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Gold prospecting guide for Dunolly and Moliagul

Posted 05/02/2021 in Gold



World-famous for the 1869 discovery of the Welcome Stranger gold nugget, the areas around Dunolly and Moliagul are a renowned destination for gold prospecting. 

Filled with old diggings, historic sites and extensive areas of bushland, the region continues to produce regular gold nugget discoveries to this day.

If you're looking to try your luck gold prospecting around Dunolly and Moliagul, we've put together this handy guide to get you started. 

If you haven't already got one, be sure to grab a Miners Right before you head out looking for gold (you can purchase one here).


                

WHERE TO GO GOLD DETECTING AROUND dunolly and moliagul


As well as on crown land, gold prospecting is permitted in the following forests and reserves around Dunolly and Moliagul. 

Please note that this list is not complete (there are many smaller reserves throughout the area which aren't on this list), but will make a good starting point.
  • Waanyarra/Dunolly State Forest
  • Mt Hooghly State Forest
  • Harvest Home State Forest
  • Bealiba/Barp State Forest
  • Moliagul State Forest
  • Moliagul Nature Conservation Reserve
  • Moliagul Historic Area (prospecting is not permitted within the direct vicinity of the Welcome Stranger monument and discovery walk)
  • Longbush State Forest
  • McIntyre Historic Area
  • Rheola Hill Historic Area
  • Wehla Nature Conservation Reserve
  • Kooyoora State Park (designated areas only, see Parks Victoria's Prospecting Map for the Kooyoora State Park)

GOLD PANNING AND SLUICING AROUND Dunolly and moliagul


Dunolly and Moliagul are typically quite dry, and most the creeks and gullies are seasonal (in fact many are almost always dry). 

Water is scarce in the area during summer, and many creeks will have minimal flow throughout winter as well (which can be fine for panning and highbanking, but not great for river sluices). 

Creeks and rivers around Dunolly and Moliagul where prospecting is not permitted
Many of the rivers and creeks around Dunolly and Moliagul are off limits for prospecting, with Burnt Creek, Bet Bet Creek, Jones Creek, Waanyarra Creek, Loddon River and Avoca River all appearing on Earth Resources' list of rivers and streams where you can't prospect for gold.

Creeks and rivers around Dunolly and Moliagul where prospecting is allowed

There are some small creeks and gullies around Dunolly and Moliagul where gold prospecting is permitted, including the seasonal Moliagul Creek. 

Just be sure to double check that the creek or river's name does not appear on that list before heading out. 

There are plenty of old mining dams throughout the bush which can be utilised for gold panning and highbanking as well. 

These are easily spotted on Google Maps satellite view. These dams will generally hold water further into summer than the small seasonal gullies throughout the forests. 

Maps for the area

GOLD SHOPS, PROSPECTING TOURS AND DETECTOR HIRE AROUND DUNOLLY AND MOLIAGUL

The closest gold shops and tours are located nearby in Maryborough.

INTERESTING GOLD MINING HISTORY AROUND DUNOLLY AND MOLIAGUL

Mortons Welcome Inn, Waanyarra VIC

The areas around Dunolly and Moliagul are filled with fascinating ruins and relics of the region's rich mining history! 

Places to explore include historic mines, old diggings, gold puddlerssurfaced areas, discarded boilers, and the remains of old cyanide plants. 

These sites are definitely worth checking out while you're in the area:

Free campgrounds around Dunolly and Moliagul

STAY SAFE WHILE GOLD PROSPECTING

Always be wary where you are walking when gold detecting in the bush, as there are lots of unexpected open mine shafts throughout the area

You will also encounter uneven ground, slippery clay in wet weather, and there is always the possibility of encountering snakes in summer. 

Always let someone know where you are going before heading out bush.

Other local gold prospecting guides


SEE ALSO

PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA


Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.

You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.

Check out the PMAV website for more information.



 

 

Comments

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Graham
08/02/2021
The information is really good Thanks for putting it up