Thunderegg Fossicking FAQs

The Thunderegg Crystal Mine at Thunderbird Park is a REGISTERED mine, therefore there are strict safety regulations that must be followed. Sharp broken pieces of thundereggs are on the mine surface and can be loose underfoot, which is why fully enclosed footwear must be worn at all times.

On average the whole fossicking experience takes approximately 1.5hrs. Fossickers are welcome to spend the whole day fossicking on the mine, however, admission covers one entry only - breaking for lunch at the kiosk or back at a campsite is not permitted.

Bookings highly recommended, especially for peak times like weekends and school holidays. Pre booking also speeds up check in process. We do still accept walk ins on the day, and work hard to ensure your wait time is not too long. The Thunderegg Crystal Mine opens at 8.30am daily (last entry to the mine is 2.30pm as the mine shuts at 4pm). Any less than one hour doesn't allow sufficient time to enjoy the whole fossicking experience so we suggest you come up early.

Fully enclosed shoes are compulsory (preferably shoes suited to walking on dirt and loose rocks). Adults and childrens' shoes are available to borrow, however, we recommend you bring your own, as we cannot guarantee availability. We also recommend you bring hats, sunscreen and water bottles as it is an outdoor mine.

We also ask if you could please bring a reusable or recycled bag to take your Thunderegg treasures home in. We do have bags at the Rockshop, however, there is a charge of 20c per bag for these.

As long as you have a go and dig deep, you will find your treasures! Thundereggs make up 97% of the mine. It is a very rich and dense Thunderegg Deposit and has only had roughly 10% removed since being opened to the public in 1967. According to specialists, the Thunderegg Deposit is 400m deep which will allow for around 800 -1000 years of fossicking, so there is plenty thundereggs still to find!

If it fits in your bucket, its yours to keep! Each fossicker is provided with a 5kg bucket to take onto the mine and fill with treasures. Fossickers are welcome to take more home, however, extra weight will be charged out at $3 per kg.

The thunderegg mine is an open-air mine - not underground.

Due to strict mining regulations, fossickers are not permitted to take any equipment/tools with them onto the mine that has not been issued to them by staff at the Thunderegg Crystal Mine Rockshop.

Cutting costs are extra. It is around $4 for a golf ball sized thunderegg and increases with size i.e. $7 for a tennis ball sized thunderegg. Staff will provide "eggspert" advice as to which thundereggs are worth cutting open, but no guarantee can be made as to what you will find inside - it's a surprise every time! Fossickers may decide to take their thundereggs home and use thier own equipment to cut them open.

Food and drink are allowed on the mine; in fact, we encourage it! There is a 'no picnic' policy at Thunderbird Park, however, fossickers are welcome to purchase food from the Terrace Kiosk and take it up to the mine. Admission covers one entry only - breaking for lunch at the kiosk or back at a campsite is not permitted.

Fossickers are welcome and encouraged to bring extra things to make their fossicking experience that little bit easier for themselves E.g. gardening gloves, knee pads/mats etc

It is not mandatory that an adult participates with their group of children, but it is certainly recommended as it will be more beneficial to your outcome if adults are digging alongside the children. Everyone must pay admission to the mine, however, there is a Supervisor Entry Fee to allow adults to enter if they do not wish to fossick themselves (fee does not include a pick and a bucket or digging with children's picks).

Gift vouchers are available. Please hit the BOOK NOW button or call us on 07 5545 7999.

Excluding severe weather conditions the mine is open for business. Keeping in mind, due to the fact it is an open air mine, it will get quite muddy in the event of rain, but a little mud never hurt anyone! There are also benefits to fossicking post rain.