If you’re into searching for old coins, artifacts or any other type of metal, then this post will be right up your alley. I’ll cover the best places to search in Australia and what tools you’ll need. I’m not going to get into how to actually hunt for these things because that’s a whole other topic that can take years to master. This article is meant more as an introduction to help beginners get their feet wet in the field of metal detecting. So without further ado, let’s get started!
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Best Places to Search in Australia
There are so many different places you can go metal detecting in Australia. The best spots are those that were frequented by people years ago. Here are some of my favourite locations:
- Aboriginal Sites – There are plenty of aboriginal sites around Australia, especially in the Outback where they used to live. These sites are full of old tools and weapons that have been sitting in the ground for generations.
- Old Military Bases – If you’re into war relics then this is the perfect place for you. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has a lot of old bases around the country that have been decommissioned and turned into housing developments or parks. These places are full of relics from World War II, Vietnam and even older conflicts.
- Farmlands – If you’re looking for something a little more modern then farmlands are also great metal detecting spots. Farmers tend to drop their tools when they’re done with them so there’s plenty of chances o find some cool stuff.
- Old Homes – If you’re into antiques then this is the perfect place for you because there are plenty of old homes around Australia that have been turned into museums or tourist attractions. These places are full of old tools and furniture that look like they were made back in the day. There’s also a chance you could find something that belonged to someone famous!
- Beachside Locations – If you want to get away from it all then metal detecting by the beach is a great option. The only problem is that some beaches have metal detectors banned so it’s best to do your research first. But if you’re allowed to use one there, then this is a great place for finding old coins and shells from hundreds of years ago.
Best Tools for Metal Detecting in Australia
Garrett ACE 350
There are lots of different metal detectors out there but I find the Garrett ACE 350 is one of the best for beginner metal detectorists in Australia. It’s lightweight, easy to use and has a great depth range so you can search pretty much anywhere. The only downside is that it doesn’t have any features like pinpointing or discrimination, but those are features you’ll learn about as you get more experienced with your machine.
Minelab Pro Find 35
If you’re looking for something more advanced then you should consider the Minelab Pro Find 35. The Pro Find 35 detector has all the features you’ll ever need including pinpointing, discrimination, and more. This detector is perfect for finding those hidden treasures, and with its advanced features, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for. The only downside is that it’s a little bit more expensive than some of the others on this list but it will make up for it with its performance.
Minelab Equinox or Ultra-Tec 3600
And if you’re looking for something even more advanced then I recommend getting a Minelab Equinox or Ultra-Tec 3600 Metal Detector. These are two professional machines made by Minelab that can find anything from coins to gold nuggets. The features they have are perfect for long hours of metal detecting in Australia. They’re very lightweight, so you won’t get tired of carrying them around, and they have all the features you could ever need.
Extra Tips and Tricks for Metal Detecting
Now that you know the best places to search and what tools to use, here are some tips and tricks for beginners.
- Start Small – I recommend starting off with a cheap metal detector like the Garrett ACE 350 or Minelab Pro Find 35. This way you can get used to using it before upgrading to something more advanced. It will also save you a lot of money in the long run since these detectors are very affordable.
- Have Fun – The most important thing is to have fun when you’re metal detecting. If you enjoy yourself, then it won’t feel like work and you’ll be able to hunt for longer periods of time without getting tired.
- Know Your Local Laws – Before heading out on your first expedition, make sure you know whether or not metal detecting is allowed where you’re going. Some places have banned the activity so you don’t want to get into trouble with the police because they will confiscate your detector and possibly fine you as well.
- Go with a Friend – If you’re going out alone, then make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing with their metal detector. There’s nothing worse than heading into the Outback and getting all excited only to find out there isn’t anything there!
- Be Careful Around Cemeteries – This is a tip I found online but I’m not quite sure why it’s banned so I’ll let you guys decide for yourself if this is true or not. But apparently, if you’re metal detecting around old cemeteries then there’s a chance that some of the graves can have unmarked metal in them so it’s best to be careful around these areas.
