Explore
Fossicking and prospecting
Kara Kara National Park
Beechworth Historic Park
Steiglitz Historic Park
Reef Hills State Park
Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve
Enfield State Park
Heathcote-Graytown National Park
Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Kooyoora State Park
Paddys Ranges State Park
Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
Greater Bendigo National Park
Gold panning, fossicking or prospecting typically involves the use of metal detectors, hand tools, pans or sluices in the search for gold, gemstones and other minerals. Prospecting can be an exciting experience. Many of the world’s largest gold nuggets have been found in the Golden Triangle of central Victoria. Elsewhere, gemstone fossickers have found sapphires, zeolites and agate.
Prospecting Areas Maps
Find out more about where you can go prospecting on Parks Victoria managed land using the prospecting areas maps.
For information on other public land areas, contact the relevant land manager.
- Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
- Greater Bendigo National Park and Bendigo Regional Park
- Heathcote-Graytown National Park
- Kara Kara National Park
- Kooyoora State Park
- Paddys Ranges State Park
- Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve
Minimum impact prospecting
You can enjoy prospecting and help minimise any impact in the following ways:
- Prospect only in the permitted area.
- Only drive your vehicles on tracks and roads open to the public.
- Only park your vehicle on the roadside.
- Take all rubbish home or place it in a bin where provided. Do not bury it.
- Minimise any damage to vegetation including the ground layer.
- Restore the ground as you found it - backfill any holes you dig and replace any leaf litter as it was as soon as practicable.
Need to know
Fossicking and prospecting
Prospecting permits
A Miner's Right is a permit for prospecting in Victoria and must be carried at all times while you are prospecting. The only exception is if you are part of an organised group prospecting under the authority of a valid Tourist Fossicking Authority. The Mineral Resources Development Act 1990 sets out the rights and obligations of the holder of a Miner's Right.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Beechworth Historic Park
Ongoing closure of section of Lake Sambell - Lake Kerferd Walking Track
A section of the Lake Sambell to Lake Kerferd walking track in Beechworth Historic Park has been closed for safety reasons.An engineering assessment completed on the track recommended immediate closure. The inspection identified serious safety concerns relating to abandoned mine shafts.The track provides access from Lake Kerferd to Lake Sambell in Beechworth. The rest of the track remains open. Signage is in place to notify visitors of the closure.Funding is currently being sought to complete necessary repairs. A timeline for completion of these is not yet available. -
Melville Caves Walking Track
Kooyoora State Park - Melville Caves Walking Tk Closure
The Melville Caves Walking Track within Kooyoora State Park is closed until further notice due to dangerous and unsafe track base.Park Victoria thank you for your understanding and apologise for the inconvenience. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2022
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information. -
Settling Ponds Track Picnic Area (Paddys Ranges State Park)
Paddys Ranges Boardwalk closure
Paddys Ranges Boardwalk is closed whilst renovations take place. The Settling Ponds walking track is still accessible, however some sections are barricaded whilst repairs take place. Parks Victoria apologises for the inconvenience.Paddys Ranges Boardwalk closure
Paddys Ranges Boardwalk is closed whilst renovations take place. The Settling Ponds walking track is still accessible, however some sections are barricaded whilst repairs take place. Parks Victoria apologises for the inconvenience.Paddys Ranges Boardwalk closure
Paddys Ranges Boardwalk is closed whilst renovations take place. The Settling Ponds walking track is still accessible, however some sections are barricaded whilst repairs take place. Parks Victoria apologises for the inconvenience.Paddys Ranges Boardwalk closure
Paddys Ranges Boardwalk is closed whilst renovations take place. The Settling Ponds walking track is still accessible, however some sections are barricaded whilst repairs take place. Parks Victoria apologises for the inconvenience.
More to discover
Historic sites
Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.
Aboriginal heritage
Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
Wildlife viewing
Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
Lighthouses
Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.
