Fossicking and prospecting

    This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

    Explore

    Fossicking and prospecting

    Steiglitz Historic Park

    Reef Hills State Park

    Enfield State Park

    Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park

    Kara Kara National Park

    Paddys Ranges State Park

    Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve

    Heathcote-Graytown National Park

    Beechworth Historic Park

    Greater Bendigo National Park

    Kooyoora 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.

    • Picnic Area (adjacent to Settling Ponds Track) (Paddys Ranges State Park)

      Paddy Ranges State Park - Temporary Closure Picnic Area Toilet

      Paddy's Ranges State Park: Picnic Area toilet temporarily closed due to a maintenance issue. Alternative toilets can be located in the Paddy's Ranges State Park campground located on Kari Track.

      Paddys Ranges - Picnic walking track closed

      Paddys Ranges picnic walking track will be closed to the general public whilst repairs are completed on the boardwalk.  The picnic area is still open and accessible via Settling Pond track.

      Paddys Ranges - Picnic walking track closed

      Paddys Ranges picnic walking track will be closed to the general public whilst repairs are completed on the boardwalk.  The picnic area is still open and accessible via Settling Pond track.

      Paddys Ranges - Picnic walking track closed

      Paddys Ranges picnic walking track will be closed to the general public whilst repairs are completed on the boardwalk.  The picnic area is still open and accessible via Settling Pond track.

    • 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. 

      Kooyoora State Park - Melville Caves walking Tk Closure

      The Melville Cave Walking Track is closed until further notice due to dangerous and unsafe track surface. 

    • Glenalbyn Camping Area (Kooyoora State Park)

      Rita's Road Closed.

      Rita's Road is closed for public access until maintenance works are completed on eroded causeway. 

    • 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.

    • 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.

    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
    X
    By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
    Confirm