- Telephone
- Email
The Forsayth area is a small part of the Etheridge Goldfields, that was originally opened up by gold prospectors in the late 1800’s. There were three townships in close proximity, of which Forsayth is the only one left. As with many gold mining settlements in this region, the population shrunk rapidly when the gold became harder to recover. Mine buildings and equipment were constructed and disassembled, moved to new locations as required, so little evidence of the old mines and processing plants were left behind. The shafts and open cut mine works are their legacy.
Gold nuggets of varying sizes are still being located by local and visiting prospectors, in the Forsayth town common areas and on most station properties, using state-of-the-art metal detectors. The rich ores recovered for gold processing are to be found in small pockets of rock throughout the region and there are a few small-scale mining leases, still producing gold. More information on sites and requirements for gold prospecting are provided below.
Agate Creek, south of Forsayth in north Queensland, is world renowned for agates of superb colours and patterns. The Agate Creek Fossicking Area was established in 1995, by the then Department of Mines and Energy, with the co-operation of landowners and the Etheridge Shire Council, to simplify tourist and recreational fossicking there.
Fossicking for gemstones requires a Fossickers Licence. Licence holders do not need further permission from the landholder to enter the fossicking area to fossick. Hand tools only are permitted. Please note camping is not permitted in the fossicking area, but the landholder allows camping nearby at Agate Creek Camping Grounds, adjacent to Agate Creek outside the fossicking area.
Camping is also catered for at Cobbold Village about 30km before the fossicking area. Visitors should contact Cobbold Village on (07) 4062 5470 as bookings are essential. Camping is not permitted elsewhere on Robin Hood Station or adjoining properties.
