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Last updated:  August 2006

Many visitors to our region are experienced fossickers who know what they are looking for and where to go. However, we often get enquiries from people who are looking for more guidance. Our website now has a comprehensive information resource for your interest.  Please follow the links below to browse this information and welcome any feedback you may have:

Note that for our overseas visitors, fossicking = rockhounding.  The exact definition of the term is subject to argument, but in our experience, Aussies use the word fossicking describes the search for gemstones & rockhounding is used when looking for fossils, mineral specimens, etc.

See our locations page for more details on various fossicking spots in the district, directions, gems found, charges and facilities.  Download our area maps to assist you (please note these are still under construction so much more  information is still to be added):

• Northwest Map of Glen Innes district (including Emmaville, Matheson, Reddestone and Wellingrove Creeks)
• Southeast Map of Glen Innes district (including Glencoe, Kingsgate, Kookabookra, Mount Mitchell, Pinkett)
• Torrington State Conservation Area

See below for examples of the types of gems that might be found when fossicking for sapphire in the Glen Innes and Inverell district.

No licence is required to fossick for gems in NSW - other states may differ.

You simply need consent from the landholder and must follow some simple rules. See here for more information from the relevant government authorities:
NSW Department of Primary Industries and NSW State Forests
The NSW DPI also has an information sheet on where to find gems in NSW.
Please review our safety recommendations before setting out.

If you are unsure about how to find gems out in the bush or were unsuccessful on your fossicking trip, we have a few suggestions for you:

1. Select from our great range of facet rough and gem specimens - guaranteed straight from our mine on the  Reddestone Creek just outside Glen Innes.
2. Bag a Beauty Fossicking Bags for BYO gem mining. These bags contains  genuine sapphire wash from our mine so you can choose a pleasant spot for a  picnic and search for sapphires at your leisure.
3. Arrange a guided tour where experienced fossickers can help you find the best spot and assist you during the search.  Or if you don’t have much time, check out the Take a Wee Brek Fossicking Park in Glen Innes - all equipment and tuition is provided.