Fossicking and rockhounding near Alice Springs

4 mapped fossicking spots within 200 km of Alice Springs. The local draw is zircon and garnet at the Mud Tank Zircon Field and gemstones in the Harts Range. Below: a map, the closest spots, what they produce, and full coordinates with access notes.

Closest fossicking spots to Alice Springs

The 4 nearest mapped spots, with straight-line distance and an approximate drive time.

Mud Tank Zircon FieldNorthern Territory86 km · 1 hr 7 min driveZircon, Garnet Group, Almandine
Paddy's Rockhole Fossicking AreaNorthern Territory89 km · 1 hr 9 min driveGold
Harts RangeNorthern Territory132 km · 1 hr 43 min driveSapphire, Ruby, Beryl
Entia ValleyNorthern Territory149 km · 1 hr 55 min driveAmethyst, Almandine, Garnet Group

Licences and permits for fossicking near Alice Springs

Northern Territory

A Northern Territory fossicking permit is required. The permit is generally free and can cover up to five years. Northern Territory fossicking permits →

Full state-by-state details are in the Australia fossicking licences and permits guide.

Most-reported finds near Alice Springs

Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each material.

Every spot within 200 km of Alice Springs

Sorted by distance from Alice Springs. Tap a row to open the spot detail page with full directions, access status, and nearby trips.

Spot	Minerals	Coordinates	Access
Mud Tank Zircon Field	Zircon Garnet Group Almandine Jasper Chalcedony Quartz Moonstone	-23.0125, 134.2697	Public
Paddy's Rockhole Fossicking Area	Gold	-23.4642, 134.7115	Check locally
Harts Range	Sapphire Ruby Beryl Tourmaline Quartz Garnet Group	-22.9867, 134.9208	Public
Entia Valley	Amethyst Almandine Garnet Group Corundum Smoky Quartz Quartz	-23.3051, 135.2738	Check locally

Alice Springs fossicking FAQ

Where can I go fossicking near Alice Springs?+

There are 4 mapped fossicking spots within 200 km of Alice Springs, Northern Territory. The closest is Mud Tank Zircon Field in Northern Territory, roughly 86 km away. The full list is on this page with coordinates and drive times.

Do I need a licence to fossick in Northern Territory?+

A Northern Territory fossicking permit is required. The permit is generally free and can cover up to five years. Apply for a fossicking permit, check land access before travelling, follow hand-tool and quantity limits, and get consent where the land status requires it.

What can you find fossicking near Alice Springs?+

Spots within driving distance of Alice Springs most commonly produce garnet group, quartz, almandine, amethyst, beryl, chalcedony.

How far are the fossicking areas from Alice Springs?+

The spots on this page sit within 200 km of Alice Springs. The nearest is about 86 km away. Closer spots suit a day trip; the outer ones are better as overnight trips.

More fossicking city guides

Other Australian cities and towns with mapped spots in driving range.

More state and territory coverage

The spots above sit in 1 state or territory. Open the state page for the full list.

All Northern Territory spots →

Pack Alice Springs's fossicking map in your pocket

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