Outside of Charters Towers, I met prospector Henry Weare, who told me he smelts gold and silver in his bare feet because the hot coals would ruin the leather if they fell on his shoes!
Yes, there is still gold to be found in Queensland. However, as Henry explained, it’s hard to find.
I think this photo suggests just how hot the clay smelting crucible (the glowing object held with the tongs) gets when Henry stokes the fire.
Waltzing Australia 