Diamond Fossicking
A Slower Kind of Treasure Hunt
Tucked away in Tasmania's windswept north-east corner of Flinders Island, Killiecrankie offers more than just dramatic coastline and peaceful coves — it's home to a meditative little adventure called fossicking. Forget the fast-paced sightseeing and jam-packed itineraries. This is your permission slip to slow down, get your hands dirty, and spend a quiet hour or two immersed in nature, sifting through creek beds in search of something rare.
What to Expect
The best fossicking spot is Diamond Gully, found at the end of Quoin Farm near the Killiecrankie settlement. It doesn't look like much at first — a shallow, stony creek winding through rugged bush. But what it lacks in flash, it makes up for in quiet magic. The sound of running water, birds in the trees, and the simple rhythm of scoop, sieve, and search creates a surprisingly mindful kind of joy.
There's no guide, no crowds, and no rush. Just you, your tools, and the possibility of finding something beautiful hiding just beneath the surface.
Tools of the Trade
All you need to get started is a sieve, a small shovel or trowel, and a keen eye. Some travellers bring their own kits; others find local gear for hire or purchase. Rubber boots or old sneakers are smart — you'll likely end up ankle-deep in water. And while it's helpful to know what you're looking for, you don't need to be an expert to enjoy yourself.
The process is part luck, part observation, and part patience. Some fossickers search for hours, others for minutes. Either way, the reward is the same: peace and presence.
The Killiecrankie Diamond
Known more officially as topaz, these "diamonds" are heavier, harder, and smoother than common quartz — and colder to touch. Most are clear or icy blue, though pink-gold specimens have also been found. They're celebrated for their purity and unique light-catching qualities, especially when wet.
Topaz is also the birthstone for November and the traditional gem for 16th wedding anniversaries. Folklore credits it with protective powers, but for most visitors, the real magic lies in the hunt itself.
Take Only What You Treasure
Flinders Island is wild, remote, and wonderfully untouched — and that's exactly how it should stay. When fossicking, always fill in any holes you dig, avoid damaging plant life, and take only the stones you truly want to keep. Leave the rest for the next curious traveller who wanders down to the creek with a sieve and a little hope.
More Than a Souvenir
Whether you walk away with a topaz or not, fossicking at Killiecrankie offers something deeper than a gemstone. It's a quiet, slow kind of joy — the kind that comes from being still, noticing details, and enjoying a moment that belongs only to you.
And that, perhaps, is the real treasure.
