I recently spent a bit of time poking around the old copper fields and gold fields of the Etheridge Shire to the South West of Cairns. It is about a 5-6 hr drive and is not on everyone's usual tourist routes. Although two of the main attractions out there are the Georgetown Minerals Museum and Cobbold Gorge, we didn't stop at those locations, preferring the less beaten path.
We copped some fantastic storms and heavy rain whilst out there and the drive was awesome.
Gilberton Station is open to the public for fossicking and camping and Agate Creek is the same. Costs were minimal.
Below are a couple of pics from along the way.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/141.jpgCopperfield Rocks by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/142.jpgCopperfield Ranges by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/143.jpgCycads by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/144.jpgCopper ore by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/145.jpgEinasleigh Gorge by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/146.jpgEinasleigh Gorge by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/147.jpgNight skies after the storm by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/148.jpgMoon rising over the camp by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/149.jpgSearching for rock art by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/150.jpgRock Art on sandstone cliffs by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/151.jpgSunset on route to Gilberton by Ben Kincade
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...017/02/152.jpgIncoming Storm on the Gilbert River by Ben Kincade