The nugget was found in the bush right off the main road through Kingower, a small town not far from Inglewood.
The spot is right on the edge of the Kingower State Forest, which remains a popular destination for gold prospecting to this day.
A large quartz monument commemorates the discovery of the gold nugget, erected by the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria in 2010. A plaque atop the monument displays the following text:
The Hand of Faith gold nugget
Weight 876 ozs
Found at this site by Kevin Hillier on 26th September 1980
Erected by Prospectors & Miners Association Victoria
2010
A plaque has been added to the base of the monument in memory of the gold nugget's finder, Kevin Hillier.
How to get to the Hand of Faith discovery site
You will find the Hand of Faith discovery site by following signs from the intersection of Inglewood-Rheola Rd and Ironbark Dam Rd.
Once on Ironbark Dam Rd, keep an eye out for the small sign affixed to a tree, indication the spot where you should turn into the bush towards the site.
You can also reach the site on foot, beginning at the picnic area on Inglewood-Rheola Rd, opposite the Ironbark Dam Rd turnoff.
Take a look at the map above on this page for exact location.
Gold prospecting in the area
The areas around Inglewood and Wedderburn are famous for their history of massive gold discoveries, including the unforgettable Hand of Faith!
The region remains a popular destination for gold prospectors to this day.
MORE IMAGES AND INFORMATION about the hand of faith
The Bendigo Prospecting Club Facebook page provides a
photo album dedicated to Kevin Hillier and the Hand of Faith, which is a fantastic collection of images to check out.
There is a website dedicated to the Hand of Faith,
www.handoffaith.com, which is filled with stories and images.
The Golden Nugget Casino also has a
page on the Hand of Faith, which still sits in their lobby today.
PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA
Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.
You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by
becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.
SEE ALSO