Fossicking and prospecting

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    Fossicking and prospecting

    Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve

    Enfield State Park

    Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park

    Kooyoora State Park

    Heathcote-Graytown National Park

    Greater Bendigo National Park

    Kara Kara National Park

    Reef Hills State Park

    Steiglitz Historic Park

    Beechworth Historic Park

    Paddys Ranges State Park

    Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage 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.

    • Kooyoora State Park

      Ritas Rd - Kooyoora State Park (Glenalbyn Block): Closed

      Rita's Rd is closed between Spring Ck Rd and O'Shannessy Rd due to damage the road surface from recent rainfall events.  Rita's Rd will be closed for the foreseeable future. 

    • Yeddonba (Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park)

      Closure of walkway at Yeddonba

      The elevated walkway and access to the art site at Yeddonba in Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park has been closed for safety reasons.
       
      An engineering assessment on the walkway identified a number of structural defects that require remediation and recommended immediate closure.
       
      The walking track and visitor facilities at the site remain remain open.
       
      Funding is currently being sought to complete necessary repairs. A reopening date is not currently available.

    • Beechworth Historic Park

      Closure of section of 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 since late 2020. 
      To improve safety for staff and visitors Parks Victoria undertakes risk assessments within its estate. An inspection of the track identified serious safety concerns relating to abandoned mine shafts and the track was recommended for immediate closure. 
      The rest of the track remains open.

      Closure of section of 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 since late 2020. 
      To improve safety for staff and visitors Parks Victoria undertakes risk assessments within its estate. An inspection of the track identified serious safety concerns relating to abandoned mine shafts and the track was recommended for immediate closure. 
      The rest of the track remains open.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2021

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate 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.

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