Fossicking safely
Stay safe while fossicking by following these safety tips:
Before leaving home
- Tell someone responsible where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Check for weather alerts including fire and flood warnings.
- Wear appropriate clothing including sturdy shoes or boots.
- Apply sun protection and wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Wear gloves when digging and sieving to avoid wear and tear to the hands.
- Wear rubber boots if working in water for long periods.
- Wear proper eye protection (safety goggles/glasses) whenever breaking rocks.
- Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Learn more about being prepared at police.vic.gov.au/outdoor-and-bush-safety
When fossicking
- Be careful when digging around large boulders. They may roll or move suddenly causing severe injury.
- Never burrow into or undermine a stream bank; or work under overhanging rocks or earth faces.
- When visiting old mining areas beware of open shafts, and avoid getting too close, as the surrounding ground may be unstable. Never enter old underground mine shafts.
- Be careful when fossicking on mine dumps, as much of the material is loose and may move without warning.
- Never set a fire to clear grass or undergrowth.
- Before leaving, remove rubbish; bury human waste; and make safe and refill any holes you dig.
- Mercury cannot be mined or used in mining or fossicking in Victoria.
Key contacts
VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade 000
Page last updated: 12 Jan 2022