Theresa Dam

From Jericho we travelled on the Capricorn Highway through Alpha and stopped at a lookout over the Drummond Range. Turned off to Rubyvale via Anakie Sapphire Road and had a look around the Sapphire Gemfields.  Sapphires were first reported here by Archibald Richardson in the 1870's and by 1890 commercial mining had begun in Retreat Creek in the present town of Sapphire.  After 1935 the Sapphire Gemfields went into a decline until 1960's when a new phase began with tourists and recreational mining and fossicking becoming popular.

By 1970 an increasing price for rough sapphires led to large scale mechanized mining, which resulted in huge amounts of sapphires produced by a large number of miners, and purchased by buyers from Thailand.  During this period Australia produced over 80% of the world's sapphires. High production continued until the early 1980's when an increase in production from Asia and Africa led to a massive downturn in the Australian Sapphire Market.

Driving through Sapphire and Rubyvale was a surprise to us as thought the landscape would be barren, similar to other mining areas we have visited.  However there is quite a bit of vegetation and trees around.  Went into a gem shop in Sapphire where Helen picked out a ring - unfortunately I told her the decimal point was in the wrong place on the price!!!!

Drove to Emerald where we stayed at the Showgrounds which was packed.  Able to connect to power and water so Helen got stuck into the washing, whilst I found a car wash and gave the Toyota a good clean.  Stayed another day and stocked up with water, shopping and diesel before heading off again.

Picturesque photo taken from the western most camping point.

Had heard that Theresa Dam was a nice spot to stay so decided to have a look for ourselves and were quite impressed.  On the far northern side away from the reception area they even had carport type shelters which you could camp around. Able to park where-ever so did a bit of a drive around before deciding on our spot - took a while to settle as we were on a bit of a slope but the view was lovely and no one could park in front of us.  Very quiet spot considering the amount of vans around.  Helen had competition eating her breakfast when a rainbow lorikeet decided he wanted to share and stuck his head in the bowl!  As phone reception wasn't that reliable they had a booster over by the reception/kiosk area which was handy, and while checking on emails and making calls you couldn't help but have an ice-cream!

The boat ramp and main camping area 

Sunset from our camp

We camped away from the water with a great view.

The kiosk provided various light meals and was the best place for mobile reception. Added bonus they had great coffee - our plunger of 5 years has broken!!!

Hello, a pretty friendly Rainbow Lorikeet dropped by for breakfast

A friendly little fella 

That's close enough, this is MY breakfast

Now that's just not on.

Bloody cheeky bird eating my breakfast - not happy!!