Fossicking in New South Wales

8 mapped spots in New South Wales, Australia. Tap any spot for coordinates and the minerals reported there, then check licence rules before you head out.

Map showing 8 fossicking spots in New South Wales

Top minerals found in New South Wales

Counts reflect how many spots in this list mention each mineral.

New South Wales fossicking: what you need

Licence or permit

A permit is required for fossicking in NSW State forests. Private land needs landholder consent, and parks and reserves usually do not allow collecting.

Designated fossicking areas

Common choices include State forests that allow fossicking, plus mapped fossicking districts and private properties with permission.

Before you dig

Get the State forest fossicking permit before visiting State forest land, carry it with you, use hand tools only, and confirm local closures before a trip.

Forestry Corporation NSW fossicking permits

Fossicking near New South Wales cities and towns

City guides listing every mapped spot within 200 km, sorted by distance.

Every fossicking spot in New South Wales

Tap coordinates to open in Google Maps, or open RockHoundR for the full map view with geology and weather.

SpotMineralsCoordinatesAccess
Chandlers Creek-29.8583, 151.8333Check locally
Glen InnesHunter Street-29.7333, 151.7500Check locally
InverellMoore Street-29.7750, 151.1331Check locally
Lightning RidgePandora Street-29.4315, 147.9801Check locally
Reddestone Creek-29.7008, 151.6356Check locally
Ruby Hill Fossicking ReserveCobbadah Road-30.0350, 150.5920Check locally
Wellingrove Fossicking AreaWellingrove Road-29.6503, 151.5872Check locally
White CliffsOpal Miners Way
  • Opal
  • Precious Opal
  • White Opal
-31.0224, 143.0398Check locally

New South Wales fossicking FAQ

Do you need a licence to go fossicking in New South Wales?+
A permit is required for fossicking in NSW State forests. Private land needs landholder consent, and parks and reserves usually do not allow collecting.
What rocks and minerals can you find in New South Wales?+
New South Wales spots in this list most commonly produce Sapphire, Zircon, Opal, Precious Opal, Quartz. The full list across all spots is broader.
How many fossicking sites are in New South Wales?+
RockHoundR currently lists 8 fossicking spots in New South Wales. The app keeps growing and lets you save your own private finds alongside the public ones.

Map every New South Wales spot in the app

Open the RockHoundR app to see New South Wales on a real map with geology, weather, and your saved finds.

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