Fossicking in QLD

[dom105]

Hi everyone
Does anyone know anywhere around or reasonably close to the Sunshine Coast in QLD where I can take my two grandkids fossicking with a chance of them finding something. Even quartz will do. They're both really keen and I would really love them to get interested and take it up. Agate Ck or Mt Suprise would be perfect but it's too far away for them. Thanks in advance.

[dom105]

Hi everyone
Dont worry about getting back to me on this one, when no one seemed to know where to fossick I rang the local Lapidary Club and got some pointers off them. Thanks anyway.

[mehoose]

Glad you've been sorted C... I was and still find myself as I type, completely clueless for a response.  Did you go or is it still on the agenda?

[Bucket]

Sorry, Dom I must have missed this one. There used to be a thunderbird egg park on the Gold Coast Hinterland somewhere. Never went myself but have heard about it, not even sure if it's still there. These sort of places are great for kids as they can usually find something and sometimes they even will cut them for you (for a price).  Again, apologies for missing it, hope the Lapidary Club helped you out!

[dom105]

Should be there in Aug (hopefully), it all depends on our trip to Lightning Ridge. Trying to do as much as we can this year as last year was a washout as you know and the previous couple of years I was kind of injured. So dying to get out there. In case I can't find an Aqua, are you happy with a blue topaz?
Hey Bucket, you wouldn't be talking of Mt Tambourine?

[mehoose]

Maaaate... that is my all time ultimate fave nat blue.... of course, that would be amazing, but only if you have one spare! 
I have a few Aussie nats that are on my 'collection' list..in other words NFS..unless I came across an abundant supply which I don't envisage...They would be a Torrington Emerald that I don't need a magnifier to see, I've heard of an Emerald from WA but don't recall seeing one, Aquamarine from O'Brien, O'Brien Pink, O'Brien Yellow, Blue Topaz from Victoria, gem Rhodonite from Broken Hill and gem quality blue Kyanite.
there was a chap that was selling Aussie Kyanite a number of years back on ALF but I never had the funds at the time. Hmmm, wonder what he's up to now? 
Back to you and the Grands, should be fun...but didn't I read noodling is off now? or you have other plans there? Would definitely be a bonus if you had a friend living/mining there.

[Bucket]

That would be it mate, obviously you're aware of it. Does it still operate?

[dom105]

Checked it out about ten years ago, I'll have to do some googling.
Are we talking noodling at Lightning Ridge or Mt Tambourine?

[mehoose]

At the Ridge. read here.https://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=6809.0
eta..ok, you know about it. 

[dom105]

Noodling, I'm lead to believe is off the agenda at Grawin, which is west of the Ridge, however noodling is still good in parts of Lightning Ridge itself (providing you're in the know). I think Mt Tambourine, provided it's still open is a better option. It's closer to their home and you dont have the worry of the unfenced, very deep holes at the ridge.
As you know you have to keep a very close eye on the little critters (darlings).

[Bucket]

I was talking about Mt Tambourine.