Wildlife Nerd | Gold Hunter | Land Pirate
Conservationist & Outback Storyteller

—————-

Pilbara-based gold prospector and conservationist Kyle Wilson shares insights from his adventurous life, rooted in the coastal town of Karratha, Western Australia. From childhood escapades in nature to co-running a gold mining company, he emphasizes a deep respect for the land and Indigenous culture. Recently featured on Aussie Gold Hunters, he reflects on the blend of storytelling and prospecting, highlighting the importance of preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage while pursuing his passion. With plans to feature on storytelling platforms and podcasts, Kyle encourages others to explore the wild and connect with the environment mindfully.

Background

————

I grew up in the quiet little seaside town of Geraldton, WA, where sweeping farmlands meet the turquoise sea. My childhood was a wild mix of bush adventures, beach days, and backyard wildlife encounters. I was the barefoot kid chasing lizards through the scrub, fishing off the rocks, and climbing anything climbable.

*Photo by Kyle Wilson*
*@he_is_wild_and_free*

I’ve always felt more at home outside than in — nature just made sense to me. That curiosity led me to a career that’s taken me deep into the outback: from working in conservation and cultural heritage to becoming a gold prospector and storyteller of the land. These days, I’m based up in the Pilbara — harsh country, rich in spirit — where I co-run a small-scale gold mining company and spend every spare second exploring, filming, and sharing the beauty and challenges of life on country.

At my core, I’m a blend of old-school values and wild ambition. I live to inspire people to reconnect with nature, respect Indigenous culture, and find the magic in the dirt beneath their boots. Whether it’s chasing storms, unearthing gold, or spotting wildlife few ever see — it’s all part of my journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I got older, my focus drifted away from what most kids my age were into. I gave sports and the typical social scenes a wide berth and spent my time outdoors, where I felt truly alive. I’d disappear for hours scouting the local creeks, searching for the mysterious creatures that called them home. At just 12 years old, I became a volunteer wildlife carer — and from that moment on, I knew exactly where my heart belonged. I found my passion early, and I’ve been chasing it ever since.

Hope that gives you a little window into where it all began!

Your career has spanned diverse fields, from conservation to gold prospecting. What motivated these choices? and what was the biggest challenge you faced when transitioning from conservation and cultural heritage to co-running a gold mining company?

————

I love this question — because the truth is, I’ve never really stepped away from conservation or cultural heritage. I still work a 2:2 FIFO roster as a heritage field officer, facilitating surveys and helping protect Aboriginal sites across the Pilbara. That work keeps me grounded in everything I value — respect for country, deep time, and the voices of Traditional Owners.

On my two weeks off, I switch gears and co-run a small gold mining company with one of my mates and business partner Levi. It sounds like a big leap, but for me it’s just a different expression of the same passion: spending time on country, working with the land — not against it — and operating with integrity. Our approach is more prospecting than mining in the traditional sense. We spend long days out there with our detectors, walking the gullies, reading the land, and tuning in to subtle changes in geology and vegetation.

We do have an excavator for light mechanical aid — just one of the perks of living in the modern world — but it’s a precision tool, not a bulldozer. Every move we make is calculated and conscious. I see gold prospecting as a continuation of my connection to the land. It’s slow, mindful, often backbreaking work — but it keeps me deeply in tune with the rhythms of the environment.

There’s something ancient and honest about it. And doing it the right way, with respect and care, feels like a natural extension of everything I’ve ever stood for.

You were recently picked up by the Australian Television show 'Aussie Gold Hunters' to be featured in their upcoming Season 10 series. Can you tell us a bit about that experience?

——….——

It all kicked off in the most unexpected way. I’d been sharing little bits of my life on country through Instagram — wildlife clips, gold finds, adventures out bush — and somewhere along the line, it caught the eye of one of the producers from Aussie Gold Hunters. I got a message out of the blue asking if I’d ever considered being on the show. At first I honestly thought it was a scam!! But after a few back-and-forths, I realised it was the real deal — and before long, I was on a Zoom call with the casting team telling them my story.

Levi — my mate and now business partner — had actually already been on the show for three seasons before I joined. So when the idea came up for me to team up with him for Season 10, it felt like the stars aligned. We’d already been prospecting together for a few years behind the scenes, so stepping in front of the camera just meant bringing that dynamic into the spotlight. And together, we were able to step things up a level and forge something new.

The whole filming process was a wild ride. It was equal parts exhilarating and challenging. There’s a big difference between doing something naturally and doing it with a camera crew in tow — but the production team were absolute legends, and they gave us the space to be ourselves. We didn’t try to be anything we weren’t. We just kept doing what we do — prospecting respectfully, living in tune with the land, and letting the story unfold.

That experience gave me a massive boost in confidence. It helped me realise that there’s power in storytelling — that people are actually interested in the way we live and work. That fire lit a path for me to start sharing more intentionally through Instagram — to show the highs, the hardships, the wildlife, the remote landscapes, and everything in between. And I’ve been loving every second of that creative journey ever since.

To date, what has been the largest gold nugget you’ve pulled out of the ground?

——….——

Ahhh the golden question! The biggest nugget I’ve personally pulled out of the ground was a beautiful, solid piece of pure gold weighing exactly one ounce. It was one of those magic moments — the kind that gets your heart racing as soon as you hear that unmistakable tone on the detector. Not buried deep either — just sitting there waiting for the right boots to walk by.

Now, as a company, Levi and I have uncovered nuggets much bigger than that — but of course, I always seem to be away at work when the big ones decide to show themselves! Typical, right? But hey… I reckon that just means there’s a monster still out there with my name on it. Somewhere under the Pilbara dirt, it’s waiting — and I’ll be ready.

What challenges have you faced in protecting Aboriginal sites, and how did you address them?

——….——

That’s a really important question — and also a delicate one. Out of respect for the communities and the cultural responsibilities involved, I don’t feel it’s my place to speak in detail about the work I do in the cultural heritage space. What I can say is that I approach every interaction with the understanding that I’m walking on country that holds deep spiritual and cultural significance — and that comes with a responsibility to listen, learn, and protect.

One of the biggest challenges in this space is finding the balance between development and preservation. But I’ve always believed that with genuine communication, respect for cultural protocols, and a willingness to slow down and understand what matters most, it’s possible to find a path forward that honours both progress and protection.

For me, the most important part of heritage work is building relationships — not just ticking boxes. It’s about walking alongside Traditional Owners, not ahead of them. And that mindset guides everything I do, whether I’m in a professional role or simply spending time on country.

Do you have any exciting plans for the future in the works?

——….——

Absolutely — I’ve always got a few wild plans bubbling away!! Right now, I’m focused on building up my storytelling platform even more through social media, sharing raw and real content that celebrates life on country. I’ve got a backlog of adventures, wildlife encounters, and behind-the-scenes gold prospecting moments ready to drop — and I’m excited to explore podcasting and other storytelling platforms as a way to dive deeper into the conversations and give a voice to the characters and stories that often go unheard.

*Photo of Kyle Wilson Instagram*
*@he_is_wild_and_free*

Long term, I’d love to take what I’ve started on Instagram and turn it into something bigger — whether it’s a nature-based docuseries, a presenting role, or creating a platform that helps connect people with the Aussie outback in a meaningful, respectful way. There’s a massive gap in modern media for genuine bush storytellers — and I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible.

Your social media account hosts an array of stunning Australian wildlife and scenery. During your day trips, have you ever had an unexpected encounter with the local wildlife? Or discovered any surprising hidden gems?

——….——

When it comes to wildlife encounters, honestly… they’re almost a daily occurrence out here. That’s one of the things I love most about living and working on country — you never really know what you’re going to come across, but every encounter, no matter how small, feels just as special as the last. Whether it’s spotting a rarely seen reptile, hearing the call of an elusive bird at sunrise, or catching a shimmer of colour from a camouflaged insect — there’s always something extraordinary if you take the time to look.

Lastly, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for fellow Explorers out there?

——….——

My advice? Stay curious, stay humble, and get your boots dirty. You don’t need a massive budget, fancy gear, or a film crew to be an explorer — you just need the courage to step outside and start looking. Whether it’s following an animal track through a dry creek bed, sitting quietly under a ghost gum at dusk, or chasing the faint hum of a target on the detector — there’s magic in those little moments.

Respect the land. Listen to the people who’ve walked it far longer than any of us. Learn their stories, learn the signs, and always give more than you take. This country has a heartbeat, and if you slow down enough, you’ll feel it. And finally — document your journey. Not for the likes or the followers, but to remind yourself of how far you’ve come, and to inspire others who might just need that one spark to get out there themselves. There’s still so much wildness left in this world — and we need more people out there protecting it, celebrating it, and living it fully.