Fossicking for Gold and Gems: My Adventure in the Nude

One of my favourite pastimes is fossicking for gold and gems. Whenever I can break away from home and work, I head to various locations across NSW and indulge in the thrill of searching for gold nuggets with my metal detector, or using a pan and sluice to harvest fine gold from rivers and creeks. I may not be a professional, but the joy of the activity isn’t just in finding treasure—it’s in the experience itself. The whole process, from walking through the bush to working in rivers, is deeply relaxing and fulfilling for me.

The key to fossicking, especially in Australia’s sometimes unforgiving landscape, is preparation. It’s not just about heading into the wilderness with a metal detector; it’s about understanding and respecting the environment. From walking through dry grass and bushes to wading through muddy creeks, there are risks. If you’re not prepared, those risks can easily spoil your adventure—or worse, put your life in danger. Knowing where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going is essential. I always bring a GPS, but I also carry a physical map and compass, because technology can fail, and out in the bush, that’s not a risk worth taking.

Another key factor is the weather. Checking the forecast for the area I’m heading to is crucial, but that’s not enough. You also need to check “upstream” from where you plan to fossick. Storms breaking far away can send walls of water cascading down rivers and creeks, potentially catching you off guard. And during Australia’s spring and summer, bushfires are always a threat, so you need to be prepared for that too.

Then there’s your supplies—water and food for the day, but also emergency supplies, like extra water and the means to purify more if necessary. An advanced first aid kit is a must, and so is clothing suitable for the conditions. Even though I enjoy fossicking nude whenever possible, safety comes first, and being prepared with the right gear could save your life if something goes wrong.

Now, let’s talk about the gear itself. As much as I enjoy being clothes-free, fossicking requires a fair bit of equipment. I bring the same essentials for a day of fossicking as I would for a 20+ km hike. Some may think it’s overkill, but when you consider how many people get into trouble for not being prepared on their adventures, it’s clear that carrying a bit of extra weight is well worth the effort.

I always wear snake gaiters for protection from bites on my legs and feet. I also wear gloves and puncture-proof sleeves to protect my arms when bending down to check the ground or dig. A close encounter with a king brown snake taught me the value of this gear! While fossicking one day, I received a signal with my metal detector and went to brush some soil aside with my hand. Less than 30 cm away, coiled in the dry grass, was a little king brown snake. It didn’t move right away, which contradicted the idea that snakes will always flee when they sense you approaching. I jumped back quickly, and only then did it slither away. After that experience, I invested in puncture-proof sleeves. Yes, they’re hot, but the peace of mind is worth it.

When conditions allow, I do love to fossick naked. The freedom of being in nature without clothes is invigorating, but it’s always safety before comfort. I still wear my hiking shoes, compression socks, snake gaiters, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Whether or not I wear the puncture-proof sleeves depends on the terrain. And if I’m in a more public area, or there’s a chance I might come across other fossickers, I’ll compromise by wearing a leopard-print G-string. It still lets me feel free while respecting the possibility of encountering others.

Interestingly, some people I’ve met while fossicking are quite surprised when they see someone wearing gumboots and a G-string out in the wild! However, most have been curious and supportive once I explain that I’m a naturist and enjoy being naked as part of my lifestyle. It’s always a good conversation starter!

Gold fossicking in rivers and creeks brings its own set of challenges. One day, I was busy panning in a creek, so focused on finding gold flakes that I neglected my surroundings. The creek was only about 60 cm deep, and I was having a successful run, but I ignored the gathering clouds overhead and didn’t realise a storm had broken upstream. The water level began rising—about 20 cm in just a few minutes. Still, I wasn’t alarmed. But when the water rose another 10 cm or so, I decided to get out of the creek. Just as I was grabbing my backpack, I heard a rumbling sound. A wall of water, about a metre high, came rushing down the creek! I grabbed my gear and scrambled to higher ground just in time.

That experience was a stark reminder that nature can be unpredictable, and no matter how focused you are on fossicking, you need to stay aware of your surroundings. Things can change in an instant, and being unprepared or inattentive could cost you dearly. It’s not just something that happens to “other people” or in movies—it can happen to anyone, at any time. Awareness and preparation are key.

Despite the risks, fossicking remains one of my greatest joys, especially when I can do it naked. It’s healthy, fun, and even has the potential to be financially rewarding if you’re lucky enough to find a big nugget or a pocket of gold in a creek. I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a blend of adventure, nature, and maybe even a touch of treasure hunting.

So, if you’re considering giving it a try, stay safe, stay aware, and most importantly—enjoy the journey. And for those like me who prefer the naturist lifestyle, remember: stay nude, stay safe, and have fun!