What We Do

We run a morning digging tour to our mining claim at O’Brien’s Creek Gem-field area. We provide all the equipment along with plenty of information. Our guide stays with you to assist where necessary. Morning tea is supplied so all you need to bring is the enthusiasm and sense of wonder for what you might dig out of the ground. Topaz, Aquamarine and Smokey Quartz are the main minerals found.

Back at the shop we appraise any stones you find and offer a faceting service where the gems are expertly cut and polished to perfection.

If you wish you can learn to cut your own stone into a gem by taking part in our introductory course. It’s very abbreviated to fit with time constraints but the sense of achievement is wonderful and well worth a go.

We are able to assist with design ideas and help you formulate the piece of jewellery you want to have made. This is totally unique and hand-made by a very qualified jeweler.

On-site at the shop we have Buckets of ‘Wash’ a toddlers sand bowl and a ‘Stake a Claim’ area where you can have a go at wet sieving, dry sieving, scratching and even detecting. The certificate expires after 1 hour and you are definitely not allowed to claim jump. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family.
There is access for those with disabilities.

So everyone can dig up some treasures.

Mt Surprise Fast Becoming A Hub

A great place from which to explore the region:

O’Brien’s Creek campground and Gem-fields 43K

Basic facilities set on the banks of Elizabeth Ck. Phone 07 4062 001 (John & Maureen)

Undara Lava Tubes 55K

A world famous experience to see the lava tubes with experienced guides. More information…res@undara.com.au

Innot Hot Springs and Gem-fields 146K

A caravan park with hot springs to soak in after digging at the gem-fields. Phone 07 4097 0136

Chillagoe Marble and Caves 190K

This totally unique area offers amazing caves to explore as well as marble mining along with all its history. Phone 07 4094 7122
chillagoehubinfo@bigpond.com

Cobbold Gorge and Agate Creek Gem-fields 190K

Agate from this area can be beautifully coloured and plentiful whilst the gorge is an experience to remember. You might sight some cute freshwater crocodiles as well. Phone 1800 669 922 or
cobboldgorge@bigpond.com

Einasleigh Copperfield Gorge and Kidston historic Gold Mine 85K

This is a self drive day out. The Copperfield river flows all year which feeds the amazing gorge just near the Einasleigh Hotel. The Etheridge brochure gives information on this drive a copy of which can be found at the Terrestrial centre in Georgetown.

Forsayth 140K

An historic town once called Charlestown. Why the change? Well you can find this out when you visit along with plenty more as you are traveling through gold country here.

Georgetown and Terrestrial Mineral Collection 94K

Georgetown is the centre of the Etheridge Shire. A brochure covering most points of interest can be obtained here. The Terrestrial is an amazing world class display of minerals not just local or within Australia they are a collection from the world. There is a huge gold room along with a fluorescent display and plenty of local crystals of many types. Phone 07 4062 1485 or
terrestrialgeorgetown@bigpond.com

All these things to do and see and it’s only a few hours drive from Cairns (320K) with its Barrier Reef and Rainforest and Townsville (440K). If you are traveling north on the inland Charters Towers is 404K or coming from the west Karumba fishing centre is 465K.

There is 2 caravan parks here in town Bedrock Village (P: 07 4062 3193) and Mt Surprise Tourist Park (P: 07 4062 3153). The Undara Lava Tubes can be visited from Bedrock Village as they are a Savannah Guide centre and have their own well trained guides. They also take care of your pets for the day whilst on tour.
If you want more information on any of these fascinating places don’t hesitate to contact us. P: 07 40623055 or iinfo@thegemden.com.au