Fossicking

You maybe lucky to find sapphires, zircons, industrial diamonds, and gold.

Fossicking is a popular and rewarding activity in the Oberon District. There are some perfect designated fossicking spots in the area, which include Porters Retreat Little River Fossicking Reserve, Sapphire Bend, Campbell’s River Bridge Reserve.

Gemstone hunting when the sun is shining is a great benefit when looking for something that gleams in one’s pan! It also helps keep the cold away. The simple pleasure of paddling in the water, focusing on what is swirling about in the bottom of a black dish, is remarkably absorbing and relaxing.

There are also a number of dry areas where gems can be found, with a little effort. A sturdy shovel, sieve and a drum of water to wash the clay off the sparklers is all you need. There are a number of designated areas around Oberon, including Sapphire Bend in the Vulcan State Forest.

Call into the Oberon Visitor Information Centre for more information and maps of where you can go. If you are interested in practising your skills before heading out on your own, there's a Beginner's Luck Patch at the Visitor Information Centre as well.