It’s a small wonder that more and more people are flocking to Glen Innes Highlands to fossick.
We're part of the most prolific sapphire region in New South Wales which has the world’s richest mineral diversity belt.
It’s internationally famous for the deep rich, royal blue sapphires.
And there are other reasons: fossicking is easy, cheap, no licence is needed in NSW and it’s a fun activity for the whole family – with the prospect of glittering rewards.
Never been fossicking before? There is a bit of a technique to it all so it’s best to drop into the Visitor Information Centre or one of the below facilities that provide beginner level experiences.
1. Fossicker Caravan Park
2. Bullock Mountain Homestead (guided lessons)
Top 8 Places to go Fossicking
1. Torrington State Recreation Area
2. Aroona Glen (booking required)
3. Timbarra River Bridge
4. Yarrow Creek Bridge
5. Mann River Bridge
6. Sara River Bridge – Kookabookra
7. Wellingrove Bridge
8. Three Waters High Country Holidays (booking required)
There are quite a few places that experienced fossickers can try their luck and they do!
Before you venture out drop into the Visitor Centre to find out how the waterways are doing given the current drought conditions. Some fossicking sites need a day’s advance notice and to be contacted – see brochure for further information.
If you're fossicking in the area of Emmaville or TOrrington it's a good idea to stop into the Emmaville Mining Museum for the local down-low on fossicking in the area.
The museum houses the renowned collections of Curnow mineral collection is also home to the Jillet, Gilbey, Ellis, Schumacher, Trethewey, Hermann and Maskey collections.
Out back is Foley’s General Store Museum, a replica blacksmith’s shop, an old wood-fired bakery, and a machinery shed filled with old mining equipment.
There’s also the interior of a hessian-lined miner’s hut, a collection of over 400 photographs of the old mines, miners, and the Emmaville community, and a beautiful 1,500 bottle collection.
Located at the Visitor Information Centre are two sapphire, gem and lapidary businesses that are well worth a visit.
GemHunters Haven supply a large range of items including gem stone rough, lapidary tools, cabbing & faceting machines, fossicking/prospecting tools, jewellery findings, abrasives and adhesives, silver wire and soldering requirements and much more.
Reddestone Sapphires offer an exclusive range of cut and polished, high quality natural sapphire. Our sapphire is available in a range of colour including Fine Blue, Gold, Yellow, Green, Pink and Partie Colour. Reddestone Sapphire is highly regarded in the Gem stone industry all around the world.
The next Minerama Fossicking, Gem & Jewellery Show will be held at the historic Glen Innes Showgrounds on the 12, 13 & 14th March 2021.
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.
Minerama is perfect for all gem and jewellery lovers, rockhounds and outdoor adventurers. Search for buried treasure in Glen Innes Highlands a program of guided fossicking field trips to suit both beginner and experienced gem hunters.
There are over 100+ stalls trading in gemstones, fine jewellery, facet rough, lapidary tools & supplies, crystals, beads, fossils, mineral specimens, arts, crafts and more. Whether you are after a two-dollar special, a gemstone of world-class quality or a unique piece of jewellery you’ll find it at Minerama. .
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