Gedday Goldenmile, and welcome to another NQ New Chum! .. Yes mate, there is gold in them there hills, even in the ranges and ravines within 20klm from the Cairns CBD! .. First thing though, give us a bit more detail on your level of experience and whether you plan to play in the water, .. panning, sluicing etc., .. or walk country, .. detecting.
You've come to the right place mate and we'll help where we can .... Even some of the folks from down south know a thing or two about the art! (I refuse to use smiley faces so Hahaha, said with tongue in cheek).
Go to 'Introduce Yourself' and give a little more detail. .. By doing so you will also be immediately welcomed and accepted by Bwana Nugget who can be a bit, well, 'thingy' about tidy housekeeping.
Good Luck from The Digger.