Ever wondered what secrets lie buried beneath your feet? Meet Camille Chicheportiche, the modern-day archaeologist who’s turning Canberra’s soil—and its waters—into a treasure trove of history. With nearly a decade of experience, Camille isn’t just digging up the past; she’s redefining what it means to be a treasure hunter in the 21st century. But here’s where it gets controversial: is treasure hunting a hobby, a profession, or something in between? Let’s dive in.
You might recognize Camille from her heroic ocean rescues, where she’s reunited lost jewelry with its owners, or perhaps you cheered her on in the gripping TV series The Traitors. Either way, her journey began almost serendipitously about seven years ago. ‘I thought, “What a cool hobby—what could I find?”’ she recalls. ‘It’s the thrill of the unknown, the joy of unearthing history, and the chance to discover something valuable.’
But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just about waving a metal detector and hoping for the best. ‘It’s all about the user and understanding how to maximize the detector’s potential,’ Camille explains. ‘Anyone can buy one, but finding the really tricky stuff—the old artifacts tangled in roots or buried deep—that’s where skill comes in.’ And her finds? They range from everyday $2 coins to a jaw-dropping $16,000 engagement ring that slipped off a woman’s finger. ‘You eventually stumble upon gold bracelets, necklaces—even historical relics like a gold Australian military button converted into a locket,’ she shares.
While striking gold is rare, Camille admits, ‘It does happen.’ And when it does, she quips, ‘You’re like a modern-day pirate, reaping rewards. Once you pay off your detector, everything else is a bonus.’
So, what’s in her toolkit? When exploring Canberra’s sites, Camille packs a waterproof metal detector (effective up to 15 meters underwater), a pinpoint detector, and digging tools. For her South Coast adventures, she adds a wetsuit and snorkel to uncover underwater treasures. ‘Always wear gloves, bring a finds pouch (aka a rubbish pouch), and don’t forget protective gear,’ she advises.
But success isn’t just about gear—it’s a mix of ‘luck, location scouting, hard work, and skill.’ Camille emphasizes, ‘You need time on your detector. You can’t master this by going out once a month for an hour.’ And, of course, there are rules: no trespassing on private property, and always respect the sites you explore.
Beyond her solo hunts, Camille is a star of Discovery Channel’s Treasure Hunters Down Under, which is gearing up for its second season. While she keeps her next locations under wraps, one thing’s certain: her adventures aren’t slowing down. ‘We’ll keep helping Canberrans find their lost treasures, growing my YouTube channel, and diving deeper along the coast,’ she says. ‘I’m definitely not stopping.’
And this is the part most people miss: treasure hunting isn’t just about the finds—it’s about preserving history, connecting with the past, and sharing those stories with the world. So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is treasure hunting a form of archaeology, or does it cross ethical boundaries? Let’s debate it in the comments!
Follow Camille’s thrilling adventures on her YouTube channel, 10 Targets Detecting (https://www.youtube.com/@10TargetsDetecting/), and join her as she uncovers the hidden gems of Canberra—and beyond.
