I like pretty rocks so I may as well learn how to find them!

[curiouslittlerat]

Hi folks,

Signing up here as it seems that between this and the prospectingaustralia forum there's a wealth of knowledge and a helpful community. I'm new to the hobby, mostly interested in learning more about geology, finding pretty things (gems, semiprecious gems, curious rocks), and finding more reasons to spend time out in our beautiful countryside.

Unfortunately it seems like a terrible time to get into this haha, given the new NSW rules and my location in the blue mountains. Looks like it's a real headache to get permission outside of state forests/public areas. I don't even know how you ask crownland for permission to sift in a river/creek (do they have lot numbers?, minview gives cadid numbers, is that the relevant thing?) :|.

At least Vulcan state forest is close by, and you can apparently find some 'colour' as those in the know say. Although I went out last weekend and found a lot of quartz but you have to start somewhere. Until I find a few sapphires to tick off the bucketlist I'll probably be down there whenever I can get away, if you see a weirdo with pink hair plus or minus a couple of greyhounds feel free to say hi!

Hopefully with some trawling of these forums I'll be having better luck in no time, and hey if you want to chime in with any tips on agates/jasper/thundereggs I won't complain Especially since stuff like walking the river down in kangaroo valley etc is a big no-no now so the old recommendations don't stand up so well.

[Faceting Frank]

Hi curiouslittlerat and welcome to the forum.
Being a Queenslander I can't help with the areas you're talking about. Used to fossick many years ago in the Gold Coast hinterland and a few trips up to central QLD for sapphires. I'm sure other forum members know a bit about your area and may be able to help.

[MakkyBrown]

Welcome,
I have had great results contacting the tourist information in areas I want to go. Many have a collection of current mudmaps.
CheersMB

[curiouslittlerat]

Welcome,
I have has great results contacting the tourist information in areas I want to go. Many have a collection of current mudmaps.
CheersMB

Yeah, we were running a bit late so didn't stop for a chat. Minview shows finds a little way from the public area, but a quick glance about didn't find any established holes and without a fencing post I wouldn't have got far on my own. Will drop by next time, although from the finds and just looking at the dirt it looks to me like the river used to run SE or so through. Maybe a greybeard can correct me there.