Questions locals and visitors actually ask

Safety and prospecting FAQ

Emergency, heat, remote travel and legal-access questions for the Goldfields.

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5 questions

Safety and prospecting

Emergency, heat, remote travel and legal-access questions for the Goldfields.

What is the emergency number in Australia?
Call 000 for police, fire or ambulance in a life-threatening or time-critical emergency. Give the clearest location you can, including the road, direction of travel and nearest town or marker.
What should I do if a vehicle breaks down remotely?
Move safely off the traffic lane if possible, stay with the vehicle, conserve water and battery, and contact help. Do not walk a long distance in heat. Remote routes may justify a satellite communication device and a shared travel plan.
Can I drive through floodwater?
Do not enter floodwater or ignore a road-closed sign. Main Roads WA warns that conditions can change quickly and that closed means closed. Follow emergency-service directions and use the current Travel Map.
Do I need a Miner’s Right to prospect for gold?
In Western Australia, each person prospecting or fossicking on relevant Crown land needs a Miner’s Right. It does not authorise access everywhere or permit mining operations. Read the current WA Government guidance.
Can I prospect on any land outside town?
No. Land status, tenements, pastoral leases, private land, reserves, native title and protected distances can all affect access. Obtain every required permission and check the current department guidance before entering or detecting.

Official checks

Sources used for current facts

Operational details can change. The answers above direct readers to the responsible authority or operator for a final check.

Information reviewed: 2026-08-06