The Golden Lure of Victoria

 Australia boasts a rich history of gold mining, and Victoria shines brightly in this tale. It all began in 1851 near Clunes, where the first nugget sparked a frenzy – the Victorian Gold Rush.  Towns like Ballarat and Bendigo mushroomed into bustling hubs, abuzz with prospectors chasing their fortunes.  Victoria's gold production dwarfed other states, leaving its mark on the world's gold supply.

 Even today, the golden flame flickers in Victoria.  Modern mines like Fosterville extract hundreds of thousands of ounces annually, a testament to the state's enduring potential.  But for the adventurous soul, a different kind of gold hunt beckons – fossicking.

Fossicking for Fortune

 Imagine the thrill of panning for gold in a sparkling stream, the glint of a precious flake rewarding your efforts.  Fossicking, the recreational search for gemstones and minerals, allows you to experience a taste of the gold rush spirit.  Victoria offers designated fossicking areas within state forests, national parks, and even some private land (with permission, of course!).

Unearthing the Rules

Before you embark on your golden quest, there are some essential rules to remember:- Miner's Right

 Your golden ticket to fossicking is a Miner's Right, obtainable online or from designated agents for a mere $27AUD (valid for 10 years). Don't worry, kids under 18 are exempt when accompanied by a licensed adult.

Respect the Environment:-

 Remember, you're a guest in nature's treasure trove. Fill in any holes you dig and leave the area as pristine as you found it. Be mindful of mine workings and stay clear of hazardous zones, as many areas in the Victorian Goldfields are hiding vertical shafts, where over time vegetation has grown over the openings rendering lethal traps for fossickers.

Hand Tools Only:-

 While dreams of unearthing a massive nugget may dance in your head, the reality of fossicking is more modest. Only hand tools like shovels, picks, and sieves are allowed. So, leave the heavy machinery at home.

The Bush:-

 Australia's population is around 3 people per square kilometre, and even though Victoria has around 30 (77sq mi) (California with around 100 per square km or approximately 258sq mi), when you go out into the Australian bush you will want satellite navigation plus a redundant back-up, i.e. a compass. Apart from some navigation kit, another piece of "essential" kit might be a pair of snake proof "gaiters", depending on the time of year, as snakes need heat before they can become active. Winter is generally a bit safer and more comfortable as 113+ deg F is quite possible in Victoria during Summer (45C).

• Mainland Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus): This aggressive snake is highly venomous and responsible for most snakebite fatalities in Victoria. It's found on the coast and inland areas.

• Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis): This common and widely distributed snake is also highly venomous. It's responsible for the most snakebite incidents in Australia overall.

• Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus): While generally not aggressive, this snake can deliver a potent bite. It's the most common venomous snake in Victoria.

• Highland Copperhead Snake (Austrelaps ramsayi): This shy snake is less common than others but still venomous. It's found in higher altitude areas.

• Lowland Copperhead Snake (Austrelaps superbus): This rarely encountered snake is highly venomous but not aggressive.  Image: Hal Coggar 

Find out more. australian.museum/learn/animals/reptiles