Blue Gems in Sapphire has cabins, caravan and camping sites which places you in the middle of the gems field.  You can arrange trips out to fossicking area or visit the many interesting places around Emerald and Rubyvale.  The place has a great camp style bbq area for the people camping and is a wonderful area to meet people touring the country side too.  In September, the temp was hot and heaps of water and shade is required especially if you are digging for stones.  Easy day trips to out into the mining areas but wouldn't take a car out there, need a 4wd not to engage into low range but get the clearance over the ruts.