Collection: Metal Detectors

A metal detector locates metal objects underground using electromagnetic fields, used as a hobby metal detector for coins and relics, a beach metal detector, or a gold detector for prospecting. Machines differ by frequency, coil type and how well they handle mineralised ground. A treasure detector choice depends on what you're looking for and where. Australian ground is often highly mineralised, which affects machine choice. Also check where you're legally permitted to detect before heading out.

What type of detector do you need?

Different targets need different machines:

• General hobby detector: for coins, relics and jewellery in parks and paddocks, with discrimination to filter out rubbish.
• Waterproof metal detector for beaches: handles wet salt sand, which confuses basic machines, and needs a waterproof coil at minimum.
• Gold prospecting detector: higher sensitivity to small gold and better handling of mineralised ground.

What does frequency and ground balance mean?

Operating frequency affects what a detector finds best: higher frequencies are more sensitive to small, low-conductivity targets like small gold, while lower frequencies penetrate deeper and suit larger, high-conductivity targets like coins. Ground balance is the setting that lets the detector ignore naturally occurring minerals in the soil, which matters enormously in Australia because much of our ground is heavily mineralised and will overwhelm a machine without good ground balancing. A detector that can't handle mineralisation will chatter constantly and mask real targets.

Where can you legally detect in Australia?

This matters and catches people out. You generally need the landholder's permission to detect on private property. National parks, reserves and many public lands prohibit detecting or require permits, and disturbing ground in protected areas can carry significant penalties. Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and historic archaeological sites are legally protected, and removing objects from them is an offence — if you find something that looks culturally or historically significant, leave it and report it. Prospecting for gold usually requires a miner's right or fossicking permit, which differs by state. Check your state's rules before you start.

Common questions

What detector is best for gold?
A prospecting detector with high sensitivity to small targets and strong handling of mineralised ground, since much Australian goldfield soil is heavily mineralised and overwhelms general machines.

What is ground balance?
A setting that lets the detector ignore minerals naturally in the soil. It matters a lot in Australia, where mineralised ground makes poorly balanced machines chatter and mask real targets.

Do I need a permit to detect?
Often yes — prospecting for gold usually requires a miner's right or fossicking permit, and rules vary by state. Private land needs the owner's permission, and many public lands prohibit detecting.

Can I detect in national parks?
Generally no — national parks and reserves usually prohibit detecting, and heritage and Aboriginal cultural sites are legally protected. Check the rules for the specific area before going.

Can I pay for a metal detector with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our metal detectors start from $52, which is four fortnightly payments of $13.

Complete your kit

A detector works with the rest of your outdoor gear. Add work torches, power tools, and camping gear.

A $52 metal detector splits into four fortnightly payments of $13.0 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 do the same. Every order ships from our Australian warehouse, dispatched within 1–2 business days, with a 12-month warranty and 30 days to return it. We're a family-run Australian store, going since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.