It was a treasure hunt for the whole family, with prospectors of all ages flocking to Lake Wendouree at the weekend in search of gold. The annual gold panning event was held by Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria.
It offered a chance for families to unearth treasures at Durham Point on the north side of the lake to mark International Metal Detecting Day. Event organiser Mark Day said countries across the world marking the occasion.
“Different countries will be doing different things, while Europe prospectors will be looking for coins and relics, Australia is renowned for its gold fields,” he said.
“For the children the day is about the excitement of finding something, the excitement of finding a treasure. It’s great to see their little faces light up when they have found something.”
Ballarat resident Michael Keen took his daughter Lily, 6, gold panning for the first time.
“She has loved it,” Mr Keen said. “We’ve found a few of the gold tokens that have been hidden around the lake so it’s been great.”
