Heritage Mines & Gemstone Fossicking Tasmania

The bush has reclaimed the abandoned mines, but visitors can still explore heritage mines and gemstone fossicking sites in North East Tasmania. In fact visitors might find more than heritage! Adventurous fossickers can still find gemstones in North East Tasmania.

Heritage mining stampers surrounded by tree ferns in North East Tasmania — The abandoned historic Anchor Stampers in the Blue Tiers

Heritage Tin-Mines in North East Tasmania

Some of the most interesting and easy walks in North East Tasmania feature abandoned tin-mines. For example: huge stampers, vivid-blue lakes and mysterious caves with their own cave spiders and glow-worms. You can learn more about these fascinating walks by searching our blog posts, “Adventures into the Heritage Sites of Tasmania”.

This vivid aqua-blue lake is a heritage tin mining site in North East Tasmania — Little Blue Lake near South Mount Cameron

Gemstone Fossicking in North East Tasmania

Fossickers can find sapphires, topaz, quartz varieties and black spinel in North East Tasmania. There are public fossicking sites near Gladstone and the Weld River. But don’t be greedy! These sites are strictly for amateurs only. You will need a prospecting licence to fossick outside these areas.

If you are staying with us, then you are most welcome to access the Ringarooma River and Guiding Star Creek from our property. Gemstone fossicking is permitted in our reach of the Ringarooma River and Guiding Star Creek, but you need to have a licence. You can buy a 1-year licence for $39.20 at any Service Tasmania centre by completing and submitting an application form .

Contact Mark (mark.srtours@gmail.com, 0435914869) at Secret Gem Hunting and Kayak Tours for a fun guided day out in North East Tasmania!

Man dressed in waders fossicking for gemstones in a Tasmanian river — Never know your luck!