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Permits

Fossicking Permits in Australia.

Is metal detecting legal in Australia? Yes, you just need to purchase a permit to fossick. 

Below is a list of permit details for each Australian State and Territory and New Zealand:

  • NSW: No licence is required for recreational fossicking in NSW, unless you are planning on fossicking in State forests, a permit can be obtained online and is $27.50 for 12 months and covers a family of five. To apply online click here.

For general information about fossicking in New South Wales, visit the website here. 

  • VIC: You must obtain a Miner’s Right permit for fossicking and prospecting.  The Miner’s Right is $20.40 for 10 years and can be purchased online here.

For more information about prospecting and fossicking in Victoria, visit the website here.

  • QLD: Fossicking Licence $47.55 for an individual for 12 months, the licence can be purchased online here.

For more information on fossicking in Queensland, visit the website here.

  • SA: No licence is required for fossicking in South Australia. For general information about fossicking in this state, visit the website here 
  • WA: A Miner’s Right is required for both prospecting and fossicking in WA, you can obtain a Miner’s Right for a fee of $20.00, find out more here

For general information about prospecting and fossicking in Western Australia, visit the website here 

  • TAS: A Prospectors licence is required to fossick outside of the declared fossicking areas in Tasmania, the licence fee is $30.40.

More information about fossicking and prospecting in Tasmania, including the licence application form, visit the website here

  • ACT: The majority of Australia Capital Territory is Namadgi National Park where fossicking is not permitted.
  • NT: All information about fossicking in the Northern Territory, including fossicking request application form can be found on the NT government website here
  • New Zealand: Recreational gold fossicking doesn’t require permission at designated sites, you can find out more about fossicking in New Zealand here

There are a number of clubs you can join and sometimes being a member of the club allows you to fossick under the club licence.