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A massive gold nugget, estimated to be worth up to $100,000, was recently discovered near a historic mine site in Ballarat. Unearthed by metal detectorist Luke Phillips, the nugget was found in a spot that had previously been overlooked by other prospectors.
An amateur prospector has struck gold after discovering a nugget worth a staggering $240,000 in Victoria.
Experience the thrill of discovery as Darren unravels the story behind this extraordinary find. Get ready to be transported into the heart of the gold rush excitement with this exclusive feature.
Join geologist Andrew Bales and Darren Kamp on a prospecting experience in Dolly's Creek.
THE rush for gold might have ended more than a century ago but it’s alive and well in the heart of prospectors like Darren Kamp.
The amateur prospector made the discovery in Victoria’s “Golden Triangle” armed with just his rookie metal detector.
Thanks to soaring gold prices, amateur gold prospecting is on the rise in Australia. Old prospecting towns are seeing new faces, and there’s a renewed buzz in the country’s historic gold fields.
Darren Kamp has been chasing gold for more than 30 years, from exploring old mines in Ballarat to gold panning with his grandfather in creeks around Daylesford as a child, before graduating to a metal detector in the 1980s.
“The largest nugget I found weighed 24 ounces (680g). It’s such a buzz when you find gold, like winning Tattslotto,” says Kamp, who runs prospecting tours around Clunes from his shop, Gold and Relics, in a charming old bank recognisable as the one robbed by Heath Ledger’s Ned Kelly in the movie.
Ms Gillard held up a gold nugget worth $50,000 and handed to her by local gold dealer Darren Kamp. "That’s amazing,” she said before reluctantly giving it back. “
A TV special – Darren shows Coxy how to prospect for gold on the TV show Coxy’s Big Break.
Andersons Mill Festival is held at Smeaton every year and it is a wonderful family event. Darren and Leanne were on hand to teach adults and children how to pan for gold.
