Western Australia’s Goldfields and Murchison regions have drawn prospectors since the gold rushes of the 1890s, and they remain some of the best places in the country to try your luck today. Whether you’re panning a creek bed or running a metal detector over old workings, these towns give you a genuine shot at finding gold, along with a strong dose of history.
Kalgoorlie & Boulder
The discovery at Mount Charlotte in 1893 turned Kalgoorlie into the heart of WA’s goldfields, home to the famous Golden Mile. The surrounding fields are still heavily prospected today, from the old Boulder leases to countless smaller patches nearby. It’s the natural starting point for anyone serious about WA prospecting.
Coolgardie
Once WA’s third-largest town during the 1892 gold rush, Coolgardie is now a quieter base with plenty of ground still worth working. Its history as one of the original rush towns means old workings and tailings are scattered throughout the area, good territory for a detector.
Leonora
North of Kalgoorlie, Leonora sits close to Gwalia, one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the Goldfields. The region has a long mining history and continues to produce finds for prospectors working the surrounding leases and reserves.
Norseman
Gold was found here in 1894, and Norseman remains home to one of Australia’s longest continuously operating gold mines. It marks the southern edge of the Goldfields and offers plenty of accessible ground for independent prospectors.
Laverton
The gateway to the Great Central Road, Laverton is a remote Goldfields town on the edge of well-known prospecting ground, including the historic Granite Creek area. It’s a popular base for detectorists heading further out.
Southern Cross
One of WA’s earliest gold discoveries, Southern Cross sits at the western edge of the Goldfields and is an easy drive from Perth. It’s a good option for a shorter prospecting trip without the long haul out to Kalgoorlie.
Cue & the Murchison
The Murchison rush of 1891 put Cue on the map, and the surrounding region including Mount Magnet and Meekatharra remains well known for gold finds. It’s further north than the main Goldfields towns, with plenty of ground that’s still lightly worked.
Wiluna
At the start of the Canning Stock Route, Wiluna boomed during the 1930s gold rush and remains a remote but productive area for experienced prospectors willing to travel further afield.
Before You Go: Permits & Gear
To prospect anywhere in WA you’ll need a Miner’s Right, available from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. Fossicking isn’t permitted in national parks, nature reserves, or on private and Aboriginal land without permission, so always check before you head out.
Whichever town you choose, having the right gear makes all the difference. Browse our range of gold panning kits, sluice boxes, metal detector accessories and digging tools to get set up before your trip.
Photos from the Field
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