Outback Queensland is treasure country. Its ancient geology has produced striking boulder opal, and its long-vanished inland sea left behind marine fossils that visitors can still hunt for themselves. From the opal fields to public fossicking sites, this guide covers where to look for outback treasure, all of which Cooee Tours can fold into an outback journey.
Boulder Opal Around Winton
The fields around Opalton, south of Winton, have produced striking boulder opal for more than a century. Winton's shops and displays celebrate this fossicking heritage, and the surrounding country remains genuine opal territory.
Quilpie & the South-West Opal Fields
The far south-west, around Quilpie and Eromanga, is renowned boulder-opal country, with the distinctive Queensland boulder opal prized by collectors for the way colour plays across the ironstone.
Fossicking for Marine Fossils at Richmond
At Richmond, designated public fossicking sites let visitors search the bed of the ancient inland sea for their own marine fossils, which can then be identified at Kronosaurus Korner — a genuinely hands-on way to connect with deep time.
Fossicking on an Outback Journey
Fossicking suits all ages and adds a sense of discovery to an outback trip. On a Cooee Tours itinerary, the region's gem and fossil heritage becomes part of the story — with the towns, museums and fields linked into a comfortable, fully escorted journey.
Where to Hunt
Boulder Opal, Winton
The Opalton fields south of Winton have produced striking boulder opal for over a century.
South-West Opal Country
The Quilpie and Eromanga district is renowned for prized Queensland boulder opal.
Fossicking at Richmond
Public sites let you search the ancient seabed for marine fossils, identified at Kronosaurus Korner.
Hunt for Outback Treasure with Cooee Tours
Cooee Tours can fold the region's opal fields, gem heritage and fossicking sites into an outback journey, with the towns, museums and distances all handled. Transport, accommodation, meals and guided experiences are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you fossick in Outback Queensland?
You can fossick for boulder opal around Opalton (south of Winton) and the Quilpie–Eromanga district, and for marine fossils at designated public sites near Richmond.
What is Queensland boulder opal?
Queensland boulder opal is a distinctive opal found in ironstone, prized by collectors for the way colour plays across the stone. The fields around Winton and Quilpie are renowned for it.
Can you find your own fossils at Richmond?
Yes. Designated public fossicking sites near Richmond let visitors search the ancient seabed for marine fossils, which can be identified at Kronosaurus Korner.
Is fossicking suitable for families?
Yes — fossicking is a hands-on, all-ages activity that adds a sense of discovery to an outback trip.
When is the best time to go fossicking?
The cooler dry season from April to October is the most comfortable time, as the outback becomes very hot in summer.
Travel Agents & Group Organisers
This destination suits coach groups, clubs and social groups touring Outback Queensland. Cooee Tours offers net rates, custom routing and guaranteed departures — get in touch to discuss your group's needs.