Ararat Victoria information and questions

[Teemore]

I doubt that you can legally prospect anywhere in the Ararat parkland. It isn't mentioned in the official list here:
https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/licensing-approvals/fossicking/where-you-can-prospect-and-fossickView attachment 6349

Parks Victoria has heaps of info on the Ararat Regional Park, but there's no mention of prospecting, so it's safe to assume that it's not a permitted use for the area:
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/ararat-regional-park

Another take on this is that it says "have designated areas" .... meaning you can only prospect I'm those designated areas, the other areas being off limits ..... parks not mentioned are not subject to any "designated" areas so prospecting is allowed in the whole of the park. Think all Victorians know tat prospecting is allowed in Ararat Regional Park.

 

[Gold Mbr2020]

Hi, I have detected around Ararat several times. Below One Tree Hill and left off the Highway heading towards Stawell at Armstrong. Been out to Cathcart and Norval as well. Yes as mentioned, lots of Pte Property heading W out of town but there are a few spots you can go. In 6 or so outings though, only 1 bit of gold (0.12gm). Wasn't worth the effort. The alluvial gold was dug up very quickly in the early days and the miners moved on. You've probably already been out by now and you may have fared better than I did.

 

[Solid Luck]

Well I tried a few spots in 4 days and this was my total. It's a ratty thick bush hard to get through in many spots.
I didn't go there by choice but may as well have a swing while I'm there lol

 

[grubstake]

Nice finds - I like the interesting contrast between the chunky 'straight off the reef' pieces and the smooth, highly worn nuggets.

 

[Lot55A]

Anyone know anything about the Bridal Hill picnic grounds near Ararat - spending the weekend in Stawell & have heard its a good place to detect - cheers Dave.

 

[mbasko]

https://www.goldgemtreasure.com.au/articles/prospecting-for-gold-at-ararat