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Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park: Fossicking Fun

Unearth ancient treasures at Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park. Fossick for unique thundereggs and experience the thrill of gemstone discovery!

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Discover the thrill of fossicking for 120-million-year-old thundereggs at Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, a unique destination located west of Rockhampton. Explore the remains of an ancient volcano and uncover beautiful gemstones hidden within volcanic rock.

A brief summary to Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park

Local tips

  • Wear enclosed footwear for fossicking, as it is required for safety.
  • Arrive by 2 pm to enjoy the full fossicking experience.
  • Bring your own lunch to enjoy at the picnic area.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Rockhampton, take the Capricorn Highway (A4) west towards Gracemere. Continue for approximately 36 kilometers. Look for the Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park sign on the left-hand side of the highway. Parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park

Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, situated 36 kilometers west of Rockhampton on the Capricorn Highway, offers a unique fossicking experience. This internationally known destination allows visitors to dig for their own 'thundereggs' or 'volcanic birthstones'. These crystalline formations occurred when gas bubbles in molten lava solidified upon cooling. Established in 1974, the park is located on the site of an extinct volcano that was active around 120 million years ago. The park provides visitors with tools and guidance on how to find these unique gemstones. Any stones collected can be kept, and visitors can have a couple of their stones cut for free. Additional cutting services are available for an extra cost. In addition to fossicking, visitors can browse the gift shop, which offers a range of semi-precious Australian gemstone products cut and polished on-site. The park is also home to 'Aradon Fine Pewter', where Australiana gift lines and souvenirs are produced. The park provides amenities such as a picnic area, barbecues, camping, and caravan sites. The park is open 7 days a week, from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

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