Fossicking
Go fossicking through the earth for that prized petrified wood found in the Chinchilla district so named “Chinchilla Red” because of it’s unique colour and quality of preservation.
Try your luck fossicking for the rare ‘Chinchilla Red’ petrified wood. Enjoy some fresh air and country scenery when you join the fossicking enthusiasts with your own pick, shovel and bucket and dig for a piece of petrified wood. Chinchilla petrified wood dates back to the Jurassic period with cycads, conifers and ferns being covered with massive amounts of volcanic ash and mudflows. Don’t forget to buy a fossicking licence (and access fees) from the Visitor Centre.
Fossicking in the Western Downs
Chinchilla
Enjoy some fresh air and country scenery when you join the fossicking enthusiasts with your own pick, shovel and bucket and dig for a piece of petrified wood.
The town has one of Australia’s best and most abundant stocks of petrified wood, affectionately known as Chinchilla Red.
You can buy smaller pieces at the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre, or you can purchase a permit to fossick on local land for your own chance of uncovering Chinchilla Red.
Never heard of petrified wood? Even more reason to take a look at the fossilised pieces that are cut and polished to show an array of marbled colours from its core to exterior.
Chinchilla Visitor Information Center
Chinchilla petrified wood dates back to the Jurassic period with cycads, conifers and ferns being covered with massive amounts of volcanic ash and mud flows. A DNRM licence and fees to fossick on two local sites must be obtained and are available at the Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre.
Address: Warrego Highway (opposite Pioneer Cemetery) Chinchilla QLD 4413
Phone: (07) 4660 7291
Email: chinchilla.vic@wdrc.qld.gov.au
#experiencewesterndowns
