Wooldridge Fossicking Reserve is about 6kms out of Uralla. Rocky River runs through the reserve where you can fossick for gold and gems, hence why it is called a fossicking reserve. Gold pans can be hired from the Uralla Visitor Information Centre if you want to have a go at panning.
Information brochure from the Uralla Visitor Information Centre lists Crystals, Diamonds, Gold, Garnet, Mica, Sapphires, Topaz, and Zircon as gems that can be found.
Fossicking aside, Wooldridge is a nice place to stop for a free camp. I’ve stopped here a couple of times travelling between Sydney and Brisbane. There may not be hot showers and a kiosk but there are long drop toilets available and you can’t complain about the price.
There are two camp areas, the first is a little more secluded, basically because there isn’t a lot of room. The second has a lot more space, picnic tables, and has easier access to the river.
The river has a large sandy bank, accessed easily from the second camp site. On a hot day the a dip in the water would be refreshing. The first time I was here was after a long period without rain and the water was stagnant. This time the water was wonderful and inviting.
I will certainly consider Wooldridge Fossicking Reserve as a stopping point again when travelling this way.
