Gunter from Germany visiting NT

[GunterS]

Hello Australia fansTogether with a friend we are planning to drive from Darwin to Alice Springs at the beginning of August.We have already decided on a four-wheel drive camper.We would like to do some gold mining on the wayDoes anyone have a tip for sensible and useful stops for gold mining?We have also considered supporting a professional gold miner.Perhaps you know someone who needs help for 2-3 days.As we are beginners, we would certainly learn a lot.Thank you very much for your supportGunter

 

[Mackka]

You would need to check on the position of Traditional Lands Council in those areas before doing and panning or detecting.IMO. Welcome to the forum.

 

[grubstake]

Welcome to PA, Gunter.

Here's a few for you that are legal:
https://fossicking.nt.gov.au/declared-fossicking-areas

 

[Moneybox]

It might help to start here.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Top-End-Prospecting-Coolalinga-100065116406121/

 

[GunterS]

Hello everyone,
Thank you very much for the tips.

We have not yet found out how to get the addresses of the pastoral lease owners in order to prospect there.
As permission from the owners is required and this must be approved up to 14 days before entering.

So many greetings from cold Germany
Gunter

 

[Davent]

Hello everyone,
Thank you very much for the tips.

We have not yet found out how to get the addresses of the pastoral lease owners in order to prospect there.
As permission from the owners is required and this must be approved up to 14 days before entering.

So many greetings from cold Germany
Gunter

There is a website called strike, I will send a link.
If you are savvy, you will be able to navigate the layers. It's not very user friendly, but will show you gold occurances, mines, and leases. To find out the land owners, you need to select " cadestre" on the layers.
Also there is a phone app called trilobite, this is more useful, again will take some time navigating it for a new user.
The NT is very challenging, good luck!
Btw, strike is NOT phone friendly, you will need a laptop.
A trip to top end prospecting shop at Coolalinga would help you. Mick is the owner, and might give you some help.


Northern Territory Government
http://strike.nt.gov.au
STRIKE (nt.gov.au)

 

[GunterS]

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/threads/gunter-from-germany-visiting-nt.43098/#:~:text=There is a,you some help.

hello Davent
thank you very much.
I'll take a look at the website and try to work my way through it.
what was the hint that the NT is very demanding?
Your idea with Mike is good

best regards
gunter

 

[Davent]

Have you been to the NT before?
It's remote, when you prospecting, there are no nearby places to buy food,fuel, food etc. The weather is hot in the dry season, and hotter in the wet season.
Grass grows very quickly, and you need to wait until the land owners burn it.
All the land with gold on it, is also on a cattle station, or pastoral lease, which requires consent from them to access, and then the mining lease holder needs to be informed.
There are are couple of exceptions where anyone can go, and many many people have gone before you.
Good luck on your trip, hope you find something.

 

[Aussie Adventurer]

First up-
1- here you can find the Basic info if you haven't already seen this link: https://fossicking.nt.gov.au
2- then there is this link for application forms: https://fossicking.nt.gov.au/application-forms and here are more links to explore:

Official Government Resources​

1. Northern Territory Fossicking
   • Detailed guidelines, regulations, and maps of declared fossicking areas in the NT.
   • Fossicking in the NT - Official Website
2. NT Minerals Titles Act 2010
   • Provides legal information about prospecting and fossicking regulations in the NT.
   • Minerals Titles Act (PDF)
3. Northern Land Council (NLC)
   • If fossicking near or on Aboriginal land, you will need permission.
   • Northern Land Council Website
4. Central Land Council (CLC)
   • Covers Central Australia and offers guidance on obtaining permits.
   • Central Land Council Website

---

Prospecting Associations and Forums​

1. Northern Territory Prospectors & Detectorists Association (NTPDA)
   • A community of NT prospectors offering resources, events, and advice.
   • NTPDA Website
2. Facebook Groups
   • Search for groups like “Australian Prospectors” or “NT Fossicking” to connect with local fossickers.

 

[VicR]

Hi Gunter - you mentioned getting a 4WD camper, i assume you are renting one. Does the rental agreement allow you to travel on dirt (unsealed) roads or are you only allowed to drive on bitumen (sealed) roads? Most (if not all) prospecting areas will involve some dirt road driving.