Search for gold in Canberra ACT?

[Alexitaly]

Hi, next January 2025 I will be in Canberra for two months to visit my son. Currently as a hobby I search for alluvial gold in Italy, where I live, and I would also like to do some research in Canberra. Do I need a permit? if so, how to request them? Thanks to anyone who can help me.
Alessandro

 

[grubstake]

Hi Alessandro, welcome to PA.

Start here to find out about the rules for fossicking/prospecting in the relevant state - New South Wales:
https://www.prospectingaustralia.co...ecting-regulations-all-australian-states.125/

 

[Alexitaly]

Many thanks!

 

[The Crow]

Hi, next January 2025 I will be in Canberra for two months to visit my son. Currently as a hobby I search for alluvial gold in Italy, where I live, and I would also like to do some research in Canberra. Do I need a permit? if so, how to request them? Thanks to anyone who can help me.
Alessandro

Hi Alexitaly
There is no prospecting allowed with Canberra borders, however plenty of places around the region, Araluen major creek captains flat just name a few. The Crow

 

[Alexitaly]

Hi Alexitaly
There is no prospecting allowed with Canberra borders, however plenty of places around the region, Araluen major creek captains flat just name a few. The Crow

Where would you recommend I look closest to Canberra and where is it allowed? I would only use the gold pan.

 

[Alexitaly]

Many thanks. I read that the Molongolo River is also promising.

 

[grubstake]

Oallen Ford is a popular panning spot that's not too far from Canberra:
https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/threads/gold-replenished-at-oallen-ford.39698/

 

[Toozey]

I came across this page which gives ideas.
Can you metal detect in parks in the ACT?
https://www.miragenews.com/guide-an...ssicking is,to the national park restrictions.

 

[grubstake]

Can you metal detect in parks in the ACT?

Check for signs first - councils don't appreciate damage to turf areas, especially sports fields. Sand pits in playgrounds should be fine, please remove any trash you uncover.

 

[The Crow]

Many thanks. I read that the Molongolo River is also promising.

Yes

 

[auriphile]

Hi, next January 2025 I will be in Canberra for two months to visit my son. Currently as a hobby I search for alluvial gold in Italy, where I live, and I would also like to do some research in Canberra. Do I need a permit? if so, how to request them? Thanks to anyone who can help me.
Alessandro

Apologies for not noticing your post earlier.
ACT parks prohibit disturbing the ground or removing material. As others have pointed out there are areas around Canberra where you can legally prospect, some of those are in NSW State Forest and require a permit. There are also many rivers and creeks close to Canberra where you might not have a legal right to prospect - but you can get to gravel without trespassing or complaints. Around Gundaroo NSW (Backs and Brooks creeks) and Queanbeyan NSW/Gordon ACT are your closest, Oallen is a fair drive for not much (Molongolo is similar, but closer) and you'd probably do better at Wee Jasper or Mogo. PM me if you want precise directions to places close to Canberra.

 

[Alexitaly]

Apologies for not noticing your post earlier.
ACT parks prohibit disturbing the ground or removing material. As others have pointed out there are areas around Canberra where you can legally prospect, some of those are in NSW State Forest and require a permit. There are also many rivers and creeks close to Canberra where you might not have a legal right to prospect - but you can get to gravel without trespassing or complaints. Around Gundaroo NSW (Backs and Brooks creeks) and Queanbeyan NSW/Gordon ACT are your closest, Oallen is a fair drive for not much (Molongolo is similar, but closer) and you'd probably do better at Wee Jasper or Mogo. PM me if you want precise directions to places close to Canberra.

thank you for the information. unfortunately next week I return to Italy... but I will keep your information for the next return to Australia, maybe for 2027. thank you and happy gold hunting.
Alessandro

 

[Mackka]

To see lots of gold, head to the Mint, it is a great experience.

 

[Alexitaly]

To see lots of gold, head to the Mint, it is a great experience.

Done! I bought silver....

 

[grubstake]

thank you for the information. unfortunately next week I return to Italy... but I will keep your information for the next return to Australia, maybe for 2027. thank you and happy gold hunting.
Alessandro

I hope you depart with good memories of your time and travels here, mate. And have a smooth, safe trip back to your home.