Fossicking and prospecting

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    Fossicking and prospecting

    Kooyoora State Park

    Enfield State Park

    Beechworth Historic Park

    Wychitella N.C.R.

    Reef Hills State Park

    Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park

    Kara Kara National Park

    Heathcote-Graytown National Park

    Paddys Ranges State Park

    Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

    Greater Bendigo National Park

    Steiglitz Historic 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 propsecting 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.

    • Beechworth Historic Park

      Closure of a section of Lake Sambell to 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.
       
      Further assessments including geotechnical investigations are being undertaken to determine risk mitigation options and funding estimates. A timeline for completion of these is not yet available.
       

      Closure of section of Lake Sambell to Lake Kerferd Walking Track

      A section of the Lake Sambell to Lake Kerferd Walking track (between Gee Road and Silver Creek Caravan Park) 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 rest of the track remains open. Signage is in place to notify visitors of the closure.
       

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Stay safe this summer around waterfalls

      It is not safe to swim under or near waterfalls. The pool at the base of a waterfall can be deep and very cold with the risk of hypothermia, and the force of the falling water can cause difficulties for even strong swimmers. Rocks around waterfalls are often wet and slippery so it is easy to slip and fall in the water or down a cliff, leading to serious injuries. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Stay behind safety barriers around waterfalls –they are there to keep you safe.

    More to discover

     
    A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

    Historic sites

    Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.
    A couple take a tour of Spermwhale Head with traditional owners from the Gurnaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation.

    Aboriginal heritage

    Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
    Three friends take a break from their walk to take a photo of a Kangaroo who is equally watching them.

    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,
    A couple walk down the track and away from the Lighthouse at Cape Schank on the Mornington Peninsula.

    Lighthouses

    Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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