Discovering Victoria’s Historic Goldfields
Australia’s gold rush era left behind a legacy of historic goldfields scattered across Victoria. Today, these offer a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, amazing street art and vibrant communities. Let’s explore the highlights of these goldfields and nearby Budget Motels so you can plan your perfect getaway.
Victoria’s Golden Triangle
Victoria’s gold rush kicked off in the 1850s, with the region roughly between Ballarat, Bendigo, St Arnaud, and Wedderburn earning the nickname ‘Golden Triangle’ for its incredible wealth of gold.
The gold rush attracted throngs of fortune-seekers to the area, leaving a lasting legacy on regional towns. It is believed more than 2.26 million tonnes of gold still remains underground in regional Victoria and, more importantly, significant finds still happen today. Feeling lucky? Try your luck and book your stay at the:
Dunolly Golden Triangle Motel
Dunolly, VIC
’Welcome Stranger’, the largest gold nugget in the world (approx. 72kg) , was discovered in tree roots just 3cm deep, near Dunolly!
Country Road Motel
St Arnaud, VIC
An amateur prospector struck it rich recently in St Arnaud, discovering a nugget weighing 2.6kg worth a staggering $240,000!
Coorrabbin Motor Inn
Stawell, VIC
Alluvial gold was discovered in the Stawell region in 1853, and Stawell boasts the largest intrusion-related gold deposit in Victoria, containing about 10 tonnes of gold.
Tea House Motor Inn & Apartments
Bendigo, VIC
The whopping 27.2kg ‘Hand of Faith’ gold nugget was found in Bendigo! The Central Deborah Gold Mine was the last commercial gold mine to operate in Bendigo, and a must-visit when you’re in the area.
Other Victorian hotspots
Seymour Motel
Seymour, VIC
In the 1850s, the discovery of gold led to a massive gold rush, and the town grew quickly. At its peak, Seymour had over 60 hotels. Many struck it rich, as can be seen in the amazing architecture of the era, and gold may still be found here.
Ploughmans Motor Inn
Horsham, VIC
The Wimmera region of Victoria boasts a rich history of gold prospecting, with its rolling landscapes still attracting enthusiasts keen to uncover hidden treasures in its rivers and soil.
Mount Wycheproof Motor Inn
Wycheproof, VIC
Gold was discovered in Wycheproof in 1898 when a local tailor accidentally found a gold-bearing reef in the granite rocks.
Handy facts for prospecting in Victoria
Looking for gems and minerals, such as gold, can be done using metal detectors or pans in many areas around Victoria.
To fossick in Victoria, you need a current permit known as a miner’s right, which you can apply for online, buy at selected tourist information centres or from a prospecting equipment supply shop. To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and;
- A miner’s right costs $27.80 at the time of writing;
- A miner’s right is valid for 10 years from the day you purchase it;
- You must carry your miner’s right with you while prospecting.
Here are some additional rules about recreational prospecting in Victoria:
- You can only use hand tools while prospecting (metal detector, gold pans, shovel etc).
- You cannot use mechanical equipment or explosives.
- You cannot damage vegetation or disturb Aboriginal or culturally historic places.
- Recreational prospecting is permitted around some waterways, but not in many rivers, streams, and lakes.
Click here for details of where you can and can’t fossick in Victoria. You may also like to join one of the many online groups and forums to get helpful, supportive advice. Good luck!
