Harts Range West
FA9 - Harts Range - 140 km north-east from Alice Springs
Location
Harts Range
Nearest Town
Alice Springs
Distance
140 km north-east
Photo: NT Government Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
Location
Harts Range West is in the Alice Springs region
Fossicking Area Boundary
Official declared boundary from the NT Government. You may only fossick within this area.
Boundary coordinates from NT Government gazettal
History
The mineral rich Harts Range West and Central Harts Range fossicking areas are located in the Harts Range, nestled amongst mountains such as Mount Brassey, Mount Palmer and Mount Mabel in the southeast of the Northern Territory.
Between the 1890s and the close of the Australian mica mining industry in 1960, almost all the nation's mica came from the Northern Territory. Most was extracted from Harts Range.
Scenically, the mountains have a grandeur and variation of colour as well as many strangely-shaped rock outcrops. Mount Palmer, elevation 1,136 m, caps the mountains and provides views of the whole range.
What You Can Find
Well-shaped specimen garnets up to a few centimetres in diameter may be obtained, together with smaller fragments of transparent, dark reddish-brown material suitable for cutting.
Wet or dry sieving may be used.
Getting There
Access is from the Plenty Highway by a track located 34 km east of the Gemtree Caravan Park. The turn-off is well signposted on both sides of the highway. This track leads to several garnet locations.
The fossicking area lies within Mt Riddock Station. Care should be taken not to interfere with the movement of cattle or other station activities.
Camping
Bush camping is allowed, however there are no facilities on site.
The Gemtree Caravan Park offers a range of facilities including fuel (diesel, super and LPG) and a grocery store.
Campers must provide their own water. Bore water is available from the Gemtree, although this facility may be restricted during times of limited bore re-charge.
Campers must take their rubbish with them when they leave.
View Harts Range West on the Map
See the exact boundary, satellite imagery, and surrounding terrain.
Open MapSource: NT Government DITT, CC BY 4.0