Goldfields Getaway
12 March, 2021
Going for gold
Since gold was first discovered in Clunes in 1850, prospectors have flocked to central Victoria in the hope of finding a fortune.

Since gold was first discovered in Clunes in 1850, prospectors have flocked to central Victoria in the hope of finding a fortune.
Tiny towns and ruins of buildings dotted throughout the goldfields provide a glimpse into the incredible history of hope and heartache that stretched from Ballarat, Wedderburn, Tarnagulla and Ararat – the Golden Triangle.
Modern technology and a seemingly endless variety of television shows focusing on gold hunting has seen a resurgence of ‘gold fever’ in central Victoria. But most modern-day prospectors will tell you that the discovery of gold, while welcome, is not the only thing that brings them to the goldfields.
For the past five years, Mike has spent at least one weekend a month detecting for gold in central Victoria.
“I have friends who did a ‘tree change’ move to the area and my wife and I started coming up to visit,” Mike said.
“Steve had just got into prospecting, so I started going out with him and it just went from there.”
Both Mike and Steve say prospecting offers much more than the chance to find gold.
“It’s a great way to get out in the bush and discover the area,” Steve said.
“I’m not really one to go for a walk for no reason. But when I’m detecting I will walk for hours at a time, digging holes and filling them in, so for me – and my dog – it’s exercise.”
The other attraction of detecting for both men has been the supportive community of fellow prospectors. While those hunting for gold might be protective of giving away ‘lucky’ sites, most will help new prospectors with tips and tricks to get the most out of their hobby.
“I would recommend anyone new to gold hunting to join a prospecting group,” Mike said.
“They run outings and keep members informed, whether its changes to regulations for prospectors, or new equipment and products.”
Both men agree the course run by Coiltek Gold Centre in Maryborough was invaluable when they first started detecting. The half-day course covers working the detector, what vegetation to look out for as a possible sign of gold and how to recognise a reef.
“I think the best thing they teach you is not to take it too seriously,” Steve said.
“We can detect for hours, not find any gold and still have a fantastic day out. We’ve come across things like old puddlers, the remains of mud-brick huts, even old graves marked with quartz.
“You get a real sense of the history and an appreciation of what the old-timers went through. You can’t help but reflect on what conditions must have been like a hundred years ago.”
Regulations
All prospectors in Victoria need to buy a miner’s right. They can be purchased online for $25.20 and last for 10 years. www.service.vic.gov.au/services/earth-resources Prospect only in permitted areas Only drive your vehicles on tracks and roads open to the public. Only park your vehicle on the roadside. Take all rubbish home or place it in a bin where provided. Do not bury it. Minimise any damage to vegetation including the ground layer. Restore the ground as you found it - backfill any holes you dig and replace any leaf litter as it was as soon as practicable.
Safety
Tell someone where you are going Be SunSmart Carry water Wear an umpire’s whistle around your neck Take a snake-bite kit and wear snake gaiters or gum boots