ERR executive director Anthony Hurst said recreational prospecting had a long and rewarding history in Victoria and could result in Eureka moments, with valuable finds made in recent years.

"Giving someone a miner's right for Easter is a great way to introduce friends and family to the state's historic gold regions and the enjoyment of searching for gold using metal detectors or hand tools like sieves and pans - and it could result in a discovery," he said.

"Buying a miner's right for $26 could be the best investment you ever make."

Victoria is in the grips of a modern gold rush, with more than 76,000 active miner's rights valid across the state.

About 4000 of those were purchased this year.

In March a prospector with a metal detector unearthed a 4.6kg nugget in Victoria's golden triangle in the state's west worth about $240,000.

A gold nugget worth about $200,000 was discovered near that spot in 2019.

A miner's right can be purchased from Services Victoria, with amateur miner's allowed to keep any gold they find.

Fossicking is permitted in state forests and in designated areas of some national, state, historic and heritage parks.

The use of mechanical equipment or explosives is not allowed.

Hurst said with more Victorians hunting for gold, it was important prospectors were doing the right thing.

ERR inspectors regularly check that prospectors are licenced, are panning in permitted areas, and reducing their impact on the environment.

"It is important prospectors understand the access requirements of their preferred location, keep up to date on weather forecasts and are aware of local road conditions," he said.

"They should always tell someone where they are going, when they will return and should always be beware of any old mine shafts in the area."