Located 123 Kilometres south-west of Winton, Opalton is the home of Queensland's spectacular boulder opal.
Opals were first discovered in Opalton in 1888, and the first mine was worked in 1894. By the end of the 19th century, Opalton was a bustling township. Try your luck fossicking for your own opals. Who knows, you could dig up a big one! But first, you’ll need to have your own basic equipment, a permit, a map and a sense of adventure.
Fossicking permits are available to purchase online. Additional information and a map of the designated fossicking area is also available at the Winton Visitor Information Centre located inside the Waltzing Matilda Centre or via the link below.
Opal Fossicking Brochure(PDF, 1MB)
Camping facilities are available at the Opalton Bush Camp.