"A large number of Clubs and societies exist in Australia that cater for Lapidary, Fossil collection, Gold prospecting and similar interests."
http://mineral.org.au/clubs/clubs.html
Please note in most cases both fossicking and prospecting are covered under the same legislations / regulations.
New South Wales
Fossicking in NSW:
https://www.resourcesregulator.nsw.gov.au/rehabilitation/fossicking-nsw...