Rockhampton
Capricorn Coast
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Carnarvon Gorge
Sapphire Gemfields
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Sapphire Gemfields

Catch a bit of Fossicking Fever.....

Make the discovery of a lifetime when you go fossicking for gems at the largest sapphire fields in the Southern Hemisphere, which include the towns of Rubyvale, Anakie, Willows Gemfields and Sapphire. To get there it's only a four hour drive west of Rockhampton on the Capricorn Highway. Do not forget to take the time and discover the charm of a real country pub at The Anakie Hotel or New Royal Hotel in Rubyvale.

Dig at one of the nominated fossicking areas or take it easy and buy a bucket of wash, where all the digging has been done for you and all there is left to do is sieve and sort for the hidden treasure! Why not buy a bag of wash to take home with you.

Take a trip down under and explore the underground mine and find out how sapphires are formed and experience what life is like as a gem prospector. Learn how to identify the different types of sapphires and pick up some fossicking tips from the experts.

If luck is not on your side when looking for sapphires, stop at one of the gem galleries and showrooms and browse through the range of stunning gems for you to purchase.

You need a permit/licence to fossick on any public fossicking sites. Permits can be purchased for a small monthly fee, and are available from numerous small businesses and licence agents throughout the region.

Click here for a link to more information on permits and fossicking areas.