NSW - Bellata

[Wwoofa]

February's location is Bellata.

You may wish to change your "Next Location of the Month" vote now that this one has been covered ... http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5028.0

Bellata is located in central northern NSW between Narrabri and Moree and is well known for Agates and Petrified Wood.  There are very large gravel pits that are commercially "mined" in the area around Bellata.  The gemstones are generally well rounded so presumably they were tumbled in a river many years ago.

There are no "designated" fossicking areas but the gemstones are located almost everywhere around the Bellata township including beside the roads.  So after a bit of exploring you should be able to find plenty of good specimens.

I read the owners of the "Little Gem Van Park" used to provide some directions.  Unfortunately, it seems that the caravan park closed a few years ago.
If anyone has any suggestions where to go or who to contact please let us know

Here's a link to Frosty's excellent Aussie Adventure to Bellata (some useful info and a map)
http://www.frostysaussieadventures.com/Fossicking/NSW-Bellata-Agate.htm

Link to previous ALF thread ...
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=4122.0

Some nice pics posted by Lapis Lupinus ...

[col]

Those agates look awesome!

[Lapis Lupinus]

Thanks. Bellata's a great place to fossick. Ideally the best places are on private land, but you have to get permission. Otherwise look for a recently graded road.

[Gemster]

Dave Innes from the Inverell Rock Shop (Innes Engineering) has made lots of Trips to Bellata.

Good place to stop for some Advice on where to go out there.... and a Beer of course

   Gemster......

[Nobby74]

They look great

[Crocket]

They sure do... and welcome to the Forum Nobby74.  Are you from around Bellata?

[MissyP]

Friends at my Gem Club have a son who lives up there, they bring back some lovely stuff. Definitely somewhere I would love to explore .

[MrSydney]

So Missy,

When you say they bring back some 'lovely stuff' - grateful if you can clarify!

As I've mentioned I grew up in Tamworth and I know there is stuff at Bingara etc but Bellata hasn't really been on my radar. 

From the pictures obviously beautiful agate (which I knew was in the area).  But good to hear about more specific stuff in the area (though I haven't looked at the old thread yet - next stop).

[Jamo]

When you say they bring back some 'lovely stuff' - grateful if you can clarify

Fom Bellata you can find agate, carnelian and quite a bit of petrified wood. The stones are very hard and take a very nice polish

[MissyP]

Mr Sydney, I have seen some nice agate and petrified wood, I do recall them telling me about other rocks but will have to ask them again what they were as I can't remember specifics sorry.