Gem Mining with Kids Near Brisbane
Whether you are looking to go fossicking for crystals, gem mining, or have kids who simply like hunting for gems, there are plenty of options to find crystals and gems near Brisbane.
My oldest has always loved science. We brought gem mining kits in our suitcases when we moved to Brisbane and knew we would be in quarantine. When my youngest received a similar kit for his birthday, she convinced him to share it.
After finding out how much my kids love rocks and gems, I started to research places to go near our new home in Brisbane so they could experience fossicking.
While you can get a fossicking license and try to find your own gems, this list only includes places where you are guaranteed to find many different kinds of gems.
Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain, an hour away from Brisbane, offers 2 different kinds of gem mining.
Both of the gem mining experiences take place at Thunderbird Park. They also have zip-lining, miniature golf, Dig-It, lodging, and restaurants.
The first type of gem mining available at Thunderbird Park is Thunderegg Crystal Egg Mining. This type of gem mining is the most natural type near Brisbane.
Thunderegg Crystal Egg Mining takes place outdoors and involves using a pick to dig for rocks. Those rocks are kept in a bucket and taken down to the shop, where you can pay to have them opened.
This activity is not wheelchair or pram-accessible. It involves climbing on uneven surfaces.
The other type of gem mining available at Thunderbird Park is basic gem mining, or crystal panning. This involves getting a bag of sand to sift through.
While we saw many adults participating in the Thunderegg Crystal Egg Mining, the crystal panning is really just for kids.
The crystal panning is a lot quicker than the crystal egg mining and takes place near the Rock Shop. There is not a lot of walking involved.
Read more about our experience with both types of gem mining at Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain.
Are you looking for more fun things to do on Tamborine Mountain? There are plenty of ways to spend a day or a weekend on Tamborine Mountain, and we have visited many times.
Paradise Country, Gold Coast
Located near the theme parks on the Gold Coast, Paradise Country is a little less than an hour away from Brisbane. While Paradise Country can be visited as a day trip from Brisbane, there are accommodations there for those who wish to camp or Glamp.
One of the many activities at Paradise Country is gem mining. Paradise Country is another location that offers 2 different types of gem mining.
Kids (and adults) can go panning for gold, gems, and fossils. Gold and gem panning at Paradise Country looks similar to the gem panning at Thunderbird Park. Each person pays for a container of sand that is filled with gold, gems, and fossils. The container is dumped into a sieve, and water clears out the sand, leaving just the treasure.
A second type of gem mining at Paradise Country is opal mining. During the opal mining, participants get a pick to dig into a wall to find gems.
Opals Down Under, Sunshine Coast
Opals Down Under is a jewelry store about an hour north of Brisbane. While there isn’t much else to do at Opals Down Under, besides gem mining, it is located near Aussie World.
Opals Down Under has Scratch Pad Gem Fossicking, which is basically rocks on the ground that are mixed with gems. You can purchase a container to fill with gems inside the shop.
There are a few different areas where gems can be found, including in a pot of dirt. If you choose to search in the pot of dirt, there is a sink to rinse off the gems.
Purchasing a container and finding your own gems in the Scratch Pad works out to be cheaper than buying gems inside the shop. Plus, it is a lot more fun.
Caboolture Historical Village
While the other locations are geared towards kids, Caboolture Historical Society has a club for adults interested in gem fossicking.
For those interested in rocks, gems, gem-cutting, jewelry-making, and fossicking, check out the Gem Club at Caboolture Historical Village, about 45 minutes north of Brisbane.
Membership to the Gem Club at Caboolture Historical Village lasts 1 year and includes access to machinery and workshops.
The Gem Club hosts a Gem Fest each year in August.
Gem Mining Near Brisbane Wrap-Up
For those of all ages interested in rocks and gems, there are quite a few options for gem mining and fossicking near Brisbane.
Younger kids can enjoy panning for gold and gems at Paradise Country and Thunderbird Park, while older kids and adults can fossick at those locations. All ages can sift through the rocks to find gems at the Scratch Pad at Opals Down Under, and adults who are interested in learning more about gems and fossicking can join the Gem Club at Caboolture Historical Village.
Even if you aren’t interested in joining the Gem Club, all ages can visit their annual festival, Gem Fest, each August.
More Fun Things to Do
- With Kids Who Like Science
- Whale Watching near Brisbane
- Bribie Island with Kids
- With Train-Loving Kids
- Bushwalks with Nature Centres near Brisbane
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