While there is no shortage of grey nomads travelling with a metal detector in their rigs, not all of them are realistically hoping to strike it rich on some dry and dusty Outback field.
Contrary to the classic image of a wizened old traveller looking to pluck a giant gold nugget from the red earth, it seems some of the most lucrative treasure hunting grounds are somewhat more populous, in fact, the more populated the better.
Fearless travellers are detecting their way around camping grounds, the sites where markets are held, and beaches … and the reward is commonly cold, hard cash.
For example, the beaches of Surfers Paradise famously offer extremely rich pickings in the hours and days following the Schoolies’ celebrations.
The ABC reports that the annual party on the Gold Coast beach is a blast for graduates and a boon for fossickers, with thousands of dollars in coins and cash dropped on the sand.
Keerin O’Keeffe is a 75-year-old veteran fossicker who has been cleaning up at Schoolies for the past five years.
“Just on one night alone I got five mobile phones, 12 watches, $70 in coins and a $10 note,” he told the ABC. “Plus all the bits and pieces and bobs and things … earrings and belt buckles and shoes buckles – the whole lot.”
Mr O’Keeffe says he always tries to return items such as lost mobile phones, credit cards and motel room keys to their owners, and that it is really the thrill of the chase that keep him criss-crossing acre upon acre of Australia.
He is not alone. There has been a surge in interest in metal detecting and gold detecting among grey nomads who see it as the perfect way to get out and about … and perhaps make their fortune.
While not all will be as fortunate as Victorian prospector, Mick Brown, who unearthed a 2.7 kilogram gold nugget last year, that won’t stop a growing number of caravanners and motorhomers giving it a go … and having a ball doing so.
* Are you a metal detecting grey nomad? What’s your best find? When you switch your machine on, are you searching for a few dropped dollars or a life-changing gold nugget? Comment below.
I wish!!
So far I have found nothing’!!
If you find goods or money, you can’t keep them. In fact, police may charge you for keeping goods or money you’ve found if you don’t hand it in. If you tell the police that you’ve found something of value, they may later return the goods to you if they can’t find the owner.
I’m looking for an entry level detector and live near Canberra. Where is a reputable store near me ( no more than 300 kms)
Paul, if you google metal detectors Canberra, you will find what you are looking for.
Paul try web site realsmart
I have had a cheap metal detector for years and my grand kids have a terrific time around caravan park bouncing pillows and usually find significant amount of coins. over the years i have used it occasionally but no significant finds on the beaches or any where else for that matter, I am hoping to maybe one day find a haul of coins.
Been doing this for just over a year now, found around $200 in coins. Lots of fun, especially when you find the gold spendable coins. Whoever designed the $2 coin, I say thank you. 🙂