Central Queensland Gemfields designated fossicking areas
Dig and sieve wash on public land set aside for recreational fossicking around Sapphire, Rubyvale, Willows, Glenalva, Graves Hill and Tomahawk Creek, looking for sapphire and zircon.
The visit
Why it is worth the trip
The Queensland gemfields are one of the historic sources of blue and parti-coloured sapphire, and working the ground yourself shows how varied a single sapphire field can be.
Before you go
The Queensland Government states that a fossicking licence is required in all areas and that fossicking is not permitted on the many mining leases and claims in these areas without the holder's permission. Five fossicking areas and six designated fossicking lands have been set aside in the Central Queensland gemfields for recreational and tourist fossicking.
Compiled from qld.gov.au, read on August 16, 2026.
Opening times, seasons and prices change, and we are not the operator. Confirm directly with the venue before travelling. We take no commission on any visit.