Gold Prospecting News

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Gold Fever Grips Queensland: Record Prices Spark Surge in Prospecting Licences​

Lucky Gold Prospecting Newsletter​

May 27, 2025​

Gold fever is alive and well in Queensland, as soaring gold prices breathe new life into one of Australia’s oldest pastimes — fossicking. With gold prices hovering near all-time highs, the state’s Department of Resources has already issued 7,686 fossicking licences this financial year, a sharp increase from previous years.
From families panning creeks in Clermont to retirees swinging detectors near Warwick, Aussies are heading bush again — and they’re doing it legally, armed with pickaxes, pans, and now, paperwork.

"The numbers show a strong resurgence in people wanting to get out into the regions and try their luck," said a spokesperson from the Queensland Department of Resources. “It’s not just about finding gold — it’s about the adventure.”

Adding even more fuel to the fire, the Queensland Government has recently reopened a new 288-hectare fossicking area near Mount Morgan, one of the state's most historic gold regions. Once the richest gold mine in Queensland, Mount Morgan is now open to modern prospectors, offering fresh ground and new opportunities for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.

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Why The Spike?​

Gold prices are surging globally due to ongoing inflation concerns, central bank buying, and general uncertainty in global markets. For many Aussies, this makes recreational gold prospecting feel less like a hobby and more like a smart weekend investment.
The spike in licences reflects this shift in mindset. Whether it's first-timers on family trips or seasoned detectorists chasing elusive nuggets in historic diggings, Queensland’s goldfields are buzzing again.
The Mount Morgan reopening is a game-changer. Once closed off to casual fossickers, the new designated area reintroduces an iconic patch of gold country to the public. For those familiar with the area’s rich history, it's more than just a new place to swing a detector — it’s a chance to connect with a legendary piece of Queensland’s gold legacy.

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Licence to Dig​

A Queensland fossicking licence currently costs $60.10 for individuals and $84.50 for families (valid for 12 months), granting access to a growing list of designated fossicking areas. Queensland is known for having one of the most accessible and well-managed licensing systems in Australia — a big reason for the recent uptick in participation.
Areas seeing renewed activity include Clermont, Durikai, Warwick, Mount Britton, and now Mount Morgan. With upgraded facilities, easy access, and supportive local communities, they’re becoming hot spots for adventure seekers looking to try their luck.

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National Implications​

Queensland may be leading the charge, but similar trends could follow in Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales — all states with active goldfields and growing detectorist communities. The combination of rising gold prices, historic public access, and renewed government support points to a national upswing in amateur gold prospecting.

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Final Thoughts​

Gold prospecting is more than just a pastime — it’s part of Australia’s DNA. The combination of record licence numbers and exciting new opportunities like Mount Morgan’s reopening shows that the spirit of discovery is still strong.
If you've been considering a gold trip, now’s the time. Get your licence, grab your gear, and join thousands of Aussies answering the call of the goldfields.

 

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What the Greens' Election Loss Means for Prospectors​

May 20, 2025

The results of the 2025 federal election have reshaped Australia’s political landscape — and the changes could have a direct impact on the future of gold prospecting, fossicking, and recreational land access.

The Australian Greens suffered a major blow, losing three of their four lower house seats, including the high-profile seat of Melbourne held by party leader Adam Bandt. This leaves the party with just one seat in the House of Representatives. While they’ve retained a strong presence in the Senate with 11 seats, their reduced influence in the lower house could shift the balance on certain policies — especially those affecting access to public land.

A Win for Common-Sense Land Use?​

For years, prospectors, campers, and bush explorers have voiced concerns about proposals to convert more state forests into national parks. While protecting the environment is important, many of these plans have come with increased restrictions — including bans on prospecting, camping, vehicle access, and even dog walking in some cases.

The Greens have been one of the strongest advocates for these tighter regulations. Their platform consistently promotes expanding national parks, limiting fossil fuel exploration, and enforcing stricter environmental protections — even if it means locking up areas that have been used by locals and hobbyists for generations.

With their loss of influence in the lower house, many in the prospecting community are hopeful that we’ll see a more balanced approach to land management, one that protects the environment and allows for responsible public use.

The Fight Over Victoria’s Forests​

Take Victoria, for example. In recent years, several regions have been targeted for conversion to national park status — including parts of the Central West forests, areas historically known for prospecting. These proposals sparked major backlash, with tens of thousands of Victorians signing petitions to protect access to public land.

The concern wasn’t just about prospecting — it was about a broader “right to roam”: the ability to enjoy Australia’s bush heritage without excessive red tape. The Greens were often seen as opposing this, favouring top-down restrictions in the name of conservation.

What’s Next?​

While the Greens still have a say in the Senate, their reduced presence in the lower house means fewer opportunities to push aggressive land lockup policies. That could result in a more measured, consultative approach — one that listens to regional communities, land users, and small businesses that depend on outdoor tourism and hobbies like gold detecting.

Of course, we still encourage respectful, responsible prospecting — following local rules, caring for the land, and leaving no trace. But we also believe that access matters, and everyday Aussies should be able to enjoy the bush just as much as anyone else.

 

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Mark from England Strikes Silver!​

May 27, 2025
One of the best parts of running our tours is staying in touch with the fantastic people we meet along the way. We love hearing about what our guests get up to after their time with us – and we just received an incredible update from Mark, one of our All-Inclusive Western Australia tour guests, writing in from the other side of the world!
Since returning home to England, Mark has continued his detecting adventures across the historic landscapes of the UK – and he’s been turning up some truly remarkable finds.
Here are just a few highlights from his recent hunts:
Iron Age Silver
A rare and stunning discovery from a time long before the Romans set foot on British soil. Finds like these are not just beautiful, they’re a direct link to ancient tribal Britain.

Cunobelin Spiky Silver Unit
Dating to the early 1st century AD, this iconic coin is associated with Cunobelin, one of the most powerful pre-Roman British rulers. Known for their distinctive, spiked designs, these silver units are highly sought-after by collectors and historians alike.

Roman Silver
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of unearthing Roman treasure. These timeless coins are not only iconic pieces of Britain’s past but also a tangible connection to one of the greatest empires in history.

Henry VIII Two Pence
Struck in the early years of Henry VIII’s reign – before the infamous portraits and the many wives – this coin is a solid slice of Tudor heritage and a fascinating glimpse into England’s royal past.

That’s more than 1,500 years of history uncovered between just a few coins. Incredible work, Mark!
And the adventures continue – he’s heading back out detecting tomorrow, hopeful for more silver… or maybe even gold.
Mark also shared some exciting personal news: he’s just stepped into a new role as Head of Strategy. A big congratulations from all of us – it’s no small feat balancing such a demanding role with a passion for history and adventure, but Mark manages it with ease.
Thanks for the brilliant update, Mark – we’re cheering you on for your next hunt, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Western Australia next year!

Lucky Gold Prospecting Newsletter​

 

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Victorian man discovers $240k Lucky Strike Gold nugget with budget metal detector​

July 31, 2024
The amateur prospector made the discovery in Victoria’s “Golden Triangle” armed with just his rookie metal detector.

The 4.6kg rock contained 2.6kg of gold. Picture: Nine
An amateur prospector has struck gold – to the tune of $240,000.
The man, who did not wish to be named, was armed with his budget metal detector when he discovered the 4.6kg rock in Victoria’s “Golden Triangle”, an area stretching between Ballarat, Bendigo and St Arnaud.
Curious as to whether the rock was worth anything, he took it to Lucky Strike Gold in Geelong for evaluation.

Darren Kamp said the nugget was the biggest gold specimen he'd seen in his 43-year career. Picture: Lucky Strike Gold
Prospecting equipment retailer and expert Darren Kamp soon discovered the rock contained a staggering 2.6kg of gold.
“He pulled this rock out of his backpack and as he dropped it in my hand he said, ‘Do you think there’s $10,000 worth in it’?” Mr Kamp told NCA NewsWire.
“As soon as it hit my hand I said, ‘Try $100,000’.”
The man then told Mr Kamp that his wife would be happy, as he had only brought in half the rock, leaving the other half at home.
“It’s one of those life-changing pieces,” Mr Kamp said.
“When he dropped it into my hand my jaw dropped with it.”

The 4.6kg rock, named ‘Lucky Strike’, contained 2.6kg of gold. Picture: Lucky Strike Gold.
Small nuggets of gold can reach up to $1000, with the value of gold soaring amid widespread inflation.
“I’ve been in the gold industry for 43 years and it’s the biggest gold specimen I’ve seen,” Mr Kamp said.
“You see big specimens found by big companies underground … but to find it with a detector, it’s the biggest one I’ve seen.”
Time outdoors and cost of living attracting young prospectors

Small nuggets of gold alone can reach up to $1000. Picture: Lucky Strike Gold
Mr Kamp said prospecting had become increasingly popular among young people.
“If you asked me a few years ago, I would have said the average age for this hobby is 50 and over,” he said.
“But now we’re seeing a lot of people in their 20s and 30s doing it.”
Hunting for gold could be considered a pleasing pastime for many reasons, but in recent times it has drawn in prospective prospectors for its connection to nature and potential to make a few bucks.
“There’s a lot of hobbyist weekend prospectors who like to go into the bush to switch off and enjoy the day, and if they find some gold it’s just a bonus,” Mr Kamp said.
“I know times are tough out there for a lot of people, and this is what people did in the Depression.
“They got their gold pans and went out and found a few extra dollars.”
Victoria’s ‘Golden Triangle’

Map of Victoria showing major gold mining regions. Picture: Victoria state government
This area in north central Victoria stretches between Ballarat, Bendigo and St Arnaud, encompassing small towns between such as Daylesford, Maryborough and Castlemaine.
During the prosperous gold rush of the 1850s, these towns inherited beautiful buildings — many now repurposed as museums, galleries and cafes.
Gold nuggets from this region were famous for their quantity, size and purity, most of which were alluvial (found in streams or river beds).
Though the recent discovery of the 4.6kg rock is impressive indeed, it pales in comparison to the Welcome Stranger – a 72kg gold nugget found in 1869 near Moliagul.
Today, such a nugget could fetch about $6.8m.

Lucky Gold Prospecting Newsletter​

 

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Customer Story: From TV to the Creek — How the Gold Bug Bit​

May 13, 2025
Here’s a story that might sound familiar to a lot of us in the gold prospecting community. It's about how one person’s curiosity led them down a path of excitement and discovery — and we reckon many of you can relate to this journey.

It All Started with Aussie Gold Hunters​

It all kicked off a couple of years ago when one of our fellow gold enthusiasts was watching Aussie Gold Hunters on TV. Like many of us, the fascination with gold hunting grew from there. It wasn’t long before they decided to give it a go themselves. They started with a few paydirt bags, just to see what they could get out of them, and before they knew it, they were hooked!
The next step? Picking up a pan kit and heading out to some of the gold spots in Victoria. Creeks around Ballarat and Creswick were the first stops. They even found some campgrounds in Victoria where panning was allowed — the perfect way to get started without too much hassle.

The Trip That Sparked the Passion​

But what really sparked the obsession wasn’t just watching TV or panning the creeks. It was a trip to Wangaratta to visit a mate, followed by a detour to Reedy Creek and Eldorado — two iconic spots in the world of gold hunting.
There, they saw the old bucket dredge — a relic of the past that left a lasting impression. “It was like stepping back in time,” they said. That moment cemented their love for the rich history of gold mining. And it wasn’t just the machines; the surroundings, the history, and the opportunity to unearth a piece of that past were all part of the experience.

Back in the Creek — and Hooked for Good​

After checking out the dredge, the gold bug had fully bitten. Just downstream from their campsite, they found another creek to pan in. As soon as they saw it, they couldn’t resist — back in the creek they went. Even if it was just once or twice, the excitement was undeniable. The process of finding that gold, no matter how small the amount, was all part of the fun.
That was the moment they realized that this wasn’t just a hobby anymore. It was something they couldn’t get enough of. As they put it, “Even going out once or twice is good fun — I can’t get enough of it now.”

Lucky Gold Prospecting Newsletter​

 

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The Journey of the Lucky Patch: From Discovery to 54 Nuggets​

March 25, 2025
One of our valued customers recently shared an exciting update on his ongoing gold prospecting journey, and we couldn’t wait to pass it along! Last year, we told you about his remarkable discovery of a gold patch in the Talbot area. Equipped with his Minelab GPX 6000 and the Nugget Finder 12x7 coil, he set out with his family on a camping trip, determined to surpass his previous record of finding 5 pieces in one trip. That weekend, he uncovered an impressive total of 19 pieces of gold.

But the story didn’t end there. He returned to the patch, giving it a slight rake, and ended up uncovering another 6 pieces. The excitement of finding so much gold in one place was enough to hook him even more on the adventure. So, he decided to bring his dad along—a seasoned prospector who had been out many times but never found gold before. To everyone's delight, his dad pulled out 10 pieces of gold, his excitement through the roof!
The family returned to the patch the next day, and that’s when the big surprise came. They unearthed a stunning 108-gram nugget, a true beauty that made the 31 smaller finds seem like just the beginning of what this patch had to offer. The find was the definition of a "patch of dreams," and we were absolutely thrilled to hear the news.

Fast forward to today, and the patch continues to yield new treasures. Their tally has grown to an impressive 54 pieces, and while they’re still finding the occasional bit of lead and other rubbish, the gold is keeping them coming back. His dad, who once struggled to find any gold, is now out prospecting on his own during the day while his son works. Though he hasn’t found anything huge yet, he’s clocking up the kilometres and enjoying every moment of the hunt.
Even the frosty mornings haven’t slowed them down. On some of their trips, temperatures have dropped to -4°C, but nothing can stop their dedication. Each visit brings a new opportunity to uncover more of the hidden gold that this patch holds. And despite the tough conditions, they’re stretching the tally with every trip, proving that patience and persistence pay off.

As of now, the family’s collection sits at 54 pieces, and they’re not planning on stopping anytime soon. The adventure continues, with new discoveries waiting around every corner. This story shows just how rewarding gold prospecting can be when you find the right patch, and it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and a little bit of family teamwork. We can’t wait to hear what they discover next!

Lucky Gold Prospecting Newsletter​

 

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​ ​ A Weekly Ritual of Gold and Good Times​

​ For Steve, prospecting started out as a solo passion.​ “I have been prospecting for around five years,” he says. But two years ago, something special happened that turned it into something more meaningful. “My father — 77 years old — asked me that he would like to tag along.” What began as a simple curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown obsession.​ “Well, in saying that... he caught the gold bug very quickly,” Steve laughs, “and loves the time out together — as do I.” Now aged 77 and 55, the pair head out to their local creek almost every week. It’s become a ritual — just the two of them, some pans, and occasionally their Gold Monster 1000 detector.​ “Most of the gold has been panned,” Steve says, “but some found with the GM 1000.” While they’ve certainly picked up their fair share of colour, it’s the experience that counts most.​ “We’ve always loved being out in the bush,” Steve shares. “It’s peaceful, simple, and we’re doing something we both enjoy.” Each trip is a chance to reconnect — not just with the outdoors, but with each other. The clink of gravel in a pan, the quiet buzz of a detector, the shared thrill of spotting a fleck of gold — it’s quality time that means more than any nugget ever could. There’s a kind of magic in sharing a passion across generations, especially one as hands-on and rewarding as gold prospecting. For Steve and his dad, the real treasure isn’t what they find in the creek — it’s the memories they’re making every step of the way.​

 

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A Heartfelt Discovery: Returning a WWI Medal After Over 100 Years​

March 11, 2025

Lucky Gold Prospecting Newsletter​

Here’s an incredible story from one of our valued customers and an outstanding detectorist, Stacy Pink. A well-known prospector, Stacy made one of her most exciting discoveries of 2024—a WWI Return from Active Service medal, engraved with the number 17807 and belonging to Thomas Wilson Connor. Unearthed in Ballarat, the find was thrilling, but the journey to reunite the medal with its rightful family turned out to be even more extraordinary.



Thanks to the help of some amazing members in my Facebook Group, we were able to track down the recipient’s family. Through some careful research, we found Thomas Connor’s next of kin, Kay Smith, who lives in Canberra. Kay shared with me that Thomas, originally from Marong, Victoria, later settled in Bendigo. Unfortunately, Mr. Connor and his wife, Alice Ann Connor, never had children, but Kay is his 2nd Great-Great Granddaughter’s niece.

The story took on even more significance for me when Kay told me it was her great uncle’s medal, which had been missing for over a hundred years. It’s incredibly humbling to be the one to return such a meaningful piece of history to her family.



We’ve had a few chats, and Kay is so excited to receive the medal. She had traced her family tree, which is how we connected through the internet. It’s amazing to think that something that was lost for so long is now going to a family member who is deeply connected to the past.

I’ll be posting the medal to Kay in the coming weeks, and it feels like such an honour to be a part of this story. "Thank you for your service, Thomas Wilson Connor," and lest we forget.

What an incredible experience this has been, and I can’t wait to see Kay receive the medal that once belonged to her great-great uncle.

Kindest respect,
Stacy Pink

 

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A Slice of History from Bendigo​

June 10, 2025

This week we’re featuring a fascinating find from John, who’s been detecting on his property near Bendigo — and turning up some real treasures with his Minelab Manticore.

In a small 6 x 6 metre patch of what was once a cropped paddock, John unearthed:
A Chinese coin dating back to around 1650
Several English relics from 1860 to 1900
A delicate silver fern leaf brooch, though missing its steel pin
And most impressively, a Colt .32 bullet mould — minus the rusted steel parts, which John spent an afternoon restoring!

While the gold still eludes him for now, we reckon finds like these are just as exciting — uncovering stories from centuries past, buried right in the backyard.

Thanks for sharing your adventure, John — and happy hunting!

 

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Aussie Mates Strike It Big with $161,000 Nugget in the WA Outback​ ​

Two long-time prospecting friends from Western Australia have hit the jackpot — uncovering a massive 895-gram gold nugget near the remote gold town of Sandstone. The pair, who’ve spent decades chasing gold across the outback, were detecting in late May when their day took a golden turn. First, they unearthed a one-ounce nugget valued at over $5,000. But it was what came next that truly made history. Following a strong signal, they dug just 25cm down and revealed a monster nugget now estimated to be worth $161,000, based on current Perth Mint gold prices. According to James Allison, president of the Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders Association of WA, the men celebrated their incredible find with a well-earned beer before heading straight back out the next morning to continue the hunt. Their story made the front page of the Kalgoorlie Miner and has sparked renewed interest in gold detecting across the region. WA has a long and storied gold history — and while big nuggets like this are becoming rarer, they’re still out there. Natural, alluvial nuggets like the one found in Sandstone are especially prized, often fetching higher prices than refined gold due to their unique shapes and collector appeal. So if you’ve ever thought about giving prospecting a go… this might just be your sign. There's still gold in them thar hills!​

 

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Customer Gold Find: Massive Haul in the WA Goldfields​ One of our customers, has had a ripper of a run out in the WA Goldfields — pulling an impressive 12.6 ounces in just one week, and a staggering 24 ounces total for a months work. We don’t have all the details just yet, but those numbers speak volumes. He promised to share more of the story soon, and if it’s anything like that gold count, we can’t wait to hear it. It’s proof that the gold is still out there if you know where to look! Stay tuned… we’ll share more as it comes in!​

 

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​ Customer Find: 1936 Rolled Gold Cigarette Case​ ​ A recent customer find from Wedderburn turned heads — a 9ct rolled gold cigarette case dated 1936, weighing in at an impressive 78.81 grams. Beautifully preserved and full of character, this vintage piece is a rare glimpse into the past. Finds like this remind us that the goldfields hold more than just nuggets — sometimes it’s the relics that tell the best stories.​

Lucky Gold Prospecting Newsletter​

 

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A Patch to Remember in Wedderburn​ Long-time detectorist and member of the Sunraysia Goldies, Mark has been chasing gold since 2016 — and earlier this year, he hit a personal best. Camping out in Wedderburn with seven mates from the club, the crew spent four nights exploring the historic goldfields. Armed with his GPX 6000 and 9" Coiltek Goldhawk coil, Mark kicked things off with a bit of recon on day one. It was day two when things really lit up. “I came across an old water race,” he told us. “I started getting signals — one after another. First a 2-gram nugget, then a few smaller pieces. I kept marking them, and by the end of it, I’d pulled 12.52 grams, including a 4-gram nugget — my biggest patch yet.” But the weekend wasn’t done. The next day, he hit what he called the Kangaroo Patch — named after the kangaroo he spotted relaxing there before he arrived. That patch produced another 8.7 grams of gold. With help from a mate, they raked the area clean of signals — until he went low and slow over a nearby mullock heap. Scraping away the edge, he uncovered a small open space and, to his surprise, a stash of Chinese coins tucked away in the soil. But the real showstopper? An old nautical compass, buried under a rock in another mullock heap. “21.22 grams of gold, a coin stash, and a buried compass — easily my best weekend yet.” It just goes to show, persistence, patience, and a good crew can lead to an unforgettable trip in the goldfields.​