Organised by the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA), Rock the Tropics Tour will run from April 23 to May 2. The once-in-a-life-trip will begin after the completion of the 55th gathering of Gemboree 2019 and the GAA Symposium in Rockhampton, which takes place from April 19-22.
Beginning at Rockhampton and ending at Longreach Airport, the tour will trace The Tropic of Capricorn and follow a historical journey involving the extinction of species, landscape transformations and a living museum of fossils and mineral wealth.
In conjunction with the Australian Federation of Lapidary and Allied Crafts Associations (AFLACA), the tour will visit Mt Hay Gem Park Thundereggs, Blackwater Coal Museum, Central Queensland University, Clermont Gold Prospecting, among many others.
Side excursions will include Lake Maraboon (Redclaw Fishing), ANZAC Dawn Service, Ilfracombe Artesian Spa, Stockman’s Hall of Fame, QANTAS Museum.
Meanwhile, AFLACA has announced a fundraising raffle for Gemboree 2019. For-sale items include a 8.5 carat Sapphire pendant donated by Coolamon Mining worth $5,934, a Chrysophase and Sapphire earrings set in gold donated by Rod Beattie worth $4,168, a Boulder Opal and Sapphire Brooch/Pendant set worth $3,905 and a silver Filigree bracelet and earring set from George Weier worth $1,185.
More information about the Tour available here.