Aussie Mates Strike It Big with $161,000 Nugget in the WA Outback

Two long-time prospecting friends from Western Australia have hit the jackpot — uncovering a massive 895-gram gold nugget near the remote gold town of Sandstone.

The pair, who’ve spent decades chasing gold across the outback, were detecting in late May when their day took a golden turn. First, they unearthed a one-ounce nugget valued at over $5,000. But it was what came next that truly made history. Following a strong signal, they dug just 25cm down and revealed a monster nugget now estimated to be worth $161,000, based on current Perth Mint gold prices.

According to James Allison, president of the Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders Association of WA, the men celebrated their incredible find with a well-earned beer before heading straight back out the next morning to continue the hunt. Their story made the front page of the Kalgoorlie Miner and has sparked renewed interest in gold detecting across the region.

WA has a long and storied gold history — and while big nuggets like this are becoming rarer, they’re still out there. Natural, alluvial nuggets like the one found in Sandstone are especially prized, often fetching higher prices than refined gold due to their unique shapes and collector appeal.

So if you’ve ever thought about giving prospecting a go… this might just be your sign. There's still gold in them thar hills!

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The nugget was lying just 25cm beneath the surface — a depth easily overlooked by the average prospector, but not these seasoned mates. What makes this story even more remarkable is that it happened after they'd already found a smaller, one-ounce nugget earlier that same day. Two solid finds in one session — the kind of day every detectorist dreams of.

According to James Allison from the Amalgamated Prospectors and Leaseholders Association of WA, the duo didn’t waste any time celebrating their success. After a few well-earned beers that evening, they were back out the next day, detectors in hand and eyes sharp. As any prospector knows, momentum like that is worth chasing.

Their discovery has stirred fresh excitement in the WA detecting community. It’s a powerful reminder that there’s still big gold to be found — even in well-trodden areas like Sandstone. While it's true that large nuggets are becoming less common, WA remains one of the world’s richest alluvial gold regions, and stories like this prove there’s still plenty left for those willing to put in the time.

Natural gold nuggets like the one uncovered are often referred to as alluvial gold — meaning they’ve broken off from their original source and been carried by erosion into nearby soil or streambeds. These nuggets are especially sought-after by collectors and investors because of their rarity, unique shapes, and natural beauty. In fact, alluvial gold can fetch up to 30% more than refined gold bars or coins due to its desirability.

This latest find adds to a string of recent gold success stories across WA, including prospectors and even TV personalities like Tyler Mahoney uncovering nuggets worth thousands in the region. But beyond the dollar value, it’s the thrill of the hunt that keeps detectorists returning to the bush week after week. The serenity, the sense of possibility, and the chance — however slim — of striking gold.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s still worth picking up a detector or planning a trip to the goldfields… this is your sign. With the right gear, a little knowledge, and a lot of persistence, the next legendary find could be yours.