"I took my grandchildren to all the attractions .. all of them. Last night I asked them which they liked best. They said the Scratch Patch, no question. That's why we're back!"
Local grandmother

"We came here with the children two years ago. I want to tell you there hasn't been a week since, when one of them hasn't asked when we were going back. We've come straight from the ferry!
Mother from Edmonton

"I can vouch for what an awesome time (we had) there. I had the honour of being a field trip driver, and found your specialist very interesting, the Scratch Patch a lot of fun for the kids, and your selection of precious stones, and the jewellery made from it, extraordinary."
Parent from Macaulay School, Victoria.

The amazing Scratch Patch:
A family gemstone & goldpanning adventure!

scratch patch

scratch patch gemstonesThe Scratch Patch is an outdoor adventureland designed to turn anyone into an enthusiastic rockhound! Set in 1800 square feet of garden next to the the sea, it contains two gold panning pools, a pond filled with tropical shells, and mounds of semi-precious gemstones (about 80 different varieties like jasper, amethyst, & tigereye).

On hot summer days, there's nothing better than sitting by a cool stream, hunting for that perfect tropical shell to put in your bag. And so many to choose from! Stay a while, and enjoy the call of the seagulls, the smell of the sea, and the lazy mood at the Scratch Patch.

Hunting for gemstones:

kids in scratch patchEntrance is free, but if you'd like to collect any of the amazing variety of minerals, you must buy a collector's bag for $6.00, $8.00, $10.00 or $15.00. Whatever you fit in the bag, you get to keep! So many to see and learn about.

It's a lot of fun, and appeals to the whole family, from 6-year-olds to grandparents (a lot of grannies come back later without the grandchildren, and buy a bag for themselves!)

You can take as little as 20 minutes to fill a bag, or you can take the whole day. We don't mind. Come and go as often as you like, and you'll be amazed what turns up in those gemstone mounds --- visitors have found fire agates, malachite, tourmaline, aquamarine and something we think was a star sapphire!

Panning for Gold:

gold panningIs there anything as exciting as panning those gravels for an elusive gold nugget or sparkling pyrite? And there are plenty to be found, if you learn to do it right.

Two pools, plenty of gold pans, and as much time as you want. Plus, no mosquitoes or blackflies, no grizzlies and no glacier water!