Fossicking & Goldpanning NSW | Reflections Holidays

Goldpanning at Mookerawa Waters - Destination NSW

Try your luck at fossicking

There’s something pretty satisfying about getting your hands dirty and seeing what you might dig up. Whether it’s a glint of gold, a colourful sapphire or just a good excuse to be outside, fossicking (also known as goldpanning) is a fun, laid-back way to explore some of NSW’s most beautiful spots.

Spots like Inverell, known for sapphires, Mookerawa Waters near old goldfields, and Bermagui, where you can find gemstones right by the coast, all offer great chances to try your luck. It’s part treasure hunt, part time-out in nature—and who knows, you might just strike it lucky!

Check out top spots to fossick in NSW

Fossicking near Mookerawa Waters

Fossicking near Stuart Town (formerly Ironbarks) taps into a rich gold mining history dating back to the 1850s. Once buzzing with gold rush activity, the area saw decades of mining and dredging. These days, you can still pan for gold in designated spots and get a taste of that old-time prospecting spirit.

Muckerwa Creek Prospecting

Just a short drive from Stuart Town, in the beautiful Central West NSW, lies Muckerwa Creek. Here there is talk of copper, iron, silver and even the rare diamond discovered in the region.

Goldfields at Ironbarks

Between 1875 and 1914, an estimated 140,000 ounces of gold were mined in the area. Today, you can take a stroll across The Common, where the landscape is dotted with reminders of the past—including more than 50 old mine shafts and a traditional Chinese oven, a nod to the significant contribution Chinese miners made to the Central NSW goldfields.

Maps and equipment can be gotten from Reflections Mookerawa Waters.

Copeton Waters prospecting

Often called the "Sapphire City", Inverell and its surrounds have a long and fascinating history of fossicking, particularly for blue sapphires, as well as zircons and other semi-precious stones.

History of fossicking in Inverell

Fossicking in this area really took off in the 1800s, when pastoralists and early settlers began noticing colourful stones in the soil and creeks. By the 20th century, the district had gained a reputation for high-quality sapphires, leading to a mining boom that attracted both local and international attention.

Where can you fossick today?

If you’re staying at Reflections Copeton Waters, there are several great fossicking spots nearby:

Staggy Creek Fossicking Area - Free to fossick and just 10.5km from the park, this is a free convenient spot to search for sapphires, alluvial diamonds, black tourmaline, clear quartz and tin in a peaceful bush setting.
Billabong Blue Sapphire Fossicking Park - Known for sapphires, and located about 62.5km away, this is on private property and entry fees can apply. Fossickers would need to bring their own equipment
Gold Panning in Bingara – Three Creeks Gold Mine - A scenic drive from Copeton, Bingara is rich in gold rush history and offers a chance to pan for gold. Fees and bookings apply.

Maps and information can be found at the Reflections Copeton Waters park reception

Fossicking near Grabine Lakeside

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Central West NSW, Tuena is a quiet village with a rich golden past. Once a thriving gold rush town in the mid-1800s, Tuena saw hopeful prospectors flock to its creeks in search of fortune, some striking it lucky, others simply caught up in the adventure. Today, Tuena Creek the perfect place to try your hand at fossicking in a peaceful, historic setting.

The creek runs right through the village and is open to the public for gold panning, all you need is a pan and a little patience. For local tips and a step back in time, stop in at Parsons General Store, where you’ll find a warm welcome, gold fossicking advice, and fascinating relics from the area’s gold rush days on display. Whether you're a seasoned fossicker or just giving it a go for fun, Tuena offers a relaxing, down-to-earth experience with a dash of heritage charm.

Montreal Goldfield Bermagui

Unfortunately there is no longer gold panning here, but you can step back in time with a fascinating tour and history of gold panning in the region.

Entry fees apply but no need to book in advance.

Cedar Creek Goldfield, Bonny Hills NSW

Head out to Cedar Creek Goldfield, in Timbertown Wauchope, for a fun, hands-on taste of gold rush history. There’s a gold stream fed by a unique old wooden waterwheel, and you can spend as long as you like panning for gold—just like they did back in the day.

The area was once part of NSW’s gold rush scene, and it still carries that old-time charm. While you’re there, check out the Cedar Creek Steam Co-op, packed with original steam engines and other cool gear from the past. And the best part? You get to keep any gold you find.