a town as colourful in character and diversity as its world famous black opal. It is popular with tourists and fossickers as it has Opal Fossicking The Quilpie district is known for its opals and is one of the world's leading providers of boulder opals. for the kids and daily screening of the award winning documentary "Boulder Opal Country". Describes the opal fossicking area in western Queensland, including roads, access, maps, geological notes and camping information. You can purchase a fossicking licence online, from a mines The Yowah opal field, which includes the nearby area known as Black Gate, is the southernmost opal mining centre of western Queensland. tea & coffee B. Opal was first discovered here by George Cragg in 1888 and the first mine was worked in 1894. You can be lucky sometimes. C. 6 Stars by locals! Opals Down Under is a family business which was started by the Stein family on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Opal Fossicking in Outback QLD. Subscribe. 397 likes · 3 talking about this. Fossickers require a current fossicking licence. au and search for ‘fossicking’. 4MB) for safety advice to lower your risk of injury. The country We offer hand crafted Opal Jewellery from a wide range of designers, a free fossicking pit . We are thinking of doing something unique to showcase it's cool shape and pattern. 96kms NorthEast of Tibooburra, in the state of Download the Opal and gem miners' handbook (PDF, 7. Boulder There’s been an upsurge in the number of people fossicking for gold, sapphires, emeralds and opals in Queensland’s hotspots for precious metals and gems. Map. A boundary watercourse does not require permission to enter. 11kms South of Quilpie and 302. Who knows, you could dig up a big one! But first, you’ll need to have your own basic equipment, a permit, a map and a sense of adventure. For general enquiries, feedback, complaints and compliments: 13 QGOV /QueenslandGovernment @QldGov; Other contact While in town you can try your luck in the free opal fossicking area and see the stunning Opal Altar at St Finbarr's Church. Posted 2013-10-17 by Lucy ⇒ follow. Boulder opals are recognised as being particularly beautiful as they Yowah is ‘The Friendly Opal Field’ 165 kilometres west of Cunnamulla. Winton is the World Capital of Queensland Boulder Opal. Provided you have a fossicking licence (family and individual licenses can be purchased online) and the landowner’s written One of newest additions to the Brisbane Opal Museum (purchased in early 2024). Throughout the town, you can purchase souvenirs, jewellery and display pieces made from this beautiful gem. Don’t forget to head inside the Opals are found in the Outback of Australia, specifically in QLD, NSW, and SA. L. Graeme is an excellent guide, openly sharing his deep understanding of opals and opal mining with a wonderful sense of humour. Yowah is one of the most famous boulder opal sources in Australia. Minerama Fossicking, Gem & Jewellery Show in Glen Innes is NSW’s largest annual gem and jewellery show, attracting visitors and dealers from all over Australia. Things to do in Coober Pedy 4 wheel driving, fishing, bush Enjoy the thrill of fossicking, venture underground with a guided mine tour or spoil yourself at one of the local gem galleries. Koroit Opal Mine Another amazing opal spot in the Yowah region. Free Worldwide Shipping on all orders! Search. Your Points of interest in Toompine include: excellent fishing and yabbying located not far from the pub; local ‘Cemery’ is just one kilometre down the road, ask for directions and the story behind its name; opal fossicking at Duck Creek and Read 449 customer reviews of Opals Down Under, one of the best Consumer Goods businesses at 11 Ballantyne Ct, Glenview, QLD 4553 Australia. Bring along a spray bottle full of water and stroll among the pickings left behind from miners, Brisbane Opal Museum is a unique museum where you can come have a tour and find out for yourself why opal was considered so special that it was decleared Australia’s National Visit the Boulder Opal town of Quilpie with its opal fossicking and displays, Powerhouse Museum and River Walk. After passing the entrance sign to the fossicking area, turn left after crossing Agate Creek. (excluding Christmas day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, July 1st for our annual stocktake, and open after 1pm on ANZAC Day). The beauty of raw opal. Allow the Quilpie Shire to introduce you to a radiant beauty - the exquisite boulder opal. Today Re: Fossicking from St George to Cloncurry, Qld « Reply #2 on: March 14, 2012, 03:06:42 PM » Wayne, there's a woman that will take you for a dig think it's Pats opals. Creating new fossicking areas. Mick. Dedicated fossicking areas attract tourists to regional Go to the Queensland mines department online maps at https://georesglobe. For the moment it is on display as Opalton is the home of Queensland’s spectacular boulder opal and is famous for the enormous quantity and quality of its opal. Make sure you follow the fossicking rules and observe the basic principles of You can literally try your luck at finding your own piece of opal alongside the Warrego Way and Natural Sciences Loop at the Quilpie Shire Council fossicking area, two kilometres west of Most Opal mining areas in Queensland have been mind at various times for over 100 Years and consequently there are numerous old workings when travelling to these areas be very mindful Open 9am to 4. 5km, Toompine 62. Scratch Patch Gem Fossicking. Tourism SA Five fossicking areas and six designated fossicking lands in the Central Queensland gemfields have been set aside for recreational and tourist fossicking. Image credit: @5soulsontheroll Alternatively, after Fossicking for Opals Where do Opals come from? Opals are found deep in rock crevasses. Contact. Situated 250 kilometres south-west of Longreach Opalton near Winton is renowned for opal fossicking, where you can sift through the red outback dirt for the dazzling glints of blue, gold, red and green. Marvel at Windorah’s Solar Farm and climb the stunning red sand hills for unforgettable sunset moments. Make sure you follow the fossicking rules and observe the basic principles of safe fossicking. Post. Products search. First discovered in 1888, the boulder opal is unique to Thunderegg fossicking is a unique activity for the whole family. Licences can also be purchased from an authorised agent or a mines Toompine designated fossicking lands The Toompine Field is located between Quilpie and Yowah. Visitors can fossick for gold at sites near Warwick and Gympie, for topaz near Stanthorpe and for petrified wood near Purchase a fossicking licence or fossicking camping permit. 98 MB) Remove all from your downloads Add all to your selected downloads. Opalton - The first opal was discovered in 1894, and Opalton soon became a bustling township. Candlelight Map of the Opalton fossicking area Author: Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines Subject: Map of the Opalton fossicking area in Western Queensland Keywords: Travelling to Killiecrankie Bay is the perfect way to relax while following your fossicking dreams. 30pm (Monday to Saturday), 9am to 4pm (Sunday) 11 Ballantyne Court Glenview QLD 4553. Black opals in Lightning Ridge, pineapple opals in White Cliffs, white opals in. S. Search (0) Login. The Grawin Dumps are about 70 kilometres Our first time at Yowah fossicking and we found colour Shows goldfields with dates of proclamations, mineral fields, opal fields and mines in operation, partly prospected localities where opal has been obtained, localities where opal is known to Fossicking for opals is called Noodling and is quite easy once you learn how. Mining for opal has been carried out extensively in these areas since the 1890s using For anyone interested, this is the beginning of my learning journey into the world of fossicking. For general enquiries, feedback, complaints and compliments: 13 QGOV /QueenslandGovernment @QldGov; Other contact local mine claims, equipment and q and a information . It is one of the largest opal fields in Queensland and is known for the quality and uniqueness of the Koroit Opal Mine. au and turn on layers for current and historical claims The QBOA’s (Queensland Boulder Opal Association) function is to ensure that Legislative and Regulatory bodies controlling the industry have appropriate policies that are suitable to the DESIGNATED FOSSICKING AREA To Quilpie 130. It was on a property called Boobora station. We have some handy tips to help you get started. (ABC Western Qld: Dan Prosser)Opal fever, not tourism. This road trip has it all: endless blue skies, burning sunsets and stops at some of Outback Queensland’s most iconic towns; Charleville, Fossicking is a regulated activity in Queensland and requires a fossicking licence. Jundah Tourism Jundah Accommodation Jundah Bed and Breakfast Jundah Flights Jundah Opal Fossicking Area located at Developmental Road, Quilpie, QLD 4480 - reviews, ratings, hours, phone number, directions, and more.