Held in September, the Gemfest brings together people of all ages to rediscover the thrill and adventure associated with the early prospecting days of the 1850s and 1860’s, to buy and sell semi precious gems and crystals, and to enjoy the sounds of outback country music.
Where is Emmaville?
Emmaville is situated 270 km south-west of Brisbane and 660 km north-east of Sydney. The closest town of note is Glen Innes, famous for being the heart of Celtic Country in New South Wales.
Prospecting for All Ages
Prospecting is for everybody who has the constitution to spend an hour or so bending down and digging in the dirt. Children love to play outside, and showing them specimens of what they could discover helps focus their attention and stimulates their interest in geology. Its an outdoor, fun activity for the whole family.
What is Fossicking?
Fossicking, or prospecting as it is known outside of Australia, is the leisure activity based on searching for rocks, minerals, crystals and fossils for non-commercial gain.
Tools for Fossicking
- Pick – lightweight
- Spade – small and easy to carry
- Bucket and water – everything is covered in earth of differing colours, so if a creek is nearby, its helpful to have a cleaner look at what you have in your hands
- Bag – for stashing your booty
For a more conclusive and advanced list of tools and methods of Fossicking, take a look at Fossicking Methods from the Australian website Gem Fossicking.
What to Find Fossicking in Emmaville?
Before joining the fossicking party, its typical to be shown specimens of what you will be looking for. It’s a good idea to study the colour of the pieces and ask advice from the friendly locals on where best to begin a search. Emmaville offers the possibility of discovering, amongst other finds, emeralds, silver, quartz, fossils, topaz and Molybdenite.
The Cost Of Fossicking in Emmaville?
The Emmaville gemfest is held at the Emmaville Camping Grounds. To camp during 2008, it was Aus $7 a night. Its free to browse through the gem stalls that sell interesting pieces from all around the world. It costs $5 to join the convoy of 4 WD’s out to private property in the Emmaville area. The Emmaville Country Music Festival is free for all campers.
Highlights of the Emmaville Gemfest
- Discovering something pretty or interesting. The sense of discovery, and what the earth holds beneath all of the dirt is not something you can buy from Tiffany’s.
- For authentic home grown country music, you must experience the Emmaville Country Music Festival. Country Music folk from around the area gather together and sing their favourite country songs. There’s a great fire burning in the back ground and bright stars over head. The body is weary from toil and music to help you feel the community spirit. An authentic Australian experience.
- Local ladies make cakes. A wide variety of delicious, mouth watering and utterly fresh cakes and toffees. This is not to be missed after a cold night sleeping on the ground in a tent.
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