camping/fossicking/specking QLD outback / NSW

[Garfield]

hi folks, please help me to decide where to go.

We're going on a 10-14 days trip in September, somewhere, just away from city to see some beautiful scenery, to do some walking, to see wildlife and would like to spend a couple of days fossicking/noodling.
The main target is opals (boulder or black ones). On the other hand I like Amethysts, petrified wood and geodes with crystals inside

So, I'm thinking about Lightning Ridge, Quilpie and Yowah (Opalton and Winton are probably too far from Brisbane)
I did the Natural Sciences Loop a few years ago so a little bit familiar with those places. The main points of interests in the area are: Carnarvon and Expedition NP, Blackdown NP, Miles Historical Village and Quilpie/Yowah for fossicking.

From the other side is LR. Hunting for the black opals looks exciting but what about other activities in the area? It looks closer to Brisbane as well.
Driving from Roma to LR, Q and Y looks pretty much the same distance (except that going back to Brisbane from LR would be closer).
Which place would you prefer for fossicking?
Where is better chance to finde something?
What does the weather look like in LR in Sep?
Any places in those areas holding amethysts and fossils (Chinchilla I believe)?
We'll drive our 4WD so can get to remote places if required.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions!!!

 

[Jaros]

Firstly find out where you are going. Then research the area with Dr Google. Research is the key. No-one will tell you where they get their gold from. Unless you are very lucky - it's a long learning curve. Take some pans, camping gear the family and enjoy that and try some fossicking in an area you have researched pretty thoroughly.
Good Luck
Jaros

 

[fossickingfreddy]

For your research of general areas in Qld this will get you started
..https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking/..

 

[Garfield]

thanks guys.

Jaros,
I'm after opals only.
All the above places have them but would be interesting to hear from the personal experience where is better to spend time.
thank you

 

[boobook]

Hi Garfield.
If you decide that the Quilpie region is for you, remember that the closest opal fields are still around 90-180km. distant. The further out you can get the better chances you have.
Speak to the mining registra in Quilpie who may be able to help with advise.

Its a remote area, we spent 15yrs. mining there and believe me, its easy enough to get lost. This is the main problem in gaining permissions, people don't need to be disrupted from their every day work activities to go looking for someone missing.
I don't want to sound pessimistic, but if you know someone who is actively mining you will have a much better chance.

Yowah is a different story, it depends to quite a degree on visiting fossickers and includes the nearby Duck Crk., Emu Crk. and Prairie fields.
We have seen some pretty sparkling gems from that area.

Its all a great part of western Qld. and you will meet some very friendly locals.
mike