Whether searching for gold, gemstones or other minerals, fossicking can be a fun and sometimes rewarding experience. Victoria has a rich gold mining past, especially in the areas around Ballarat, Bendigo and Castlemaine. Although the gold rush has long since past, it is still possible to find gold in these and other areas.

Before commencing to fossick or prospect, a miner's right (licence) is required by anyone over the age of 18. This can be obtained online or in person from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or from designated tourist information centres and prospecting supply stores in areas popular with fossickers. For further information or to buy your licence online, see Earth Resources.

Where to fossick

Fossicking and prospecting are allowed only on certain areas of public land or on private property with the consent of the landowner. Only hand tools, such as picks, shovels, sieves and pans are permitted to be used. Metal detectors are also allowed in most areas.

Fossicking is permitted within certain areas of national and state parks which were mining areas during the 1800s. As well as the possibility of finding gold, there are also relics from the gold rush era to see. These parks are listed below.

• Beechworth Historic Park- Near by cities- Beechworth

• Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park- Near by cities- Castlemaine, Chewton, Fryerstown, Guildford, Harcourt

• Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park- Near by cities- Barnawartha, Beechworth, Chiltern, Eldorado

• Creswick Regional Park- Near by cities- Ballarat, Creswick

• Enfield State Park- Near by cities- Ballarat, Rokewood, Smythesdale

• Greater Bendigo National Park- Near by cities- Bendigo

• Heathcote-Graytown National Park- Near by cities- Heathcote, Nagambie, Rushworth

• Kara Kara National Park- Near by cities- Avoca, Moonambel, St Arnaud

• Kooyoora State Park- Near by cities- Inglewood, St Arnaud, Tarnagulla, Wedderburn

• Maldon Historic Area- Near by cities- Maldon

• Paddys Ranges State Park- Near by cities- Maryborough, Talbot

• Reef Hills State Park- Near by cities- Benalla

• Steiglitz Historic Park- Near by cities- Anakie, Meredith, Steiglitz

• Warrandyte State Park- Near by cities- Bend Of Islands, Chirnside Park, Christmas Hills, Kangaroo Ground, Warrandyte, Wonga Park

Miners Right

Before you can prospect in Victoria, you must obtain a “Miners Right”
The Miners Right allows the holder to search for, and take possession of, any mineral located on many areas of public land, or, on private land with the landholder’s prior consent.

This is available through the Victorian Earth Resources site HERE or selected tourist information centres and prospecting equipment supply shops in Victoria.
Children under 18 years old do not need a Miner’s Right while prospecting if they are accompanied by an adult who holds a current Miner’s Right.

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.

• Purchase a Miner’s Right online