Drive past the Opalton Outpost, take the first right, and you'll find Pat's camp nestled amongst the eucalyptus trees. Patricia (Pat) Gregory has been a resident of Opalton for about five years now. After many years in outback Australia, Pat is well known in many of the country's more remote communities. Some of Pat's favourite places are Broome in the north west of Western Australia, anywhere where there are exciting rocks to be found, and her home in Yanchep, a small fishing village about 90 minutes north of Perth.

Pat left home in the mid 1950s to join the Australian Army as a trainee nurse. After the military came a wide range of experiences including raising a family, station hand and cook, crayfishing, telephonist at Broome, and explorer.

Far from the madding crowd - approaching Pat's camp

A southerner by birth, Pat has learned to enjoy the warmth of northern and inland Australia. When winter or the need arises, Pat loads up her Toyota 4-wheel drive and heads to a warmer climate. On hearing of a new location for gold or opals, Pat will disappear into the wilderness for days, weeks or even months.

Pat's home and garden

As an experienced outback resident, Pat is a self-sufficient person who knows how to live in tune with nature. She's up at sunrise and to bed at sunset, but the time in-between is all her own - and that's the way she likes it!

Opal Sales
When you come to Opalton, visit Pat and see what she's found on her latest fossicking expedition. Pat has quality opals for sale at field prices. If visiting our web site is as close as you're likely to get to a real opal field, you can still enjoy Australian opals.

Fossicking Tours
Ask Pat to take you around the Opalton fields on a half day or day tour at a reasonable price. There is always the chance that you will find your own opal and this will make the visit to Opalton one to remember. If you would like more adventure and want to go further then ask Pat to take you to her mining lease on a two day fossicking trip.