Imagine uncovering forgotten treasures and lost histories right beneath your feet! Camille Chicheportiche, a former federal agent turned modern-day explorer, is doing just that, dedicating nearly a decade to unearthing the past, and she's only just getting started.
You might know Camille from her appearance on the popular TV show "The Traitors," or perhaps she's been the hero who returned your precious lost jewelry from the depths of the ocean. Her incredible journey into treasure hunting began unexpectedly about seven years ago, almost on a whim.
"I do recognize treasure hunting is quite an unusual hobby," she shared with Region. "I literally just thought, ‘What a cool hobby and what could I find?’ … There’s a whole mix of the thrill of it, the unknown of it, unearthing history, unearthing valuable things – all that comes into why you do it."
But here's where it gets fascinating: Camille emphasizes that mastering treasure hunting is far more than just waving a metal detector around. "Anyone can buy a detector, and it will beep at some metal. Knowing how to get the really tricky stuff, the old stuff that’s tangled up in roots or really deep and being able to understand this is actually going to be something really good [is harder]." It's about understanding the nuances of the technology and the environment.
Her incredible finds have spanned from simple $2 coins to a breathtaking $16,000 engagement ring that was accidentally lost. She's also unearthed stunning gold bracelets, necklaces, and even a unique gold Australian military forces button from a high-ranking soldier's uniform, which had been ingeniously converted into a locket. While these exceptionally valuable items are rare, Camille confirms they do surface.
She describes herself as a "sort of modern-day archaeologist, a modern-day pirate, reaping rewards." Once the cost of the detector is covered, every subsequent find is pure bonus!
When embarking on her quests around Canberra, Camille utilizes a specialized waterproof metal detector capable of reaching depths of up to 15 meters. She also carries a pinpointer (a small, handheld detector) and digging tools. For her expeditions along the South Coast, she adds a wetsuit and snorkel to her gear, allowing her to explore the mysteries hidden beneath the waves.
"I always recommend a pair of good gloves to protect your hands, a finds pouch (that also means rubbish pouch) and some protective equipment," she advises. For Camille, success is a blend of luck, strategic location selection, diligent hard work, and honed skill. "You need time on your detector – that’s as simple as it is. People can’t go out once a month for one hour and think they’re going to master it."
She also adheres to crucial ethical guidelines, such as respecting private property and other sensitive sites. Beyond her treasure hunting, Camille is also a familiar face on the Discovery Channel's "Treasure Hunters Down Under," with a second season soon to begin production.
While she keeps her future search locations a secret, her adventures are far from over. "We’re going to be filming for the Discovery Channel. We’re going to still keep trying to help local Canberrans find stuff," she revealed. "[I’ll also keep] going out by myself and growing the YouTube channel and getting in the water more down the coast. I’m definitely not stopping."
But here's the part that sparks debate: Is the thrill of unearthing the past more about the monetary value of the finds, or the historical significance and the story behind each object? What do you think? Does the idea of being a modern-day treasure hunter appeal to you, or do you see it differently?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
