Sapphire Gemfields

Come on a real-life treasure hunt in the Sapphire Gemfields, one of the largest sapphire bearing areas of the world. Taking in the townships of Rubyvale, Sapphire, Anakie and Willows, the Sapphire Gemfields are only a 45-minute drive west of Emerald and cover almost 900 square kilometres.

Where to find treasure

Fossicking Parks are a great starting point for anyone who’s never fossicked before, and suit people of all ages and fitness levels. The digging work is already done – you simply buy a bag of wash and start searching. Friendly staff are on hand to give advice and guidance on how to sieve and sort sapphires and zircons.

CHDC_2021_JesseLindemann_JLP10013-horizontal-smaller-size — Credit: Jesse Lindemann

Tag-Along Fossicking Tours lead you to a designated fossicking area where you meet up with an experienced miner, who shows you how to dig, sieve, wash and inspect your very own diggings. All equipment is supplied.

CHDCShoot_Day3-83 - Copy (Large) — Credit: Nathan White Images

Designated Fossicking Sites If you prefer to go it alone, you can choose from about a dozen locations (called ‘areas’ and ‘lands’) that are designated for recreational and tourist fossicking. But before you head there, make sure you:

Buy a fossicking licence online here or by phoning MyMines (07) 3199 8133 and have your email address handy when you call. The licences are cheap and come with a set of maps and rules.
Download or print the licence. Reception can be poor at the fossicking sites so doing this before you travel is a must!
Camping is allowed at some of the locations but you’ll need to be self-sufficient and you’ll definitely need a permit – this is not the same as a fossicking licence! See a list of locations and buy the camping permit online here or phone My Mines (07) 3199 8133.
Buy or hire hand tools and mining equipment from local businesses.

For more info, click here.

Sapphire - Pats Gems - Photo by Jesse Lindemann — Credit: Jesse Lindemann

Specking is the art of intently scanning the ground to spot sapphires on the surface. It’s best done after rain and can be done anywhere there’s soil – try creek beds, bush tracks or any of the designated sites mentioned above. It sounds simple but you do need to know what to look out for – fossicking parks and tours teach you how to tell the difference between a precious stone and a pretty rock!

CHDCShoot_Day3-123 (Medium) — Credit: Nathan White Images

Gemshops and Galleries are the best places to purchase an Australian-mined and -cut sapphire and quality sapphire jewellery. Gemcutters are available to facet your very own find and jewellers will set them into a piece of jewellery that could become a valuable family heirloom.

Between Sapphire and Rubyvale 3 (Large) — Credit: Casandra Kunst

Fun fact! The world’s largest black sapphire was discovered in the Gemfields in the 1930s by a 12-year-old boy, who’d simply kicked what he thought was a large rock. His family used it as a doorstop for 10 years before his father scraped away the edge and noticed the star shape. The Black Star of Queensland is currently worth about $100 million and is overseas. Source: ABC, State Library of Queensland.

Other Experiences…

Miners Common Be ready to give way to cattle, horses and camels. Officially proclaimed in November 1914 and known as the heart and soul of the Gemfields, the Miners Common covers 4,500 hectares. On the last remaining miners common in Australia, residents have the right to graze a few head of livestock in unfenced areas including the town centres of Sapphire and Rubyvale.

Sapphire Gemfields Wetland Reserve is home to a variety of local wildlife – including shrimp – as well as 3.6km of walking and cycling tracks; viewing platforms; and a bird watching hide.

Sapphire Gemfields Interpretive Trail starts from Sapphire Reflections, a 12-metre-tall artwork, adorned with sparkling glass panels, located at the Anakie Crossroads. The trail takes visitors throughout the Gemfields, stopping at five interpretive panels and 30 place markers. The trail tells the stories of the characters, capers, history and boom or bust nature of the local gem industry.

Gemfields Architecture Pioneers of the Sapphire Gemfields built their homes or shacks out of a wide range of unique materials. From billy boulders to bush timber, corrugated iron and even glass bottles.

Local Characters Meet the friendly locals and characters called the Gemmies. Many of the residents today were once tourists who came to visit and never left.

Explore More of Rubyvale

Explore More of Sapphire

Explore More of Anakie and Willows