Australia Fossicking Explorer

Fossicking in Tasmania

Tasmania offers unusually clear official fossicking data: eleven declared areas, area-specific collecting notes and a government map designed to help visitors confirm they are inside the legal boundary.

12mapped places reviewed

11verified / conditional / permission

12primary-source links

0research-only planning records

A pin is not a legal boundary. Use the official boundary or tenure link before collecting. Research-only records are deliberately non-navigable, and closed areas are retained on the map to prevent accidental access. The ACT has no collecting pin by design because current ACT Government guidance says a fossicking licence cannot be obtained.

Before you collect

Tasmania access rule

Tasmania has 11 declared Fossicking Areas. A prospecting licence is not required inside those declared boundaries, but only hand fossicking is allowed, site conditions apply and some subsections can be temporarily closed.

Common materials: Topaz, sapphire, agate, jasper, petrified wood, ferroaxinite and mineral specimens

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Protected landArea exclusions and temporary closures remain binding; protected subsections such as Tea Tree Point must not be collected.

MethodsHand fossicking only; power-operated/mechanised equipment and explosives are prohibited.

Official rules Official map / areas

Tasmania field map

Fossicking Map Explorer

Filter by state, material, precision, access status and trip radius. Each place includes a decision-ready field profile, evidence links and navigation only where the destination is defensible.

12 map records 1 jurisdiction 11 collecting candidates 8 navigable

Map ≠ collecting permission. Verified means current evidence supports the modeled activity; Conditional means resolve a stated condition first; Research is context only; Closed/prohibited means do not collect. Navigation never overrides tenure, claims, ownership, closures, permits or posted rules.

Showing the full reviewed dataset.

TasmaniaPins, clusters and state groups are clickable · drag, zoom or change map layers

12 resultsDistance filter inactive

Coal Hill fossicking area

Southern Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaFossils / petrified woodBoundary + rules check

AgateJasperChalcedonyPetrified woodQuartzAmethyst

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateRegional marker — check official mapManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryRegional marker — check official map

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsSuppressed — use official map/source

MaterialsAgate, Jasper, Chalcedony, Petrified wood, Quartz, Amethyst

MethodsSurface collecting / shallow digging

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Colebrook Hill fossicking area

West Coast · TAS

Verified areaOther gemstonesBoundary + rules check

FerroaxiniteCalciteChalcopyrite

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)ManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsFerroaxinite, Calcite, Chalcopyrite

MethodsMineral specimen collecting

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Gladstone Hill fossicking area

North-east Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaOther gemstonesBoundary + rules check

Smoky quartzQuartzAmethystTopazJasper

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)ManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsSmoky quartz, Quartz, Amethyst, Topaz, Jasper

MethodsMineral specimen collecting

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Killiecrankie Bay fossicking area

Flinders Island · TAS

Verified areaOther gemstonesBoundary + rules check

TopazSmoky quartzZirconBeryl

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)ManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsTopaz, Smoky quartz, Zircon, Beryl

MethodsForeshore fossicking

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Lord Brassey Mine fossicking area

Western Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaOpalBoundary + rules check

AndraditeSerpentineHellyeriteOpalNickel minerals

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial MRT collecting-dump reference converted from MGA Zone 55; pin is beside the historic adit area, not permission to enter the aditManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial MRT collecting-dump reference converted from MGA Zone 55; pin is beside the historic adit area, not permission to enter the adit

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsAndradite, Serpentine, Hellyerite, Opal, Nickel minerals

MethodsMine-dump mineral specimen collecting

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsVery rough 4WD access, steep ground and historic mine workings. Do not enter the disused adit; carry remote-area safety equipment.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Lune River fossicking area

Southern Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaFossils / petrified woodBoundary + rules check

Petrified fernAgatePetrified woodJasper

Official declared Fossicking Area. MRT confirms forestry operations have concluded and fossicking may resume. Follow the current area map and exclusions; the marker is the MRT collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)ManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsPetrified fern, Agate, Petrified wood, Jasper

MethodsSurface collecting / digging / creek fossicking

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Magnet Mine fossicking area

Western Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaMineral specimensBoundary + rules check

CrocoiteCerussiteGalenaMimetiteMineral specimens

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)ManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsCrocoite, Cerussite, Galena, Mimetite, Mineral specimens

MethodsMine-dump mineral specimen collecting

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Penguin fossicking area

North-west Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaOther gemstonesBoundary + rules check

Jasper

Official declared Fossicking Area. Loose jasper pebbles may be collected in the open part of the area, but Tea Tree Point at the western end is currently closed.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateRegional marker — check official mapManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryRegional marker — check official map

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsSuppressed — use official map/source

MaterialsJasper

MethodsLoose surface pebbles only

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Tea Tree Point closure (Penguin Fossicking Area)

Penguin / northwest Tasmania · TAS

Closed / prohibitedOther gemstonesDo not collect

Jasper

Tea Tree Point, at the western end of the Penguin Fossicking Area, is currently closed to fossickers because of sensitive penguin rookeries and potentially contaminated material.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateRegional marker — check official mapManagerTasmania Parks & Wildlife Service / Mineral Resources TasmaniaEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessClosed / prohibited

Licence / permitNo fossicking in closed subsection

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryRegional marker — check official map

Land / tenureTasmania Parks & Wildlife Service / Mineral Resources Tasmania

DirectionsSuppressed — use official map/source

MaterialsJasper

MethodsNo collecting

Season / conditionsClosure applies until official guidance changes.

HazardsPotentially contaminated material and sensitive wildlife habitat.

EvidenceMineral Resources Tasmania — Penguin fossicking area

Primary source

Tunnel Marsh fossicking area

Central Highlands · TAS

Verified areaFossils / petrified woodBoundary + rules check

AgateJasperPetrified wood

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)ManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsAgate, Jasper, Petrified wood

MethodsShallow digging

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Weld River fossicking area

North-east Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaSapphireBoundary + rules check

SapphireSpinelCassiteriteTopazChrysoberylZircon

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateRegional marker — check official mapManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryRegional marker — check official map

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsSuppressed — use official map/source

MaterialsSapphire, Spinel, Cassiterite, Topaz, Chrysoberyl, Zircon

MethodsAlluvial fossicking / sieving

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Weymouth fossicking area

Northern Tasmania · TAS

Verified areaFossils / petrified woodBoundary + rules check

QuartzPetrified woodAgateChalcedony

Official declared Fossicking Area. Follow the area-specific map and conditions; the marker is a collecting reference, not the legal boundary.

Checked2026-09-09CoordinateOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)ManagerMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land managerEvidenceHigh · Government

Field planning checklistPlanning aid — not collecting permission

AccessVerified area

Licence / permitNo prospecting licence required inside declared area

State baselineNo prospecting licence is required inside a declared Fossicking Area; outside declared areas a prospecting permit is required.

Land accessStay inside the declared boundary and obey area-specific forestry, tide, closure and land-manager conditions.

Map / boundaryOfficial collecting reference (MGA converted)

Land / tenureMineral Resources Tasmania / relevant site land manager

DirectionsAvailable to named/exact destination

MaterialsQuartz, Petrified wood, Agate, Chalcedony

MethodsForeshore surface collecting

Season / conditionsSite-specific; check tides, forestry operations, snow and road conditions

HazardsRemote tracks, mine workings, tides and severe weather can apply.

EvidenceOfficial guidance

Primary source

Use the map without guessing access

Choose a candidate

Filter by material and access class. Research-only markers are leads for further checking, not recommendations to collect.

Open the boundary

Use the official map or area guide. A regional marker can sit kilometres away from a legal collecting boundary.

Check licence and tenure

State rules differ. A licence or Miner’s Right does not automatically grant access to private land, tenements, reserves or closed ground.

Check current conditions

Fire bans, forestry operations, tides, road closures, wildlife protections and park works can change whether a trip is practical.

How records are classified

Verified means a current authoritative source directly supports the location as a recreational fossicking/collecting area. Conditional means a licence, Miner’s Right, official boundary, permit or site condition must be satisfied. Permission covers managed visitor access or land/claim-holder permission. Research only marks a mineral-rich region or visitor lead that is not itself a collecting authorisation. Closed / prohibited records remain visible to prevent accidental access.

Every record includes a checked date, named source, coordinate-precision label, land manager, methods, restrictions, season/conditions, hazards and a field-planning checklist. The decision badge tells visitors whether to verify a boundary, resolve conditions, obtain permission, research further or avoid collecting. Directions are suppressed unless a record has a sufficiently defensible destination; no badge or checklist grants collecting permission.