Gemfields Information:

The Gemfields is a unique outpost in Central Queensland. World-famous for its high-quality sapphire fields, it provides adventure at many levels for all visitors. The 4 small towns of Anakie, Willows, Sapphire and Rubyvale are all situated on the Gemfields. As the Gemfields Information Centre, we are your first stop for finding out about the gemfields.

• What can you do at the Gemfields?
• When is the best time to come?
• Accommodation Available
• Download Information on Sapphires (PDF, 273KB) to learn more about this beautiful gem. (Right-click the link once and Save Target As to save to your computer)

What can you do at the Gemfields?

• Fossick on your own. Get a Fossicking Licence at the Big Sapphire and use your own or hired picks, shovels, sieves and water drum to find sapphires. The Big Sapphire has suitable equipment available for daily hire.
• Fossick at a Commercial Fossicking Park (of which there are many) - the Big Sapphire offers this facility.
• Underground Mine Tours - there are two underground mine tours both at Rubyvale for you to see.
• Digging Tour - with three Fossicking Tour Operators to take you on a digging excursion.
• Shop at one of the many jewellery, arts and crafts stores.
• Enjoy a meal at one of the many food cafes and outlets on the 'fields. There are four grocery stores for staple items.
• Come for Gemfest - Festival of Gems. Held annually in August, this Festival attracts visitors and gem traders from all over Australia and the world to look at the best gems and jewellery the Gemfields has to offer.

The best time to come to the Gemfields:

• The best time to come is the cooler months from April to September (Gemfest is in August)
• During this time the temperature ranges from 6 to 30 degrees Celsius (sometimes colder).
• Light clothing with sweaters over top are usually suitable wear for the day, with warmer clothing (trackpants or jeans) for nighttime.
• During warmer months (October to March) temperatures range from 23 to 40 degrees Celsius. If you come at this time of year, do your digging in the very early morning or late afternoon, and relax during the heat of the day.

Accommodation available on the Gemfields:

There is a variety of places to stay at any of the four towns on the Gemfields. If you plan on coming to Gemfest - Festival of Gems in August, you will need to book your accommodation months in advance.

Camping is permitted on the Gemfields. See below for camping permit prices.

If calling from outside Australia, please dial the International code 6 11 7 before each number

If calling from within Australia, please dial the area code 07 before each number

Camping is permitted anywhere on the Gemfields except within 1.5km radius of a town. Fees are per camp (which may include more than one tent).

Camping Fees:

• Overnight: $2.80 per night
• Weekly: $16.95 per week
• Payable to the Mines Department or any Agent on the Gemfields. (Big Sapphire is an Agent).

Other accommodation is also available in Emerald and at Lake Maraboon/Fairbairn Dam. These are approximately 30-45 minutes drive from the fields.

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