We take a look at three top spots to strike it rich fossicking in North West QLD. So whether you want to try your luck panning for gold or fossicking for gemstones, make sure to add these regions to your RV travel bucket list.
Fossicking grew ridiculously popular during the Covid lockdowns. And as more people caught gold fever (or sparkly gem fever), it seems the urge to strike it rich remains. Requests for fossicking permits have increased in record numbers and analysts predict the sector is set to grow at a compound average rate of 3.5% between 2021 and 2025.
With old mining towns galore and a rich history, North West QLD is an amazing RV destination to seek gold and gemstones. Who knows? You might even strike it rich. But if you don’t, as you probably already know, it’s a heck of a lot of fun trying!
Read on for three top spots in North West QLD for fossicking.
Agate Creek, Forsayth
Head to the Agate Creek fossicking area around 70 kilometres south of Forsayth in QLD to try your luck fossicking for … yep, you guessed it… agates. Agate Creek is world-renowned for producing agates of unique colours and patterns. Try your luck for gold with a metal detector here too! The Forsayth area is a small part of the Etheridge Goldfields that was opened to prospectors in the late 1800s. If you hold your tongue the right way and with a bit of luck on your side, you might just unearth gold missed in the rush of the early days.
Where to stay: After a hard day of fossicking, make your way to the Agate Creek Camping Ground. You won’t have to go very far because it’s actually right next door to the fossicking fields. Enjoy this little gem of a camping ground nestled on the banks of Agate Creek. It offers unpowered camping with an amenities block.
Moonstone Hill, Lyndhurst
Fossick for rare yet beautiful moonstones at Moonstone Hill, situated on the edge of a prehistoric inland sea around Lyndhurst. Prized for their blue-to-white adularescence glow when cut and polished, they’re a little hard to find. However, even if you don’t find one, Moonstone Hill has an abundance of gem-quality rock minerals. So there’s a good chance you won’t go home empty-handed.
Where to stay: There is not much in terms of towns near Moonstone Hill so many fossickers stay at the Moonstone Camping Area. It’s just a convenient stone’s throw from the fossicking site. Alternatively, some fossickers make the long two-hour drive south to Hughenden to stay. A 4WD is recommended to access this camping area which features an open grassy area with undefined sites. There are no facilities so you will need to be completely self-sufficient.
O’Briens Creek, Mount Surprise
Try your luck fossicking for stunning topaz at O’Briens Creek fossicking area in QLD. Although it’s easier to find clear topaz here, you’ll win extra special bragging right if you find a few ‘blues’. Apparently there’s a one in a hundred chance. Better yet, seek out the even rarer ‘yellows’ or ‘greens’. Find the fossicking area around 35 kilometres from the scenic township of Mount Surprise.
While you’re in the area, extend your fossicking stay to explore the Undara Volcanic National Park and its awe-inspiring 190,000-year-old lava tube system. It’s not every day you can say you’ve explored the longest lava tubes in the world!
Where to stay: Settle in for the night at the Bedrock Village Caravan Park. It’s just a quick 20-minute drive from O’Brien’s Creek. Bedrock Village is a full-service caravan park with both pet-friendly powered and unpowered sites, facilities, laundry, mini-golf and cabins.
QLD fossicking licenses
A fossicking license is required to fossick in QLD. Luckily, they’re pretty easy on the wallet at under $10 for an individual for one month and under $13 for a whole family. Purchase your QLD fossicking licence online here.
