Metal detecting is one of Australia's quiet weekend hobbies — kids on the beach, coin hunters in old parks, prospectors in the WA and NT goldfields. Our range covers beginner all-rounders, coin-and-relic detectors, gold prospecting rigs, waterproof beach models and kids detectors. Metal detectors from $89, with most quality machines between $250 and $800. Stock is held across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, dispatching within 1–2 business days.
What can you actually find with a metal detector in Australia?
On beaches: coins, jewellery lost by swimmers, keys, watches. Aussie beaches after a busy summer weekend produce steady finds. In old parks and picnic grounds: coins, buttons, old bottle caps, occasional relics. On historic farmland (with owner's permission): horseshoes, tools, coins from earlier decades. In the WA and NT goldfields (with a Miner's Right): alluvial gold, small nuggets. What you will not find with a $150 detector: deep buried treasure. Depth for coin-sized targets is 4–8 inches for entry-level machines, 10–14 inches for premium models. Set the expectation right and detecting stays fun.
What types of metal detectors are available?
| Type |
Best for |
Frequency |
Price guide |
| Beginner all-rounder |
Kids, beaches, park coins |
7–8 kHz |
$89–$249 |
| Coin and relic |
Old sites, farms, historic ground |
13–15 kHz |
$349–$799 |
| Gold prospecting |
WA and NT goldfields, alluvial gold |
18–30 kHz |
$799–$2,499 |
| Beach and waterproof |
Wet sand, shallow water |
Multi-frequency |
$599–$1,499 |
| Kids detector |
Under 12s, sandpits, park play |
7 kHz |
$59–$149 |
Do you need a permit to metal detect in Australia?
It depends where. Public beaches below the high-tide line — generally open. National parks, state-owned reserves and heritage sites — forbidden without written permission, and detection there can attract fines. Private property — always get the landowner's permission first. Gold prospecting on Crown land requires a Miner's Right in most states ($30–$50 for a multi-year permit), which is cheap and essential. Rules vary by state, so check with your state Department of Mines or the National Parks authority before you go. The hobby is entirely legal when you detect where you are allowed to.
Quick buyer's checklist
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Ground balance: Adjustable balance is essential for WA and NT mineralised soil
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Frequency: Low kHz for large deep targets, high kHz for small gold and thin coins
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Waterproof coil: Beach detecting needs at least a waterproof coil
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Coil size: 8" for tight bush, 11–13" for beaches and open fields
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Discrimination: Separates iron rubbish from real targets
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Battery type: AA batteries are field-swappable; internal lithium is not
Which detector is best for beginners?
A machine in the $150–$300 range with visual target ID, adjustable sensitivity, and basic discrimination. The Garrett Ace and Minelab Vanquish lines are popular starter picks in Australia. Avoid anything under $80 — they are usually toys with poor detection depth. Read reviews from AU detectorists, not US buyers — Australian ground conditions are different, and a detector that works well in North Carolina soil may struggle in Western Sydney clay. If you are buying for a child, a dedicated kids detector at $59–$149 gets the point across without frustration.
How much do metal detectors cost in Australia?
Metal detectors at Simple Deals start from $89 for beginner all-rounder models. Most coin and relic detectors sit between $349 and $799, with gold prospecting rigs and waterproof beach detectors running higher. All items dispatch within 1–2 business days from our Australian warehouses.
What most sites won't admit
Almost every metal detector sold in Australia is imported from the US or China — including ours. The real difference is not where the detector is made, it's what happens after it lands in Australia. Marketplaces dropship straight from overseas containers, which is why "fast delivery" stretches into six weeks. We import in bulk, hold stock across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, and ship from there.
The other thing nobody mentions is that Australian goldfield soil is unusually hard on detectors. Ground in the Kalgoorlie and Pilbara belts is heavily mineralised, which makes a US-tuned detector chirp constantly on nothing when swept over Aussie ground. You either need adjustable ground balance to compensate, or a Pulse Induction detector that handles mineralised soil natively. Neither is on the sub-$200 machines that dominate the "beginner" listings. If you are buying for prospecting and not beach hunting, ground balance is what separates a $250 waste of money from a $700 detector that actually finds gold.
Frequently asked questions
What if my detector arrives damaged?
Contact us within 7 days with photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund under the 12-month warranty. Transit damage is uncommon with boxed detectors.
How deep do metal detectors actually find things?
4–8 inches for coin-sized targets on entry-level machines, 10–14 inches on premium models. Manufacturer claims of "30 inches" are for bucket-sized objects, not coins.
How long does delivery take?
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 3–5 business days. Perth and Adelaide: 5–8 days. Regional and remote areas: 7–14 days.
Can I pay with Afterpay, Zip or PayPal?
Yes, all three. A $499 metal detector works out to four payments of $124.75 with Afterpay, four payments of $124.75 with PayPal Pay in 4, or roughly $42 a month with Zip over 12 months. Klarna is also available.
What's the warranty?
12 months on manufacturing defects, plus 30-day change-of-mind returns on unused detectors in original packaging.
Complete the detecting kit
A detector is the main gear. A few things round out the kit. Most detectorists add three at the same time: outdoor storage for gear and finds, 4WD LED lights for remote prospecting after dark, and power tools for custom pinpointers and digging tool handles.
Why us
Simple Deals — family-run since 2018. Australian warehouse stock. Support on 1300 456 786. Afterpay, Zip, Klarna and PayPal. 12-month warranty, 30-day change-of-mind returns. 4.66★ from 5,363 reviews.
