Explore Sapphire Gemfields: Hands-On Outback Gem-Hunting

Location

The Sapphire Gemfields

What it is?

The Sapphire Gemfields, near Emerald in Queensland’s Central Highlands, are one of the world’s richest sapphire-producing regions. The main towns of Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale and The Gemfields form a quirky outback community where visitors can try their luck fossicking for gems. Hire a licence and a bucket of wash, then sift and sort at a fossicking park, or take a tour of a working mine, such as the walk-in Miners Heritage mine at Rubyvale. Local gem shops sell cut and uncut stones, and the dry, sunny climate and laid-back atmosphere make it an unforgettable stop, especially for families.

What it offers?

The Sapphire Gemfields offer a hands-on outback experience that’s quite different from most Queensland destinations.

Fossicking: This is the main drawcard. Visitors can hire a licence and a bucket of wash dirt, then sift and sort for sapphires, zircons and other gems at fossicking parks or designated areas. Staff will often help identify what you find.

Mine tours: Underground tours, such as the walk-in Miners Heritage mine at Rubyvale, show how sapphires are mined and what life was like for the early miners.

Gem shops and galleries: Local shops sell cut and uncut stones, jewellery and custom pieces, and many will cut or set a stone you’ve found yourself.

Outback towns: Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale and The Gemfields each have their own character, with quirky pubs, markets, cafes and galleries. The Big Sapphire at Anakie is a popular photo stop.

Accommodation and camping: Options include caravan parks, cabins, bush camping and guesthouses, so you can stay for a few days and settle into the slower pace.

The area is easy to combine with a trip to Emerald, which is about 40 to 70 km away depending on the town. It’s best visited in the cooler months, as summer can be very hot, and it’s worth checking opening times and fossicking licence requirements before you go.

Wheelchair Access?

There are some dining areas that cater for people with disabilities, including their facilities. May require assistance.

The larger fossicking sites may be able to assist with fossicking. Call ahead to check.

What we did?

I wanted to have a go at a few different ways of fossicking:

We went to a local place and purchased a bag of wash, which they showed us how to clean and sort. They then assisted with identifying gemstones and providing bags for us to keep the more valuable ones separate.
We bought a shovel, pick and sieve and went and dug some dirt in one of the public fossicking areas. This was hot, hard work, and we did not last long.
I had my daughter and a girlfriend visit, and we went out with a local who took us to a location where he had all the equipment set up. He also assisted us with places to dig and the identification of stone found.

Option 1 is definitely the easiest by far, not to mention the cleanest option. If I were able to go back in time, I would not go and buy my own pick and shovel; I would pay someone to take me out and use his equipment.

I was given information by a local on how to send the stones to Thailand and get them cut. I did this, and I have included before and after photos in the images above.

Highlight?

Finding that first coloured stone!

Would I do it again?

I might give it another go in a different area as we travel around the Country. Will I pick option 1, 2 or 3? I have no idea. I think I will leave these options open and take it as it comes.

What do you need?

As a couple: Pre-downloaded maps on your phone (reception is patchy); water bottles; wide-brimmed hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.

With Kids: water; snacks; wide-brimmed hat; sunscreen; bug spray; good sturdy shoes.

With Pets: When my daughter visited, we took her Golden Retriever with us when we went fossicking. He loved it. There were a few kids there with us, and he followed them around for a bit.

Just check ahead with the operators, as they may have pets or not allow pets.

You should also check ahead with where you want to have lunch after and see if they allow pets in their dining area.

Water, treats and a lead are a given.

Yearly Events

The annual Gemfest, usually held in August, draws large crowds with gem displays, markets and fossicking activities.

Local markets operate in Sapphire.

Sapphire Gemfields