New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

Would like to hear from anyone interested in splitting costs of a trip/s to OZ, or with any experiences of ozzie nugget hunting.

I have heard of people going for a month and doing well but facing costs of 4wd hire, satellite phone, and outback accommodation when needed.

I don't have any need for a sat phone and there are small 100 person towns within 20km of some goldfields, but temporary transport would be better split between 2 or 3 people, whether hired or bought and sold to a dealer.

Looking at it as 3 week holiday basis, once or twice a year.

Thanks Gavin, that does look interesting and someone mentioned Western Australia is where its at now. I see they do group tours and hire out GPX5000s, but not transport which seems a pity. I have a couple of PIs, GPS and Doug Stone gold books/maps for Melbourne so just need to hire a car preferably on a split basis. 10days-3 weeks.

How about Melbourne Saturday 22 nd September to Sunday 29 th (or longer), am looking at some web prices for car/4wd/camper. Perhaps limit to 4 people vehicle wise.

Pick up the rental vehicle then everyone buys their own groceries in melbourne and heads out to one of the many places in Doug Stone's books, can pick one on the flight over from the books.

Cost of a basic car from $50 OZ a day plus gas or maybe a camper if enough people to keep the cost per head comfortable. Camping on site without facilities but 100person towns 20km away for supplies. The book suggests a 2wd is enough.

Tickets to melbourne may be available for little more than $150 each way for September.

Id also like to do a Western OZ trip but heard that the costs are much higher so might better to go for 2 weeks there after trial run in melbourne.