QLD - Agate Creek

[Wwoofa]

October's location is Agate Creek.

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

Agate Creek is a designated fossicking area 70km south of Forsayth in northern Queensland. Note that the road to Agate Creek and the tracks within the fossicking area can get very bad after rain so take care if you have a 2WD vehicle. A 4WD is highly recommended. You also require a Queensland fossicking licence.

More info from the QLD gov't (including a detailed map) can be found here ...
https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking/north-qld/agate-creek/

More info about the Gulf Savannah area can be found here ...
http://www.gulfsavannah.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/gsvisguide.pdf

At Agate Creek you can find world-class agates of all colours and sizes. You can also find "Thunder-eggs" and quartz crystal-filled geodes. Fossickers have been collecting here since the 1960's but there are still many superb specimens to be found (you just have to look a bit harder these days ).

There are two camping areas ... one at the start of the fossicking area and the "Safari Camp" at the other end. Both camping areas have basic facilities (toilet/shower) but no power. Daily fees are charged. Camping is not permitted anywhere else.

Link to the Safari Camp Facebook page ...
https://www.facebook.com/Agate-Creek-Safari-Camp-368678379286/

Another alternative is to stay at Cobbold Gorge Village (approx 30km from Agate Creek) where they have excellent facilities including cabins, powered sites and even a restaurant! The gorge is an excellent place to visit while in the area.

Link to the Cobbold Gorge Village site ...
http://www.cobboldgorge.com.au/

To find agates you can either walk along the creek bed or dig in various locations with very creative names such as "Pink Patch", "Crystal Hill", "Black Soil", "Blue Hills" and "Flanagans Hill". The fossicking area is very large (approx 10 x 5 kms) so there are lots of places to look and it will take quite a long time to get familiar with the area. If you can go with someone who has been there before it would be very useful.
I highly recommend a visit to Agate Creek ... it really is worth it

Link to original ALF topic ...
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=3298.0

Link to Frosty's Adventure ...
http://www.frostysaussieadventures.com/Trip2013/13dd05.htm#day33

Link to lots of great pics in Jerry's Album ...
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=25;u=9

And some more in my Album ...
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=240;u=11

And more here ...
http://www.australianpictorials.com/agate_creek.html

[MakkyBrown]

Awesome place , will see if I can find some photos from our 2014 trip I haven't posted.
Some pics of agates from our 2013&14 trips.
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=321;u=5704
http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=258;u=5704
Cheers
Andrew

[Lapis Lupinus]

Thanks for teasing us.  I just hope there's enough agate by the time I get around to even planning a trip there (and before I get too old to lift a shovel).

[Wwoofa]

Very nice Agates Andrew   Apologies for forgetting about these in my original post.

Lapis, You should try to get up there ... it's a long way but it really is worth it.  You can visit Mt Surprise as well and some other well known locations if you have time.
I've only been once but hopefully I can get up there again next year and get some nice ones

Regards, Paul

[brett h]

I plan to get there when th e kids are older.  Thanks for making me salivate all over this perfectly good iPad :/

[diesel]

For those heading to Agate Creek via Georgetown, treat yourself to a visit to the Terrestrial Centre - the Ted Elliot Mineral Collection rates up there with the best.


http://www.queensland.com/attraction/Terrestrial-Georgetown-Centre

[MakkyBrown]

Very nice Agates Andrew   Apologies for forgetting about these in my original post.

Lapis, You should try to get up there ... it's a long way but it really is worth it.  You can visit Mt Surprise as well and some other well known locations if you have time.
I've only been once but hopefully I can get up there again next year and get some nice ones

Regards, Paul

No need to apologize Woofa , I should start cutting some more.   

[snowman3195]

snip,snip...

Link to Frosty's Adventure ...
http://www.frostysaussieadventures.com/Trip2013/13dd05.htm#day33

My updated link:
http://www.frostysaussieadventures.com/Fossicking/QLD-AgateCreek.html

[Jimnyjerry]

Snowman the picture labelled Pyramid Rock is incorrect.
Looks like you are walking down to the creek crossing to go to Blue Hills.
You have to go past Canadian Camp to get to Pyramid Rock.

  Jerry

[Bucket]

Thanks Frosty, if time and expected first grandchild allow, I should be through there this year. Looking forward to it.

[snowman3195]

Snowman the picture labelled Pyramid Rock is incorrect.
Looks like you are walking down to the creek crossing to go to Blue Hills.
You have to go past Canadian Camp to get to Pyramid Rock.

  Jerry

Thanks Jerry.
Amended as pointed out.
Wayne.