Gold Coast beach erosion sparks lucrative metal-detecting boom
Gold Coast beach erosion has led to a surge in metal detecting as enthusiasts search for lost treasures. Some individuals report earning around $1,000 a month from their finds, including valuable jewelry and coins. Coastal experts note that recent storms have created ideal conditions for uncovering buried items, while a sand-pumping project aims to restore the eroded beaches.
- ▪Large swells have eroded Gold Coast beaches, attracting more metal detectorists.
- ▪Some metal detector enthusiasts claim to make about $1,000 a month from their finds.
- ▪A sand-pumping barge is set to return to Gold Coast beaches to restore sand volumes.
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Gold Coast beach erosion sparks metal-detecting boom with some making 'about $1,000 a month'By Gemma SapwellABC Gold CoastTopic:ErosionSat 30 May 2026 at 10:02amSat 30 May 2026 at 10:02amSat 30 May 2026 at 10:02amJosh Cavanagh has been using a metal detector for 15 years. (ABC News: Gemma Sapwell)In short:Large swells have further eroded Gold Coast beaches, leading to a growing number of metal detectorists hitting the sand in search of lost treasure.Some say they can make around $1,000 a month finding jewellery and coins.What's next?A sand-pumping barge is returning to Gold Coast beaches this weekend in a bid to restore sand volumes at eroded beaches.abc.net.au/news/gold-coast-beach-erosion-sparks-metal-detecting-boom/106731654Link copiedShareShare articleLarge swells battering Gold Coast…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).