willy wagtail in the warm light of a late afternoon in Julia Creek

Julia Creek & Quamby

Julia Creek has a free camp on the creek that's worth the detour on its own. Wattle in season, good water, and if you're quiet at night, dunnarts. We were. One wandered close enough to photograph — a moment that felt like the outback deciding to show off a little.

Quamby is known for one thing — zigzag amethyst. Purple crystal locked in ironstone matrix in a pattern you don't see anywhere else. We drove out from Julia Creek for a day of digging in red clay, and came home with dirty hands and a few pieces worth keeping. Kai came home with considerably more enthusiasm than he left with.

Julia Creek

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Dunnart in Julia Creek The information centre has a display about the local wildlife.

another outback sunset Windmill, dust and warm light — the outback showing off again.

Julia Creek free camp Great camp, close to town and the creek.

Quamby - Fossicking

Quamby amethyst fossicking Digging for precious stones in the red clay.

Quamby view A scenic overlook of the fossicking site.

Quamby amethyst in the ground The unique zigzag pattern of the amethyst.

Quamby amethyst digging Excavating the precious stones from the red clay.

Quamby zigzag amethyst The distinctive zigzag pattern of the amethyst.

Quamby Kai's amethyst A special find from the fossicking trip.