Here goes..

[northwest]

Hello everybody. I have been a rock hound since I could walk. Totally addicted. Well the time has come to get the proper equipment & get out there. I am in Wide bay QLD so its all around me to explore. First cab off the rank is, Do I really need a 4WD? They are expensive to run & the up keep is never ending. I am getting a caravan for my travels so I can stay almost any place. I think the first port of call is the gem fields around Rubyvale. I am thinking of staking a claim so any info on this process will be humbly received. Next is going for gold. Waiting for the gpx 5000 to come down a bit or hopefully a kit included. Opal fields will be somewhere in the mix also. I will be doing harvest work along the way to pay for this dream, so any advice would be so great. This is going to be reality soon so I will keep you all informed of what not to do. A stone or a bit of color is all I would like. Great site for people like me. Enjoy all.

 

[Twapster]

Hi Northwest, sounds like you will be living the dream soon! Re 4wd, I guess if the old timers got around on foot and horseback, we have got it a lot easier! I would have to say while I havent been in too many spots that necessitate a 4wd, I can think of 2 situations where I would have been well and truly stuffed if I didnt, and these situations came by surpise.

My Ford Maverick cost $4k at auctions (Nissan Patrol) and hasnt skipped a beat. There are Ex Army Landrovers that come up for sale as well quite often on Graysonline.

Having the right vehicle that you can keep "kitting out" over time for your adventures is a good thing. Being an older second hand im not concerned about bush bashing scratches as they just add to the character of the vehicle.

My gut feeling is that you look like you are heading for some serious fun and adventure, so id say a well chosen older 4wd will become your best pal without breaking the bank. I got mine as a "damaged vehicle".....you will find that these auctions are the real bargains. Any stolen recovered vehicles with no plates come under this category...they are not alll accident vehicles and is where you will find an absolute bargain with a little patience, as regular shoppers dont purchase via this method you are only bidding against car dealers so you know the price is spot on.

My 2 cents worth

 

[Ozjono]

Hello there I am also from the wide Bay Area , I personally would recommend a 4x4 so you area not restricted where you can go (which you will be) 90% of the places I go you need a 4x4.
If you are local around Maryborough area you could come out with a few off us

 

[GoldCheddar2005]

Hello how are you? In the Whitsunday Region you don't need a 4wd to get out and about prospecting. The only time you may is straight after the wet. The gravel road travels well for most vehicles except heavy.

 

[TenOunce Tone]

One of the advantages if a 4x4 is the load carrying capacity and clearance. Some of the gem spots are in quite rugged areas and whilst you can get there in a standard car, you may find the tracks going in can be washed out or poirley maintained. As the others have said,uf you can affird a cheapy in good condition you wont look back.

Welcom to the forum and good luck out there

Cheers, Tone

 

[northwest]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I have found the last model of a Hilux that was made in Japan. Its an SR5 & I can get it for $15 000. A bit steep but I guess that's what you pay for reliability. I will check out Greysonline also. I live outside Bundaberg so I will look you up soon Ozjono. I'll get me act together & find a vehicle first.

 

[TenOunce Tone]

Hi again Northwest, regarding your assperations on getting a claim, it is pretty full on, talk to your local mines office for some info, then talk the local lapidary club or find someone who has a claim or lease and talk to them, costs vary, but you are looking at a bit of cash just to get started, then native title, epa and others also want a slice of your cake.

Check out this link for info, it is pretty full on. http://mines.industry.qld.gov.au/mining/small-scale-mining.htm you can also find information on applying for a lease etc, if your cashed up, I would look at seeing if any leases or claims are up for sale in your target area, this may be the most expeditious route to securing one.

Cheers, Tone

 

[Twapster]

Mate no need for the lease yet. Get your feet wet and get out there. Do a few recon visits and a little research. Take some videoes as well so we can all see what ur up to. You dont have to spend too much on a good vehicle, save some cash for bits you need to be fully self sufficient out there. While a caravan is lovely, consider a camper trailer as well...u can lug that to a lot more spots the caravan cants travel to.