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Historic Inverell is surrounded by gemstone country. It's the ideal place to try your hand at fossicking and to see how precious stones are processed.
Great walking tracks, reserves and dams provide plenty of outdoor attractions.
History
Before European settlement, the Jukambal Aboriginals lived in the local area.
Alexander Campbell, a Scottish immigrant, gave Inverell its
name, which means 'meeting place of the swans' in Gaelic. In 1835,
Diamonds were discovered at Copes Creek in 1875, and mining for sapphires started in 1916. Bauxite, lead, silver and diamonds have also been mined there commercially.
Things to do
Go fossicking for sapphires and other gems at several places around the city.
Stretch your legs in Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve, a unique wilderness area that supports some 120 species of native birds. Explore the marked walking trails and look out for Thunderbolts Rock and the remains of a Chinese settlement.
Take a drive through the countryside and visit local vineyards and olive groves.
Check out the art, crafts and woodturning at some of the town's galleries.
Events
Inverell Show Society Annual Show, in February, features farm animals, local produce, arts and crafts and a shearing competition.
Telstra Countrywide Sapphire City Festival, in October, puts on a full week of activities, including open gardens, a street parade, art exhibition, markets and a firework finale.
Don’t miss
Walking back in time at the
The
A map of local fossicking sites from the Visitor Information Centre.
Whitewater rafting on the