“The main thing is the camaraderie enjoyed by all in the fossicking community,” the Tathra resident said. 

“We form out own friendships and some of those are for life.”

Gold fossicking was an important part of the European colonial history of Australia, as gold rushes started new towns. A significant mine near Bermagui, the Montreal Goldfield, is the only goldfield in Australia that extended to the sea and has become a tourist attraction. 

Mr Spindler’s passion began when he was only 16.

“I always had a fascination with history and when dad told me about the old Doctor George [Mountain] gold mines I jumped on my push bike and went to have a look,” he said. 

Mr Spindler said there are four main areas for fossicking in the Bega Valley: Wolumla, Whipstick, South Pambula and Yambulla. 

These days he has the “third-best gold detector money can buy”, which he uses to sweep the forest floor while listening if it picks up the mineral.

While he has found gold over the years he did not want to state how much, instead saying his major reward were the friends he has made - “that’s the big gold”.

It is Mr Spindler’s dream to encourage more people to take up gold hunting, saying modern technology has allowed the development of tools that make the hobby far more easier than what the early colonists experienced.

For instance, there is a range of detectors available, modern-day gold pans and maps to show the mineral’s areas.

But he said there are dangers involved, as old mines could be surrounded by hidden holes or have poisonous gases down shafts. 

Also, he said fossicking in National Parks was illegal. 

To fossick, you can obtain a permit from Forestry Corporation NSW. 

“I want to promote fossicking as a healthy outdoor activity that doesn’t cause any harm,” Mr Spindler said.

“Above all, respect the land, the bush and leave it the way you found it.”