Ruby Gap Nature Park

We've all heard of fool's gold, but how about fool's rubies? Ruby Gap Nature Park is linked to the first mining rush in Central Australia, and it was a false one. In March 1886, explorer David Lindsay found what he thought were rubies in the bed of the Hale River. By May of the next year there were more than 200 people in the area prospecting for rubies. By then gold had been discovered in Paddy's Rockhole Creek, 45km to the west, which led to the establishment of the Arltunga goldfield.

At the beginning of the 'ruby' rush European buyers were keen, but as the market was flooded, their quality was questioned. By June 1888, it was found that the stones were merely high-grade garnets, and not nearly as valuable as rubies. Central Australia's ruby boom quickly collapsed.

Today the park is a rugged and isolated camping spot along the Hale River.