Just starting

[kathslife]

Hi all,

Just starting on my prospecting journey. I love the thought of camping on the weekends with the kids and dogs and having a go with a metal detector. Any hints and tips for this beginner that anyone would like to share would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Jaros]

Hi Kath. Have a look at the home page and read the topics that are of interest to you-plenty to read.
Jaros

 

[Deepseeker]

Hi Kath, Welcome to PA. If there's one thing/tip that sticks in my mind most of all that I would do differently again as a Newbie, it's buy a purpose made Prospectors Pick.

I bought a pick from Bunnings thinking that a picks a pick, but a garden tool is such a different implement and it's the same in name only. Nothing you can buy for gardening will do the same job with as much ease :Y:

 

[BigWave]

Welcome kathslife.
I reckon your best bet may be to join outings with experienced members, who could show you detectors, digging methods, geology, geo maps, navigation & survival gear, rules and regulations etc.
Depends on where you are, but in the Southern states, there'll be more outings as the weather warms and the ground dries, such as the Laanecoorie Gold Bash at Laanecoorie over 4th to 6th October.
AFL Grand Final holiday (27th Sept) and Melbourne Cup day (Nov 5th) often see largish groups heading out in Vic for long weekend camps. All newbies are welcomed.

 

[kathslife]

Hi Jaros, Deepseeker, & Bigwave,

Thanks for the tips. I will look into all of them. I am near Melbourne so am thinking of starting my journey around Ballarat. It is only about an hour away. Has any of you been there?

 

[BigWave]

I'm sure many PAers have great spots around Ballarat, and good gold still comes from there.
I most detect from Talbot, through Maryborough, Dunolly and further North/East.
The Golden Triangle is huge.