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.

 

Need to know

Fossicking and prospecting

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

    Road closures due to flood damage

    ·     The main visitor sites are open at Kooyoora State Park, however the following roads remain closed due to storm damage. 
    ·     Kirwan's Road
    ·     Back Road

  • Melville Caves Lookout (Kooyoora State Park)

    Kooyoora Joint Management Visitor upgrades coming

    Dear Park Visitors, 
    DJAARA, Joint Management Partners, will commence construction of a new shelter at Melville Caves Lookout from mid-June 2023. Access to the lookout will remain open for visitors during construction.  
    DJAARA are excited to enhance the visitor experience by providing a new and improved facility that will offer a stunning vantage point to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings and look forward to unveiling the new lookout shelter and providing an enhanced experience for all visitors soon. 
    For further information and fact sheet please visit https://djadjawurrung.com.au/resources/
     
    We understand that the construction activities may cause some inconvenience during this period and apologise for any disruption or inconvenience caused.  Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

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.

Aboriginal heritage

Learn more about the culture, history and contemporary aspirations of the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of our land.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

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,
The lighthouse at Cape Otway in the Otway National Park.

Lighthouses

Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.
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