The "best" gold detector depends on your budget and experience, but top-rated models for serious prospectors include the powerful Minelab GPZ 7000 and GPX 6000 (PI tech for depth) and the versatile Nokta Gold Kruzer (multi-mode, waterproof). For beginners, the user-friendly Minelab Gold Monster 1000 or Garrett AT Gold offer great performance without complexity, while the XP Deus II excels in speed and lightweight design for experienced users.
Top Gold Metal Detectors Available Today
Aussie Gold Hunters (and general Australian prospectors) primarily use high-end Minelab detectors, especially the GPZ 7000 for deep gold, along with models like the GPX 6000/5000, Gold Monster 1000, and versatile multi-frequency options like the Equinox series, known for handling Australia's difficult, highly mineralized soils.
Remember, the 900 is about 5 years newer in terms of technology, and during this time Minelab has tinkered and tweaked the 800 to get more out of it. Compared to the 800, the 900 basically provides a more sensitive and more customisable detecting experience.
Many gold detectors operate at higher frequencies than standard metal detectors, so they can detect small gold nuggets and flakes.
If detecting metals is one of the activities you want to do with your smartphone, then you are in luck. There are several metal detecting apps for Android and iOS devices. Smartphone metal detecting apps allow you to seek out metallic objects like keys, coins, gold, and much more.
Gold is found at virtually any depth, from surface placers to deep crustal orogenic deposits, but major economic deposits often form between 1,200 to 4,500 meters deep during mountain-building events, transported by hot fluids into rock fissures, while smaller, shallower alluvial gold comes from weathered surface deposits. The deepest mines today reach several kilometers down, but gold's initial formation can occur much deeper in the Earth's crust or mantle, moving upwards through geological processes.
We present to you the top gold detectors renowned for their precision, durability, and advanced features:
Minelab is an Australian company, founded in South Australia in 1985, known for designing and engineering advanced metal detecting technologies, though manufacturing occurs globally, including Australia, Malaysia, and other locations, using components from around the world. While its roots and primary engineering are Australian, it operates internationally with offices in Ireland, the U.S., and other countries, providing products for treasure hunting, gold prospecting, and mine clearance.
Good Metal detectors that are among the best on the market include: Best Overall - Minelab Manticore or XP Deus 2 Waterproof Multi-Frequency Metal Detector. Best Entry Level Detector- Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector.
Gold finds and sales are treated as income. You'll need to declare it to the ATO. Prospecting-related expenses may be deductible. If you're holding gold bullion or coins as an investment, different laws apply.
Using the Wrong Detector
Gold requires a detector designed for high sensitivity and mineralized ground. Using a standard coin or relic detector often results in missed targets.
Yes, in most Australian states, you can generally keep gold you find, especially as a hobbyist on {!nav}Crown land, but you typically need a Miner's Right or prospecting permit, and rules vary by state, with Tasmania having stricter laws where gold may remain Crown property. The key is proper licensing, respecting land ownership, using hand tools (no explosives/heavy machinery), and distinguishing between hobby finds (often tax-free) and commercial mining.
The Simple uses an 2300mAh Lithium Polymer battery, and the X-TERRA PRO uses a 5100 mAh Internal Lithium-Ion. In terms of detecting time, the Nokta website does not suggest a detecting time for a fully charged battery, while Minelab suggest a detecting time of the X-TERRA PRO as 12-hours.
The best metal detector in Australia depends on your goal, with top choices including the Minelab Equinox 900/900 (overall performance/versatility), Minelab Gold Monster 1000 (best budget gold), Minelab GPZ 7000 (professional deep gold), Garrett ATX (rugged PI gold), and Nokta Simplex Ultra/Legend (great entry/mid-range options). For general treasure/coins, Minelab's multi-frequency models excel, while specialized Pi detectors from Minelab (GPX series) or Garrett (ATX) dominate difficult goldfields, with the XP Deus II also a strong multi-frequency contender.
Just turn it on and start finding. Coins, gold, jewellery. Parks, fields, beaches. No terrain's off-limits.
The difference between Minelab Pro Find 35 and 40 is that the Pro Find 40 detects about 10% deeper and includes Rapid Re-Tune for fast ground adjustment. The Pro Find 35 is cheaper but lacks Rapid Re-Tune. Both are waterproof, have Ferrous Tone ID, and include a holster and lanyard.
Aussie Gold Hunters (and general Australian prospectors) primarily use high-end Minelab detectors, especially the GPZ 7000 for deep gold, along with models like the GPX 6000/5000, Gold Monster 1000, and versatile multi-frequency options like the Equinox series, known for handling Australia's difficult, highly mineralized soils.
Yes. Cheap metal detectors can find coins, jewelry, and even gold. Cheap metal detector may lack advanced features, but they work well for beginners.
The frequency you choose will depend on the type of metal you are searching for. The best place to find ferrous metals and iron is at 10 kHz and higher. Gold can be found at 14 kHz and higher.
Gold occurs naturally in various igneous rocks, including granite, diorite, and rhyolite. These precious metal deposits typically form within quartz veins that develop during the cooling of hydrothermal fluids deep within the Earth's crust.
⚠️ Here's a fun fact: the human body contains a tiny amount of gold, about 0.2mg, most of it in the blood🩸 This is the equivalent of one grain of sand.
Russia and Australia Dominate Global Gold Reserves
Russia and Australia are tied as the world's top holders of unmined gold, each with around 12,000 tonnes. Together, they account for reserves valued at $1.7 trillion each.