Queensland Holidays - Destinations - Sapphire Gemfields

Sapphire Gemfields

Continuing west along the Tropic of Capricorn the Sapphire Gemfields takes in the townships of Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale and Willows Gemfields just 45 minutes drive from Emerald. It is one of the world's largest sapphire fields.

For over a century, fossickers have come to this area hoping to strike it rich. Head to a fossicking park where you can buy a bucket of sapphire 'wash' and learn how to sieve and recognise an 'uncut' gem.

For the more serious, hire a pick and shovel, purchase a fossickers license and head for one of the eleven designated fossicking areas. Alternatively join a self-drive day tour. Don't leave without taking an underground mine tour or admiring the quality workmanship and designs of locally made jewellery in one of the many gem galleries and shops.

Also take a drive to see the tin humpies and billy boulder houses scattered across the moon-like landscape and stop at the Rubyvale Hotel to chat to some of the areas eccentric locals. Whatever you do, don't underestimate the infectious desire to uncover a precious gem. You may be here much longer than you think.