Timeline
07:00
Pick up your free fossicking permit from the National Territory Fossicking site before you go. The Outback Caravan Park in Tennant Creek runs tag-a-long tours to the area and provides all the necessary equipment if you need them. Arrive early to claim your spot along the creek bank before the midday sun gets intense.
08:30
Spend the next hour sifting through the gravel. The quietest time to fossick is in the morning, so use this time to settle in and find your rhythm. Keep an eye on the sky as the light shifts from bright white to a warmer, softer glow.
10:00
Wrap up your search as the sun reaches its peak. Pack up your gear and head back toward Tennant Creek. If you joined a tour, the Outback Caravan Park staff can help you load up. If you went independently, check the route back to town.
10:30
Return to Tennant Creek for a late lunch or a cool drink. The small mining town of Warrego is 15 km away, so use the travel time to rest your legs. Find a shaded spot to enjoy a snack and reflect on any gold you might have found.
Local tip
The fossicking area is 15 km outside Warrego. If you do not have your own equipment, the Outback Caravan Park in Tennant Creek provides all the necessary tools and runs tag-a-long tours. Permits are free but must be obtained from the National Territory Fossicking site.
Check before you go
- Permits are required and free; find them on the National Territory Fossicking site.
- The Outback Caravan Park in Tennant Creek runs tag-a-long tours and provides equipment.
- The fossicking area is 15 km outside Warrego; check the route if you are driving yourself.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tennant Creek (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).