Despite its small size of 68 000 square kilometres, Tasmania has a remarkable geological diversity and abundance of rich and high-grade mineral deposits and has a number of locations that are declared official Fossicking Areas under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995, where a permit is not required and where only hand prospecting for material is allowed. Whilst making the find of a life time, can be a dream come true, it is another way to enjoy the beautiful north east corner of Tasmania.
Visit the Gladstone area which has yielded good specimens of smoky quartz, clear quartz, amethyst, topaz and jasper. This area is particularly renowned for large crystals of smoky quartz. There’s also the Weld River region which has extensive alluvial deposits which were worked for tin for many years. Sapphires, Red Zircons, Topaz and Black Spinel (Black Jack) have all been found there.
The CascadeRiver and Mutual River in the Derby region are also popular gemstone fossicking areas.
Choose Your Experiences
While elsewhere in Tasmania people are tucking up by the fire and going into winter hibernation, North East Tasmania comes alive to celebrate and showcase local arts and crafts annually on the June long weekend.
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