From scrap tin to gold nuggets, you never know what your next find will be as a prospector and it’s the thrill of the chase that keeps it interesting.
Left to Right: Brian Buckland, David Wakeham, Malcolm Austin, Gene James
If prospecting for gold or treasure-hunting for relics throughout North Queensland sounds like fun to you, then you’ll find like-minded companions at the Townsville Metal Detecting Club. Founded 33 years ago by Bruce Mansfield and Stephen Toons, the club now has around 130 members and is a great way for people new to the hobby to find out how it’s done direct from the experts.
“In the dry season, we head out to the gold fields and we’ll look after anyone who is just getting into the hobby — we’ll show you where we’ve found gold before and explain what rocks to look for,” says club president Mal Austin.
“We’ll also show you how to use your detector because if you don’t know how to use it properly you can walk over the top of gold and not find any!”
Mal says a decent metal detector for a beginner costs around $1200 brand-new and some quality second-hand detectors can be picked up for around the $2000 mark. He advises speaking with staff at Townsville Prospecting World on Ross River Road in Aitkenvale so you can match the detector to the type of treasure you’re chasing. For those wanting to start out small, gold-panning is an inexpensive way of trying the interest out.
John Williams
When did you join the club?
I joined in 1984 when the club was first formed.
What’s the most interesting item you’ve found so far?
A 1937 Australian crown found on a World War II site. It’s engraved with a comet and five stars and the wording ‘To Joe from Daddy, Australia 1944’.
What do like about metal detecting?
That you never know what you’re likely to dig up, be it a nice-size nugget or a valuable coin. My grandfather was a fossicker of gold and copper and my great-grandfather was a mines manager in Charters Towers so you could say I’ve got gold in my veins.
What do you enjoy about being
a club member?
Going away on trips to the gold fields. We often give lectures and show off our finds to other clubs who invite us along for this purpose.
Where is one of your top treasure-hunting spots?
An old (1865) hotel site in Townsville, which I detect from time to time as you never find all the coins and relics the first time round.
Bryan Brettig
When did you join the club?
I joined in February this year at the age of 66. Having been a fossicker most of my life I thought “Why not give metal detecting a go?”.
What’s the most interesting item you’ve found so far?
My first gold nugget, which is shaped like the letter ‘J’.
What do like about metal detecting?
Being able to get down and dirty in the bush is almost like being a kid again and there’s always the expectation the next find might be a big gold nugget.
What do you enjoy about being a club member?
The other club members are friendly, encouraging and most helpful. My wife Cheryl and our little Maltese/fox terrier come along on the field trips. We all enjoy bush camping and are getting to see some fantastic places in the North Queensland outback that most people would never get to. One of our trips this year was to Kondoparinga Station near Mount Mulligan, which is beautiful country.
Where is one of your top treasure-hunting spots?
They’re all enjoyable in different ways and all part of one big adventure.
Joanne James
When did you join the club?
My husband Gene and I joined in February 2014. He’s retired and needed a hobby and we liked the idea of fossicking for gold or relics.
What’s the most interesting item you’ve found so far?
So far I’ve only found buckshot, wire and tin but Gene has found gold.
What do like about metal detecting?
It’s good exercise and it takes you to places you’d never normally see as you go out to remote cattle properties or mining leases in Queensland.
What do you enjoy about being a club member?
I like the social side of the club and have made many new friends.
Where is one of your top treasure-hunting spots?
So far I’ve been to Flat Creek Station, Clermont and Hillsborough Station (Ravenswood).
CONNECT NOW
www.townsvillemetaldetectingclub.com
Each month DUO will be highlighting local community clubs where people share their interests and make new friends. Are you part of a club DUO readers should know about? Fill us in at editor@duomagazine.com.au