WELCOME to OZTREASURE
Treasure awaits you in the ground, in the sea and in Heaven.
PRESENTED by REX WOODMORE AUSTRALIAN FINE ART
"THE EASIEST WAY TO MAKE A SMALL FORTUNE
in TREASURE HUNTING, IS TO START WITH A LARGE ONE!"
in TREASURE HUNTING, IS TO START WITH A LARGE ONE!"
OZTREASURE is COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
Authors and researchers please note:
LIMITED RIGHTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Authors and researchers please note:
LIMITED RIGHTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
Oztreasure is created for entertainment and to promote my Artwork.
I share my own true stories as I remember them. Other stories, whether from research or told to me, are reproduced in good faith, with the hope that they too are truthful.
Please treat the information presented on Oztreasure as reliable
(or unreliable) as stories shared around a flickering campfire.
And remember:
Don’t sell your house to go looking for treasure, gold, or gems.
I share my own true stories as I remember them. Other stories, whether from research or told to me, are reproduced in good faith, with the hope that they too are truthful.
Please treat the information presented on Oztreasure as reliable
(or unreliable) as stories shared around a flickering campfire.
And remember:
Don’t sell your house to go looking for treasure, gold, or gems.
BEFORE WE GO LOOKING FOR TREASURE
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TREASURE STORIES from AUSTRALIA & BEYOND
SHIPWRECK NEWS 27th November 2022
Relics, quite possibly from the 1656 'Gilt Dragon'
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In 1656, the Dutch ship Gilt Dragon met its fate off the west coast of Australia. The survivors and their treasure disappeared without a trace. However, this year, campers searching along the shoreline stumbled upon a remarkable find, sparking renewed hope in unraveling one of the country's most intriguing maritime enigmas.
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I WAS MENTIONED in HOLLAND FOCUS MAGAZINE
Gilt Dragon NEWS 13th August 2022 I have just found out,
my shipwreck treasure hunting and my painting 'Dragon Drowning' were in 2015 mentioned in Holland Focus Magazine with a whole lot about my diving on the Gilt Dragon.
my shipwreck treasure hunting and my painting 'Dragon Drowning' were in 2015 mentioned in Holland Focus Magazine with a whole lot about my diving on the Gilt Dragon.
TIPS FOR ASPIRING TREASURE HUNTERS
Enjoy the journey, not just the destination. However, keep in mind:
* The best way to make a small fortune is to start with a large one.
* Do not sell your house to fund a treasure hunt based on what you read on Oztreasure!
* Do not take others' words at face value.
* Not everything on the internet is accurate.
* Conduct your own research!
* The best way to make a small fortune is to start with a large one.
* Do not sell your house to fund a treasure hunt based on what you read on Oztreasure!
* Do not take others' words at face value.
* Not everything on the internet is accurate.
* Conduct your own research!
TROUBLE is the SHADOW of TREASURE
('Famous' Saying by Rex Woodmore).
While I don't believe in curses, many associated with the 1656 shipwreck treasure of the VOC Gilt Dragon consider it cursed. Sixty years ago, I dove to the Gilt Dragon's treasure, a dive that nearly ended my life as I almost drowned and was threatened by a shark. I was saved by the legal owner of the salvage rights. This man, Allan Robinson, endured years of persecution and wrongful imprisonment while awaiting trial for charges from which he was always exonerated. Tragically, on the morning he was to face a grave charge—a charge the legal profession believed he would overcome—he was found hanged in his cell, a mysterious bruise marking his head.
THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME
In the 1960s, being one of the youngest members of the Underwater Explorers Club (UEC), I found myself in the fortunate position to experience the thrill of diving into newly discovered shipwrecks, including the earliest Dutch ships that met their fate along the coast of Western Australia.
'THE GILT DRAGON'
A 300 year old Dutch Shipwreck Treasure
Found on the coast of Western Australia in the 1960's
The 1656 wreck of the Gilt Dragon held a trove of valuable items, including six chests of silver coins ('Pieces of eight, four, and two'), ivory tusks, large iron cannons, earthenware jugs, candlestick holders, and heaps of ballast bricks. Notably, at the wreck's northern end lay a single bronze deck cannon, which I personally encountered and touched, yet it remains unrecorded by Western Australian Government archaeologists. I surmise this was the same cannon discovered later, presumably discarded in haste at Shark Bay prior to an official search of a Queensland salvage vessel.
THE SEA and Me
South Coast of Western Australia 2022
In 1964, at the age of 19, I was diving for the Gilt Dragon's treasure when I nearly drowned and found myself encircled by a shark that 'sniffed' my scratched and bleeding legs. I believed my time on Earth had come to an end. Astonishingly, 60 years later, I am still snorkeling and my enthusiasm for treasure hunting remains undiminished!
17th April 2024 UPDATE! I'm still here in 2024! (Praise God!)
I WAS MENTIONED in ‘THE AUSTRALIAN’
News Paper article 30th April 2022
(I wondered why there was a surge of visitors to Oztreasure)
Author Gideon Haigh wrote:
"Former diving partner Rex Woodmore pays Robinson homage with a website, oztreasure...."
Meet Alan Robinson: Australia's most infamous treasure hunter
The Australian. After years of research and exploration, Australia's oldest shipwreck, Trial, was located 17km west-north-west of Western Australia's Montebello Islands on May 3, 1969"
"Former diving partner Rex Woodmore pays Robinson homage with a website, oztreasure...."
Meet Alan Robinson: Australia's most infamous treasure hunter
The Australian. After years of research and exploration, Australia's oldest shipwreck, Trial, was located 17km west-north-west of Western Australia's Montebello Islands on May 3, 1969"
THE MAN WHO SAVED MY LIFE
[Allan Robinson, was one of my instructors in the UEC 'Underwater Explorers Club of Western Australia'. Allan was also my friend, dive mentor and the man who rescued me while diving on the treasure of the 1656 VOC Shipwreck 'The Gilt Dragon']
RIGHT: Allan Robinson, the man who risked his life to save mine, is depicted here in Perth during the 1960s, Western Australia, holding what is now valued at millions of dollars in Gilt Dragon shipwreck coins. These were returned to him after being wrongfully seized by the CIB (Criminal Investigation Bureau). Subsequently, Allan faced persecution from influential figures in high positions. Read the full story:
'Gilt Dragon - A Fair Fight? |
AN INTERESTING ABC PODCAST
5 February, 2010 9:24AM AWST
The shipwreck hunter By Andrew Collins
Dampier's Skipper Brad tells the story of the shipwreck hunter.
Alan Robinson is known as Australia's most infamous shipwreck hunter. He was very good at what he did, finding more than 80 wrecks throughout his life including some very famous ones in North West waters. Alan Robinson is known as Australia's most infamous shipwreck hunter. He was very good at what he did, finding more than 80 wrecks thorugh his life including some very famous ones in North West waters. On the downside he and the law didn't get on - with Alan dying eventually dying in Long Bay Jail.
Alan Robinson is known as Australia's most infamous shipwreck hunter. He was very good at what he did, finding more than 80 wrecks throughout his life including some very famous ones in North West waters. Alan Robinson is known as Australia's most infamous shipwreck hunter. He was very good at what he did, finding more than 80 wrecks thorugh his life including some very famous ones in North West waters. On the downside he and the law didn't get on - with Alan dying eventually dying in Long Bay Jail.
MY GILT DRAGON EXPERIENCE
A LIFE CHANGING EVENT
While diving at the site of the 1656 Gilt Dragon shipwreck, I was abruptly caught and lifted by a succession of six 'King' waves, which repeatedly threw me against the jagged rocks. My life, with all its highs and lows, beauty and flaws, flashed before my eyes like a film, and I thought to myself: "This is the end for me. Will I ascend to Heaven or descend to Hell?" Unsure of God's existence, yet in a moment of desperation, as is common, I cried out for His aid! The sea became tranquil instantly, and even though I was dazed, bleeding, and weary, with a 3-meter Bronze Whaler shark encircling and 'examining' the wounds on my legs, I survived to tell you my tale today.
Read the full story: 'I called out'
OLD GUYS HAVE STORIES TO TELL (2023)
78 years on earth has given me many stories.
TREASURE HUNTING IN AUSTRALIA & BEYOND
Oztreasure features stories that not only encompass my personal adventures but also extend to the remarkable tales shared with me by friends, colleagues, and fellow adventurers. I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey. Among them is my father, who, during his time with the British army in India in 1930, sought treasure beneath the Jhansi Fort.
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Read the full story: Treasures of India
MY DAD WAS A BRITISH SECRET SERVICE OFFICER (Mi4)
The person who had the most profound influence on me was my father. Like his father, Captain Woodmore Sr., he was an adventurer and hunter in India, a highly decorated officer who retired as a Captain in the British Army, and subsequently worked at the British War Office.
Growing up, there was always a subtle hint about something secretive in our family's past. Recently, through the Freedom of Information Act, my brother Frank and I discovered it to be true. Around 1940, our father was recruited by the British Secret Service Military Intelligence (MI4), a branch of MI6, famously associated with the fictional James Bond narratives.
Following World War II, MI4 assumed the responsibility for leasing premises across the British Empire, as well as the disposal of surplus armaments and military equipment, leading to the creation of the "Hirings and Disposals" division. Employees were temporarily assigned to locations such as Cyprus to secure tents and housing for Jews barred from completing their journey to Palestine. MI4 officers were also deployed to Cairo, tasked primarily with the disposal of postwar military equipment, including portable camp sites and armored vehicles. Their duty was to ensure that the purchasers of the surplus military equipment would not use it to the detriment of British interests in the region. From 1948 to 1952, typically only one full-time MI4 officer was stationed in each area, including Egypt, Mauritius, and Kenya. My father was the full-time officer, with my mother, my brother Frank, and I living for one year in each of the aforementioned countries.
My brother Frank and I now understand why our father always carried a handgun (a Webley service revolver, standard issue for MI6). As boys, we led an extraordinary life for about five years across various countries including Egypt, Cyprus, Mauritius, East Africa (where I began school), the UK, and finally, when Dad retired, we settled into a 'normal' life here in Western Australia.
Both of our parents penned their own intriguing memoirs. They hailed from British military families; both of our grandfathers were army captains. Mum and Dad met and married in India, embarking on remarkable adventures thereafter, with Frank and me in tow.
Our father, Philip Reginald Woodmore (1890-1971), served in both World Wars. A firearms expert, he perpetually carried a handgun, even in his 'civilian' role at the British War Office.
Our mother, Mabs Woodmore, was an exceptionally resilient woman, possessing skills not commonly found in the average British lady. She was proficient with both revolver and rifle and, like Dad, was a polyglot.
Mum possessed a remarkable talent for transforming any abode—be it a mud hut, shack, or shanty—into a cozy home for her two sons, husband, and our various dogs, often Dalmatians. In Australia, we spent three years in a fruit packing shed, where I witnessed Mum ingeniously convert wooden boxes into charming curtain-fronted cupboards and a brick barbecue, encircled by sacking and stones, into a functional kitchen. There, she prepared meals from home-grown vegetables, eggs, and chicken. She also milked the cow and goat, crafting cheese from their milk. Her bread, unique and scone-like, was nonetheless delicious.
Both of our parents penned their own intriguing memoirs. They hailed from British military families; both of our grandfathers were army captains. Mum and Dad met and married in India, embarking on remarkable adventures thereafter, with Frank and me in tow.
Our father, Philip Reginald Woodmore (1890-1971), served in both World Wars. A firearms expert, he perpetually carried a handgun, even in his 'civilian' role at the British War Office.
Our mother, Mabs Woodmore, was an exceptionally resilient woman, possessing skills not commonly found in the average British lady. She was proficient with both revolver and rifle and, like Dad, was a polyglot.
Mum possessed a remarkable talent for transforming any abode—be it a mud hut, shack, or shanty—into a cozy home for her two sons, husband, and our various dogs, often Dalmatians. In Australia, we spent three years in a fruit packing shed, where I witnessed Mum ingeniously convert wooden boxes into charming curtain-fronted cupboards and a brick barbecue, encircled by sacking and stones, into a functional kitchen. There, she prepared meals from home-grown vegetables, eggs, and chicken. She also milked the cow and goat, crafting cheese from their milk. Her bread, unique and scone-like, was nonetheless delicious.
ALLAN ROBINSON, SHIPWRECK HUNTER
Others who influenced my life greatly include, one of my instructors in the Underwater Explorers Club (UEC)
Read the full story: Gilt Dragon Treasure
Then there are all the other treasure hunters, gold, gem and Precious
metal prospectors, geologists, metal detectorists, archaeologists and adventurers, all with their own yarns and tales of treasure hunts and adventures around the world.
metal prospectors, geologists, metal detectorists, archaeologists and adventurers, all with their own yarns and tales of treasure hunts and adventures around the world.
MY BROTHER FRANK WOODMORE
Frank, who is five years my senior, has experienced numerous adventures in both business and leisure. As a property developer, he served as the President of the Western Australian Real Estate Institute from 1982 to 1984 and was the developer of a now closed, but once very successful, venture. Christmas Island Casino.
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When Frank resided in Darwin, he belonged to a spearfishing club, and upon returning to Perth, he introduced me to snorkeling. Frank and I also share a passion for camping in the Australian Outback and mineral prospecting. In the 1980s, we staked a large claim in Western Australia for Lead, Copper, Zinc, and Silver. These claims laid the foundation for a mining syndicate and eventually led to the formation of a mining company named 'Century Metals and Mining,' which launched with a $2 million public offering.
SEARCHING FOR TREASURE
Enjoy the journey and not just the destination!
The Lost Treasures Of the Deep
Join Titanic discoverer Dr. Robert Ballard and his team on their latest undersea adventure! Far beneath the ocean's surface lies a world of mystery and lost treasure. But the laws of the sea can't end the debate over who may stake claim to these centuries-old Roman ships, Spanish galleons, and luxury liners.
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Join Dr. Robert Ballard and his team of experts as they embark on a remarkable maritime expedition to the Mediterranean Sea where, a half mile underwater, they discover and study ancient shipwrecks. And witness two generations of treasure hunters who make their living finding and selling silver, gold, and other riches from the ocean floor. You'll meet these fearless individuals - from explorers and archaeologists who profit from their finds - as they risk everything to uncover the great
TREASURES OF THE DEEP.
TREASURES OF THE DEEP.
METAL DETECTING
The cost of equipment might seem a bit daunting
But the value of my finds have paid off my equipment (threefold)
Valuable items discovered during beach and river detecting, like rings, are submitted to the Western Australian Police to be held for two months. Items that may have historical significance, such as relics protected by the Marine Archaeology Act 1973, are reported to the W.A. Museum. In conducting my activities, I ensure to act with integrity and confidentiality, maintaining a professional, friendly, and respectful approach towards Private and Public Land, the environment—both natural and constructed—Historical, Aboriginal heritage sites, and Maritime shipwreck sites.
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Read the full story: 'Detecting Projects'
MINERAL PROSPECTING
I have found geological treasures: gems and valuable minerals!
I have conducted research and searches for various minerals, including gems, lead, copper, silver, and gold. I discovered emeralds in the Yalgoo Goldfields and found corundum, rubies of near-gem quality, and chrysoberyl in the Western Australia Wheatbelt.
While I may not have engaged in extensive gold detecting like many enthusiasts on YouTube, I have discovered a few small nuggets through a combination of panning and metal detecting. Additionally, I have found silver and gold jewelry on the beaches of Western Australia.
Read the full story: 'Geological Buried Treasure'
MY MEANDERING PATH
A Quest for truth
In my early forties, individuals (including Lyn, the lovely lady to whom I am now married) entered my life and gently guided me towards the right path; however, before that, my understanding of spiritual truth was minimal. During my quest for truth and wisdom, I explored various routes that ultimately led to dead ends. Intriguingly, no one was ever 'shocked' or repelled by my ideas and misconceptions. They were open to discussion and debate, yet now, when I share the truth, they recoil.
READ THE FULL STORY
READ THE FULL STORY
SEEK TRUTH
In the quest for treasure, first pursue truth. Upon discovering it, you shall find both. Logic proclaims that there is but one truth; all else is falsehood.
HAVE FAITH
"They laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at them because they are all the same." If you view my faith as a 'problem,' understand that it is my choice, not yours. Are you shocked or offended? If so, why? If you really want to know, here is the answer?
FIND WISDOM
It is not gained by age, intelligence or education.
SEEK & YOU WILL FIND
Anyone seeking wisdom, has the potential to find it and like a good treasure hunting story, it begins with ancient writings full of clues.
In my search for Truth faith and wisdom, I travelled along many paths that led to a dead end, but eventually I found it in a collection of texts written over a span of approximately 1,500 years by multiple authors.
It was all there in the world's best-selling book, just waiting to be dusted off and read with an open mind.
In my search for Truth faith and wisdom, I travelled along many paths that led to a dead end, but eventually I found it in a collection of texts written over a span of approximately 1,500 years by multiple authors.
It was all there in the world's best-selling book, just waiting to be dusted off and read with an open mind.
WE HAVE A RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF CHOICE
We can believe whatever we want to believe.
But is what you believe, the truth?
Christianity possesses a uniquely powerful aspect that seems to confront people in a way that other belief systems do not. Discussions about various belief systems or the occult typically proceed without negative reactions; however, when the topic of Christian faith arises, it can sometimes provoke hostility.
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The biblical view of wisdom is multifaceted and richly explored in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are some key aspects:
- Fear of the Lord: Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” This fear isn’t about terror but rather reverence and awe. Recognizing God’s sovereignty and aligning our lives with His principles leads to wisdom.
- God as the Source: James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, emphasizing that He gives it generously. Wisdom isn’t merely intellectual; it’s a gift from God that enables us to navigate life’s complexities.
- Practical Living: Wisdom in the Bible involves practical application. Proverbs is filled with advice on relationships, work, finances, and ethical behavior. For instance, Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.”
- Discernment: Wisdom helps us discern right from wrong, truth from deception. It’s not just knowledge but the ability to make godly choices. Hebrews 5:14 speaks of mature believers who have “their powers of discernment trained by constant practice.”
- Christ as Wisdom: In 1 Corinthians 1:24, Jesus is called “the wisdom of God.” His teachings exemplify divine wisdom. Colossians 2:3 says, “In [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
- Humility: True wisdom involves humility. James 3:17 describes godly wisdom as “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit.”
I FOUND THE GREATEST TREASURE OF ALL!
And I am willing to share it with you! [email protected]
I didn't always hold the beliefs I now have, which is that the greatest treasure one can conceive pales in comparison to what I've discovered within ancient scriptures and my engagement with the divine creation of life, plants, animals, and humanity. This treasure is evident everywhere—above us in the sky, across the Outback, within forests, deserts, beaches, seas, and even in our local parks and home gardens.
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SOME PEOPLE 'TREASURE' MY ART
Invest in art while the artist is alive!
Invest in art while the artist is alive!
In 2009, upon retiring from my regular job, I reinvented myself as an artist. My artwork has been featured by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in Australia's Artists Palette Magazine, and on the cover of an Italian novel published by Mondadori, Italy's largest book publisher. To date, I have sold 100 of my original paintings to international clients for as much as $1500 each. While not quite reaching the price tag of a Van Gogh, which would add five more zeros to mine, it's noteworthy that Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime!
Australian Fine Art By Rex Woodmore
Australian Fine Art By Rex Woodmore
PART OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF MY ART,
GOES TO PROVIDING THE GIFT OF FRESH WATER TO THE NEEDY.
GOES TO PROVIDING THE GIFT OF FRESH WATER TO THE NEEDY.
WATER: WE SHOULD TREASURE IT!
Water is more important to survival than silver & gold!
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Fresh drinking water is a precious commodity to us all! There are thousands of areas across the globe without a drop of clean drinking water. https://www.irelandoutreach.org/ |
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