The Kalgoorlie-Boulder region is renowned for prospecting and fossicking. To prospect in WA each person requires a Miners Right. This authorises the holder to prospect on:
- Unoccupied Crown land, that is not covered by a granted mining tenement
- A pastoral lease that is not covered by a granted mining tenement - provided prior notice is given to the pastoralists
- A mining tenement - providing you have permission from the tenement holder
- A granted exploration licence, after having been granted a three-month section 20A permit.
- Prospecting cannot be carried out on National Parks, nature reserves, Aboriginal and heritage sites, and within town sites or other classified areas such as cemeteries.
- Permission is required from the landowner to enter onto private property (farmland).
For up to date information and assistance on gold prospecting contact:
The Department of Industry and Resources
Telephone: +61 8 9026 2700
Website: www.doir.wa.gov.au
For prospecting rights, obligations and penalties as a prospector please refer to the Department of Mines and Petroleum website. This website is designed to assist all those involved in getting the facts straight and has contact details of Mining Registrar's Offices in Western Australian.
For those interested in prospecting just for fun
Finders Keepers Gold Prospecting Adventures
This exciting new tour focuses on experiencing the Goldfields outback while learning how to prospect for gold! Highlights of the tours offered include a visit to historic old timer’s workings, relic hunting and trek through the peaceful Aussie outback.
Gold Centre Prospecting Expeditions
Experience the magic of finding gold in the Western Australian Goldfields. Experience the camaraderie of digging gold nuggets in Australia’s outback. Travel with us and prospect the Western Australian Goldfields around Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Tours offer access to mining and pastoral leases, experienced prospector and bushman guides and customised four wheel drive support vehicles.
Mining Hall of Fame
Off Goldfields Highway north of Kalgoorlie WA 6430, Australia
From historic buildings to award-winning 21st century architecture, the Mining Hall of Fame offers the unique experience of combining an historic gold mine with interactive galleries, a changing display of art works and an authentic Chinese Garden of Remembrance.
Open 9.00am to 4.30pm daily (Closed Christmas, Boxing and New Years Day)
