Mount Surprise Gems is Far North Queensland's only fossicking information hub. Here they hire or sell equipment to go fossicking with. There are seven areas within the region for a variety of minerals. The most popular field is O'Brien' s Creek just 40 kilometres from Mt Surprise where you can find Topaz, Aquamarine and Quartz's. They issue licences and give mud-maps to help you.
At the shop see how gems are cut and set. Have some fun with the 'stake a claim' pits or try your luck with a bucket of wash. They'll show you how. There's plenty for all the family to do.
The cafe is set amongst native gardens with giant games, and murals depicting the strong mining history of the region. Coffee is served from breakfast through to dinner with home made meals and treats always available. Plenty of jewellery, gifts and souvenirs are for sale.
