Description

'Bush camping' is permitted within the Mud Tank Zircon Field on both sides of the main track up to Marktree Creek. Campers must take their rubbish with them when they leave. The Mud Tank area on Alcoota Station in the Harts Range district is well known in the fossicking fraternity for its zircon material, a semi-precious Australian gem stone. Initial exploration of the Mud Tank Carbonatite took place in 1940. An area of land was surveyed specifically to permit mining of both vermiculite and zircon in 1989 and was subsequently excised from the Alcoota Pastoral Lease. Driving from Alice, access is from the Plenty Highway 7.7 km east from the Gemtree Caravan Park. Turn right onto Bins Track (Mud Tank Bore), where there are signs indicating the zircon fields, and continue south-west. Follow the signs to a gate (8 km), which is the entrance to the fossicking area. Total driving time from Alice Springs is approximately one and a half hours, with sealed roads to the Mud Tank Bore turn-off. Access to the fossicking area is suitable for conventional vehicles with care. There are no toilet facilities at this site. If you do not have your own toilet, bury human waste at least 100m from tracks and water bodies. Bury toilet paper or bag and dispose of in a bin once you leave the site.