Stage 3 lockdowns were different this second time round. You were allowed to leave your house for exercise that also included recreational activities. Looking through the rules covering exercise they also included actvities like golf, fishing, horse riding, kayaking. These activities were not allowed first time round. Detecting was not specifically mentioned but they can't list every single hobby or activity. This time round you were allowed to do these activities with one other person as long as personal distancing was maintained. You were expected to stay with in your local government area or shire. Obviously most people do not read past the basic statements of rules. There is more to the stage restrictions than "there are only four reasons to leave your house." If there is a spot with in your local government area that allows detecting, then under the stage three restrictions recently imposed on Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell shire you can go detecting. Those of you shouting out no,no,no stay at home haven't read all the way through the rules. Think about it though. Just because you are in an area where there is no virus and there are heaps of postcodes that haven't had a single case it's no excuse to ignore the warnings. If you can go detecting it would make sense to go alone. If someone is going with you that does not live with you make them take their own car. No stops on the way. You don't need to panic about this just remember to follow the rules and keep your distance. If you are unwell and display symptoms get tested and stay at home. If you follow the health advice and avoid close contact you will be safe. We are in this position because people haven't been following the simple advice. Everyone has read of all the stories of party going, working while sick, gathering and talking in the street 1.5 centimetres apart not 1.5metres. I will do some more research but I think you can still go as long as you stay local with in your shire or local government area.
Cheers Bob