Gold panning is a traditional method of searching for gold in riverbeds and streams using a shallow pan to separate gold from gravel, sand, and other sediments. In Australia, gold panning dates back to the Gold Rushes of the 1800s when prospectors flocked to regions like Victoria’s “Golden Triangle” and New South Wales’ Bathurst region. Even today, hobbyists and enthusiasts enjoy panning in many a creek, river or stream! By swirling water in the pan, the heavier gold particles sink to the bottom, allowing the lighter materials to wash away. It’s an easy, accessible way to experience gold prospecting.

In Australia, the need for a special license to gold pan varies by state. Generally, you might need to apply for a fossicking permit and pay a small fee. This ensures that you’re following local regulations and helps support conservation efforts.

The process is usually straightforward and well worth it to enjoy a successful gold-panning adventure. Before you start, just check the specific rules for your chosen location to make sure you’re all set for a rewarding experience!

A classifier in gold panning is used to separate large rocks and debris from smaller, finer material that may contain gold. By using multiple classifiers stacked together, you can sort various sizes of material simultaneously. This method enhances the efficiency of gold panning by focusing on finer particles that are more likely to hold gold. Additionally, classifiers are useful for screening material when searching for other gemstones, such as sapphires, during fossicking.

Paydirt with a guaranteed amount of gold is valuable for both beginners and experts in gold panning. It allows you to practice with a known quantity of gold, so if you don’t recover the expected amount, you know you missed some, helping you improve. Unlike panning in the goldfields, where you’re unsure how much gold you may have missed, paydirt provides consistent results. You can also re-pan paydirt multiple times to track your progress, boosting your confidence when panning in Australia’s gold-rich areas.