Gold Fever Grips Queensland: Record Prices Spark Surge in Prospecting Licences
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Gold fever is alive and well in Queensland, as soaring gold prices breathe new life into one of Australia’s oldest pastimes — fossicking. With gold prices hovering near all-time highs, the state’s Department of Resources has already issued 7,686 fossicking licences this financial year, a sharp increase from previous years.
From families panning creeks in Clermont to retirees swinging detectors near Warwick, Aussies are heading bush again — and they’re doing it legally, armed with pickaxes, pans, and now, paperwork.
"The numbers show a strong resurgence in people wanting to get out into the regions and try their luck," said a spokesperson from the Queensland Department of Resources. “It’s not just about finding gold — it’s about the adventure.”
Adding even more fuel to the fire, the Queensland Government has recently reopened a new 288-hectare fossicking area near Mount Morgan, one of the state's most historic gold regions. Once the richest gold mine in Queensland, Mount Morgan is now open to modern prospectors, offering fresh ground and new opportunities for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.
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Why The Spike?
Gold prices are surging globally due to ongoing inflation concerns, central bank buying, and general uncertainty in global markets. For many Aussies, this makes recreational gold prospecting feel less like a hobby and more like a smart weekend investment.
The spike in licences reflects this shift in mindset. Whether it's first-timers on family trips or seasoned detectorists chasing elusive nuggets in historic diggings, Queensland’s goldfields are buzzing again.
The Mount Morgan reopening is a game-changer. Once closed off to casual fossickers, the new designated area reintroduces an iconic patch of gold country to the public. For those familiar with the area’s rich history, it's more than just a new place to swing a detector — it’s a chance to connect with a legendary piece of Queensland’s gold legacy.
Licence to Dig
A Queensland fossicking licence currently costs $60.10 for individuals and $84.50 for families (valid for 12 months), granting access to a growing list of designated fossicking areas. Queensland is known for having one of the most accessible and well-managed licensing systems in Australia — a big reason for the recent uptick in participation.
Areas seeing renewed activity include Clermont, Durikai, Warwick, Mount Britton, and now Mount Morgan. With upgraded facilities, easy access, and supportive local communities, they’re becoming hot spots for adventure seekers looking to try their luck.
National Implications
Queensland may be leading the charge, but similar trends could follow in Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales — all states with active goldfields and growing detectorist communities. The combination of rising gold prices, historic public access, and renewed government support points to a national upswing in amateur gold prospecting.
Final Thoughts
Gold prospecting is more than just a pastime — it’s part of Australia’s DNA. The combination of record licence numbers and exciting new opportunities like Mount Morgan’s reopening shows that the spirit of discovery is still strong.
If you've been considering a gold trip, now’s the time. Get your licence, grab your gear, and join thousands of Aussies answering the call of the goldfields.
