Fossicking and prospecting

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    Fossicking and prospecting

    Steiglitz Historic Park

    Reef Hills State Park

    Beechworth Historic Park

    Kara Kara National Park

    Enfield State Park

    Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve

    Paddys Ranges State Park

    Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

    Kooyoora State Park

    Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park

    Heathcote-Graytown 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.

     

    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.

    • Vaughan Spring Day Visitor Ara (Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park)

      Vaughan Springs closed due to flood impact

      Vaughan Spring day visitor area is closed due to significant impact from the October flood event. Crews are working hard to assess and reopen flood impacted sites when it is safe to do so. 

    • Steiglitz Circuit Walk (Steiglitz Historic Park, Brisbane Ranges National Park)

      Steiglitz Circuit Walk, one section is closed

      A portion of the Steiglitz Circuit Walk is closed. This closure is from Alliance Track to the bridge at Sutherland Creek. Please see attached map. Please use the Steiglitz Durdidwarrah Road to complete the circuit, use caution on the open public road.

      Attachments: Steiglitz Historic Park walking track closure (182KB)

    • Beechworth Historic Park

      Gorge Rd Closure - Powder Magazine to Pritchard Lane

      The Gorge Road is currently closed for all vehicle access due to safety concerns over the Spring Creek bridge. Pedestrians can access to Gorge Road but are not permitted on the bridge. Further advice will be provided once an engineers assessment has been undertaken. This is expected to be a long-term closure.

    • Kooyoora State Park

      Main visitor sites in Kooyoora State Park reopened as of 11 March 2023

      The main visitor sites at Kooyoora, Melville Caves Lookout, picnic area and campground will be open as of 11 March. 

      Some roads in the park will remain closed due to storm damage. These roads are 
      • Mount View Road
      • Kirwan's Road
      • Back Road
      • O'Shannessy Road
      • Summit Track
      • Sunday Morning Hills Track 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases

      Large numbers of mosquitoes in Northern Victoria have increased the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly around rivers and other water bodies.
       
      For information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites before you head outdoors, visit the Don't Wing It!- Better Health Website or see our visitor safety tips. 

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