FOSSICKING for thundereggs is a double thrill. Half the fun is finding the thundereggs - the other half is in discovering what lies inside!
Thundereggs are formed when gas bubbles in molten lava solidify on cooling, with the crystalline centres containing many surprises.
Visit Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, 37km west of Rockhampton, 2km west of the Wycarbah turnoff on the Capricorn Highway (A4). There, you can fossick for your own thundereggs. Staff will show you what to look for, and tools are provided (enclosed footwear required).
After finding your thundereggs, you can have your stones cut and polished on the spot (this is optional).
Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park is also the home of Aradon Fine Pewter, where a large range of Australiana souvenirs and gift lines is produced and marketed Australia wide. These products are available at the gift shop. You can also find their catalogue online.
The park’s cutting factory also produces a large range of semi-precious gemstone products including bookends and clocks, using stone from all parts of Australia.
A guided tour is available and includes fossicking (two stones cut free) and looking through the gemstone and pewter workshops.
Make it a relaxed visit and stay the night. The Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park has caravan, camping and picnic facilities, gift shop, kiosk, an admission free display and seven-day trading from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
