Going for Gold

Itching for riches? Uncover these stunning destinations within Victoria’s Golden Triangle and experience the thrill of the chase. You’re bound to dig up a fascinating story or two. And while you’re at it, why not grab a detector or pan? It may just pay for your next adventure.

CRESWICK

For an authentic prospecting experience, don the waders and pan an old gold- bearing water race at Slaty Creek within Creswick Regional Park.

You can unhitch the van at one of three gum-shaded unpowered camping ground and trace the footsteps of Stockade protesters on the Miners Trail, all the way to Ballarat. Or, hike within the park’s boundary via the Wallaby Track to shimmery Blue Waters —a former open cut mine. In ideal conditions, you can also reach the first two viewing platforms by 2WD from town.

Commencing from Creswick proper, admire heritage dwellings, manicured gardens, a glorious 135-year-old pine forest and rim the pristine St George Lake on the Creswick Heritage Walk. Then, drive the Buried Rivers of Gold Heritage Trail kicking off at the historic Australasian No. 2 Mine.

HEPBURN SPRINGS REGIONAL PARK

Half an hour east of Creswick, opportunities to fossick and sight-see have just expanded following flood-water repairs at the Hepburn Springs Regional Park.

And a sure highlight is The Blowhole, a gold miners diversion tunnel that spouts water when Sailors Creek runs high, on a recently restored section of the Goldfield Track. It’s within walking distance through fern-fringed forests to the delightful year-round Sailors Falls Mineral Spring.

Joshua Maher from Parks Victoria says miner’s right holders adhering to conditions can fossick within the park: “with the exception of two off-limits areas in the far south of the park and the far north”.

THE GRANITES

If you enjoy a climb with the kids, point the fourbie towards Mount Egbert aka ‘The Granites’ about 30 minutes from Inglewood, where early finds sparked Bendigo’s iconic rush. The parking here is great, making it ideal for a quick stop between camps.

Scramble outcrops formed from slow cooling magma for amazing views within the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve. Then, explore the old cemetery, unpack a lunch at the large picnic grounds before pulling out the detector in the adjacent scrub.

DUNOLLY

An hour or so south of The Granites is pretty Dunolly. Fossickers are still finding large nuggets here, with two weighing more than 4kg detected in the last four years. Check out the historic photographs and fashions, mining implements and gold nugget replicas in town.

Then, stop in at the Morton’s Welcome Inn, a beautiful ruin close to the caravan-friendly Waanyarra Camping Grounds offering fossicking on-site.

Closer into Bendigo you can try your luck at the Greater Bendigo National Park, or opt for a commercial experience at the Central Deborah Gold Mine in town.

ARARAT

Ararat is Australia’s sole Chinese settlement founded on the whiff of gold by migrants who faced legislative discrimination. Admire the local architecture and uncover their incredible story at their Gum San Heritage Centre, where you can try your hand at panning.

Or for your own adventures, stop in at the local Visitor Centre for advice on top noodling sites where Ararat’s hidden riches await.

THINGS TO KNOW

  • To legally mine in Victoria, you’ll need a 10-year miners’ right and carry it with you.
  • Fossicking is permitted in some State Parks. It is also permitted on Crown Land though some rivers and streams are excluded.
  • Local visitor centres often point you to the right direction.
  • If you’re hitting the streams with a pan, check water conditions before you go.
  • Pack good comms and share your travel plans before you go.
  • Watch your step and wear gloves, good footwear and sunscreen.
  • Be sure to clean up after yourself and back fill holes.
  • For hidden nuggets, invest in a metal detector and gold mining maps.
  • Organisations like the Prospectors and Miners Association Victoria offer training and field trips.