Nice intro.
A quick bit of research suggests Adelong & Tumut to be areas to concentrate your own research on.
Other areas of interest nearby Junee Reefs, Temora & Wyalong.
The NSW Gold Atlas (Doug Stone) has an Adelong map that might be a starting point?
Best bet look at where old gold mines/fields were & try to match up likely spots to accessible public land to start with. Target known nuggety or alluvial areas.
Research tools here: https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=11842