There’s something truly magical about spending a day by the creek, hands in the cool water, sunlight glinting off a freshly found stone. For me, fossicking is my happy place — a blend of adventure, mindfulness, and connection with the earth.
Our local area is a treasure trove for rockhounds, with nature’s art waiting just below the surface. You can find chalcedony, agates, jasper, petrified wood, thunder eggs, and carnelian, each piece unique in colour and pattern. Travel a little further afield, and the landscape offers up gold and sapphires — a reminder of just how diverse and generous our earth can be.
Beyond the thrill of discovery, fossicking has a rhythm that soothes the soul. It’s the sound of water over stones, the rustle of leaves, the simple joy of slowing down and being fully present. There’s no rush, no noise — just you, the landscape, and the quiet excitement of what you might uncover next.
I also have the joy of sharing this passion through our Junior Rockhounds group. Together, we head out on fossicking trips, teaching the next generation not only how to find these hidden gems but also the art of lapidary — shaping and polishing stones to reveal their natural beauty. Watching kids experience that moment of discovery, holding a stone they found and transformed themselves, is pure magic.
A day spent fossicking is more than a hobby — it’s a reminder to reconnect with nature, to appreciate the beauty beneath our feet, and to find calm in the simple act of searching. Whether you bring home a glittering gem or just memories of sunshine and laughter by the creek, you always leave richer than when you arrived.
Here’s to muddy boots, full hearts, and pockets full of treasures.
