Feature Image: Fossicking in Glen Innes Credit: Destination NSW
There is something uniquely Australian about the idea of striking it lucky.
Whether it’s discovering a sapphire sparkling in the dirt, uncovering a piece of gold rush history, or simply stumbling upon a charming country town you never knew existed, The Fossickers Way delivers a road trip filled with surprises.
Stretching through the heart of Northern New South Wales, this fascinating touring route follows a trail of historic towns, gemstone fields and rugged countryside. Beginning in Nundle and winding through Tamworth, Manilla, Barraba, Bingara, Warialda, Inverell and Glen Innes before finishing in Emmaville, The Fossickers Way invites travellers to slow down, explore and perhaps even uncover a hidden treasure of their own.
Distance: Approximately 559km one way
Route: Nundle → Tamworth → Manilla → Barraba → Bingara → Warialda → Inverell → Glen Innes → Emmaville
Highlights: Sapphire fossicking, gold rush history, heritage towns, country pubs, national parks and stunning New England scenery
The journey begins in the picturesque village of Nundle, nestled beneath the Great Dividing Range. Once a thriving gold mining settlement, Nundle retains much of its historic charm, with heritage buildings, country hospitality and a rich connection to the region’s mining past.
Visitors can browse local galleries and shops, explore nearby Hanging Rock, or try their luck fossicking for gold in the area’s creeks and waterways.
A short drive north brings travellers to Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital. While best known for its annual country music festival, Tamworth offers plenty to explore year-round.
Visit the iconic Golden Guitar, enjoy the city’s growing café scene, or take some time to stock up on supplies before continuing deeper into the New England region.
Located at the junction of the Namoi and Manilla Rivers, Manilla is a small town with a big reputation among adventure seekers. The surrounding hills attract paragliders and hang-gliders from around the world, creating a colourful spectacle in the skies above town.
For those preferring a slower pace, the rivers provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking and relaxing beside the water.
Known as the gateway to some of New South Wales’ finest birdwatching country, Barraba combines natural beauty with authentic country charm.
The nearby Split Rock Dam is a popular destination for camping, fishing and boating, while the surrounding countryside offers scenic drives through rolling farmland and rugged landscapes.
Set on the banks of the Gwydir River, Bingara is a welcoming country town steeped in gold rush history.
Today, visitors can enjoy riverside walks, explore local heritage attractions and discover stories from the pioneering days that helped shape the region. The town also serves as a great base for exploring nearby national parks and scenic countryside.
Warialda offers another fascinating glimpse into the geological history of Northern New South Wales.
Surrounded by landscapes rich in minerals and gemstones, the region has long attracted fossickers and travellers keen to explore the area’s natural heritage. It’s a great place to slow down, enjoy the country atmosphere and discover another chapter in The Fossickers Way story.
Often referred to as Australia’s Sapphire City, Inverell is one of the highlights of The Fossickers Way.
The region is internationally renowned for its sapphire fields, with visitors able to try fossicking for precious gemstones themselves. Several local operators offer equipment hire, guided experiences and family-friendly introductions to fossicking.
Beyond the sapphire fields, Inverell boasts beautiful parks, heritage buildings and a thriving local food and arts scene.
Perched high on the New England Tablelands, Glen Innes is known as the Celtic Capital of Australia and offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and natural beauty.
The region’s cool climate, impressive granite landscapes and rich pastoral heritage make it a rewarding stop on the journey. Nearby national parks and reserves provide excellent opportunities for walking, wildlife spotting and photography.
The journey concludes in the small village of Emmaville, a fitting finale for a road trip built around discovery and mining history.
Once an important centre for tin mining, Emmaville remains closely connected to its heritage. Visitors can explore the Emmaville Mining Museum and learn about the prospectors, miners and communities that helped shape this unique corner of New South Wales.
The Fossickers Way is more than a scenic drive — it’s a journey through some of regional New South Wales’ most fascinating landscapes and stories. Along the way you’ll discover heritage towns, welcoming communities, rich mining history and the chance to uncover your own hidden treasure.
Whether you’re interested in gemstones, history, country hospitality or simply exploring somewhere different, The Fossickers Way offers an unforgettable road trip through the heart of Northern New South Wales.
For accommodation inspiration and holiday park options throughout New South Wales, explore the Caravan & Camping NSW Park Guide and start planning your next stop.
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