Sapphire - our first real bush experience

The Sapphire tourist park is absolutely beautiful. Set in acres of bushland, the campsites are large and sheltered. They were so busy that we were booked into the overflow section, which doesn't sound very glamerous, but suited us beautifully.

The sites still had water and power, but unlike most of the other sites, we could have a campfire! We got some marshmellows and made the most of it.

The wildlife was amazing, dozens of different bird species, cheeky Magpies that would enter your van if you weren't careful, beautiful Rosella's that would sit with you to eat your food. There was an animal feeding area that provided food every evening for Kangaroos, wallaby's and plenty of bird life.

We visited an underground Sapphire mine and went fossicking, on the 1st day finding more than a dozen small sapphires and zircons but nothing big enough to cut yet. Alex had a ball sifting through the sand and rocks, but the best bit for him was washing the rocks...he got very wet :)

On our second try at fossicking, i (Lauren) found a cuttable Sapphire!!! It was so exciting, and has definately got me addicted to the 'hobby'. It doesn't look like much at the moment, but once it is cut i will post another photo to show the finshed product!

The sunrises and sunsets in the bush are spectacular. From purples & pinks to brilliant oranges, and virtually no twilight, the rays making themselves known through the trees.