For nearly 160 years, the lure of gold has drawn eager prospectors to the central Queensland town of Clermont, and today gold nuggets can still be found for those who want to try their luck.
It is estimated that more than 7,380 kg of gold was recovered in the Clermont Goldfields between 1861 and 1901 triggering, obviously, one of Queensland’s major rushes.
Clermont is Queensland’s most accessible goldfield and with alluvial gravels it is an ideal environment to strike it lucky and win the gold from the ground.
Visitors need only a metal detector, a pick, a fossicking licence, maps of the local fossicking grounds (known as General Permission Areas), basic bush safety gear and an adventurous spirit to take advantage of this modern-day goldrush.
Call into the Clermont Historical Centre to learn all about gold in the area, and then see the friendly folk at The Outback Prospector in town, who have a huge range of equipment, as well as advice and training. Then you’re ready to pack some lunch and head to one of the General Permission Areas to find your very own gold nugget. Good luck!