Australia field guides
Find fossicking areas and gold-prospecting leads in Australia
Choose a map for gemstones, minerals and fossils, or a dedicated gold-prospecting map. Both connect places to source-linked access guidance, state rules and clearly labelled map precision. A mineral occurrence is not permission to collect, and a regional marker is not a legal boundary.
Fossicking in Australia
Explore 130 records across seven states and territories, with material filters, access colours, saved places and official boundary links.
Open fossicking map →Gold prospecting in Australia
Explore 61 goldfield and prospecting records. Compare gold context, access conditions, tenure sources and navigation eligibility.
Open gold map →Looking for fossicking or gold prospecting near me?
Open the appropriate map and choose Near Me to request your device location. You can also search by place or select a state without sharing your location. Use distance as a planning aid, then review each record’s access conditions and official boundary before travelling. Research-only and closed records are not collecting recommendations.
Choose a state or territory
The maps cover Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. The Australian Capital Territory is represented by rules guidance rather than a collecting pin. Select a jurisdiction in either map to see its own records and source links.
What to check before a trip
- Read the record’s access status and evidence date.
- Check the official permit, licence or Miner’s Right requirements for the intended activity.
- Use official maps to confirm land boundaries, tenure and excluded areas.
- Confirm landholder or manager permission where required, current closures and permitted methods.
- Use directions only for a supported public destination. Do not navigate to a regional marker as if it were a collecting site.
Common questions
Are all map pins open collecting sites?
No. The maps retain conditional, research-only and prohibited records so you can understand restrictions. Read the status and linked official guidance before visiting.
Does a gold occurrence mean prospecting is allowed?
No. Geological potential and access permission are different questions. The gold map keeps those distinctions visible in each record.
Can I use the maps without location permission?
Yes. Search for a place, select a state, or browse the map manually. Near Me is optional.
How these guides are maintained
Records link to their controlling sources and show their own evidence dates. Conditions can change after a review; posted rules and current land-manager notices take precedence. Report an unclear or outdated entry through the site’s contact options, including the record name and an official source where available.