Explore Treasures of the Past
Step back in time and cut open a 200-million-year-old mystery! Thunderegg fossicking at Thunderbird Park is a one-of-a-kind adventure where you can dig for your own prehistoric treasures, formed in ancient volcanic lava.
Hidden beneath the surface of Tamborine Mountain, these fascinating geological wonders – known as thundereggs – are just waiting to be discovered.
Unearth Ancient Treasures at the World’s Largest Thunderegg Mine. Perfect for families, curious kids, rockhounds and adventure-seekers alike, this hands-on experience invites you to explore, extract, and crack open your finds to reveal the dazzling crystals hidden inside.
Whether you’re a seasoned fossicker or a first-time explorer, you’ll love the thrill of uncovering something truly spectacular.
Get your hands dirty and uncover nature’s buried gems – only at the largest and most exciting Thunderegg Mine in the world!
Ready to strike hidden treasure? We’ve been told it’s a gem of an experience!
Monday – Sunday
Closed ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Fully-enclosed shoes must be worn (crocs are not acceptable).
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
We also ask if you could please bring a reusable or recycled bag to take your treasures home in. We do have bags at the Rockshop, however, there is a 20c fee per bag.
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 Cafe or Rainforest Restaurant and take it up to the mine. Admission covers one entry only – breaking for lunch at the cafe or restaurant 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.
Celebrate with an Adventure Party!
Make your next birthday unforgettable with an adventure-packed celebration! Book your activity experience and pair it with a reserved party table at The Edge, overlooking the beautiful Cedar Creek.
Choose your adventure, then relax and refuel – order delicious food from The Terrace Café, bring your own birthday cake, and decorate your table with your favourite party theme.
Party table bookings are for 2 hours and perfect for adventurers of all ages!
Unleash your inner explorer with a fossicking adventure at the Thunderegg Crystal Mine! Hidden within ancient volcanic rock, these natural treasures are just waiting to be discovered – and every find is yours to keep.
Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone who dreams of striking it lucky, a fossicking experience is a unique and memorable gift. Unearth sparkling crystals and create unforgettable memories at the largest Thunderegg mine in the world!
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We acknowledge and pay respect to the land and the traditional families of the Yugambeh region of South East Queensland and their Elders past present and emerging. The Yugambeh region includes families that identify as Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra and others.
