Have you ever wondered what secrets lie buried beneath your feet? Meet Camille Chicheportiche, the modern-day treasure hunter who’s turning Canberra’s soil—and its waters—into a thrilling adventure. With nearly a decade of experience, Camille isn’t just digging up coins; she’s unearthing stories, from lost jewelry to historic military artifacts. But here’s where it gets controversial: is treasure hunting a hobby, a profession, or something in between? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about luck; it’s a blend of skill, research, and persistence.
You might recognize Camille from her daring rescues of lost treasures on the ocean floor or her appearance on The Traitors. But her journey began almost serendipitously. ‘I thought, “What a cool hobby—what could I find?”’ she recalls. ‘There’s the thrill of the unknown, the joy of uncovering history, and the excitement of finding something valuable.’ Yet, she’s quick to clarify: ‘It’s not just about swinging a metal detector and hoping for the best.’ The real challenge? Mastering the detector to find the ‘tricky stuff’—items tangled in roots or buried deep beneath the surface.
From $2 coins to a $16,000 engagement ring, Camille’s discoveries are as varied as they are fascinating. One standout find? A gold button from a high-ranking Australian soldier’s uniform, repurposed into a locket. ‘Finding expensive items is rare,’ she admits, ‘but it does happen.’ And her philosophy? ‘Once you pay off your detector, everything else is a bonus.’
But what does it take to become a treasure hunter? For Camille, it’s a mix of ‘luck, location scouting, hard work, and skill.’ She equips herself with a waterproof metal detector (effective up to 15 meters underwater), a pinpoint detector, and digging tools. For coastal expeditions, she adds a wetsuit and snorkel to her kit. Her pro tip? ‘Always wear gloves and carry a finds pouch—and don’t forget protective gear.’
Here’s the controversial part: while Camille respects boundaries—avoiding private property and restricted sites—the ethics of treasure hunting often spark debate. Is it preservation or exploitation? She’s not just a solo adventurer; she’s also a star on Discovery Channel’s Treasure Hunters Down Under, soon entering its second season. Though she keeps her next locations under wraps, one thing’s certain: her quest isn’t slowing down.
‘We’re still helping Canberrans find their lost items,’ she says. ‘And I’m growing my YouTube channel, 10 Targets Detecting, while exploring more coastal waters. I’m definitely not stopping.’
So, what do you think? Is treasure hunting a noble pursuit or a risky endeavor? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to follow Camille’s adventures on YouTube. The ground beneath us might just hold more stories than we ever imagined.
