Fossicking authorisation

Fossicking is allowed in most NSW State forests with authorisation.

You can apply for a 12-month state-wide authorisation from Forestry Corporation online for $27.50 including GST. This allows small-scale fossicking for recreational, tourism or educational purposes in State forests.

A single authorisation may cover a family group with a maximum of 5 people covered by an authorisation (2 adults and 3 children under 18 years of age).

If you are fossicking in a group or club, each member/ family group must hold an authorisation.

More about forest permits and authorisation.

Fossicking regulations and guidelines

When fossicking, you must comply with all relevant legislation and adhere to rules about what techniques and equipment you can use. When fossicking please respect the environment and other visitors and leave the forest how you found it. For more information, read the NSW Government's guidelines and rules for fossicking in New South Wales.

Where an approved native title determination under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 provides that native title exists on the land the subject of this authorisation, the you must obtain the consent of the relevant registered native title body corporate with respect to that native title, to carry out fossicking.

More information about Native Title is available on the National Native Title Tribunal website.

Maps

Click here to access maps showing areas where fossicking is and is not allowed. These maps are indicative only and, while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, State forests are working forests and areas may be closed at short notice for operational or safety reasons.

Leases and other areas managed by third parties may not always be shown on these maps. Please follow all instructions on signs or from staff within State forests.

Note: these maps are provided via an online map service. Once you have clicked the link above, use the content and legend buttons to display the map and associated legends.

Before you visit

• Apply for a fossicking authorisation
• Read the NSW Government's rules and guidelines for fossicking in New South Wales
• View maps showing where you can and can't fossick in State forests

About fossicking

Fossicking is the small-scale search for, and collection of, minerals, gemstones or mineral-bearing material from the surface with hand-held implements only.

Under a fossicking authorisation you are not allowed to use any equipment powered by mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power, or any explosives. Read more about what is and is not allowed when fossicking.

You may not interfere with waterways or remove or damage bush rock and limits apply to how much material can be removed. Read the NSW Government's rules and guidelines for fossicking in New South Wales for more details.