NSW woman discovers $20k of gold in her backyard

A NSW South Coast woman has discovered a package containing $20,000 worth of gold bullion in her backyard.

The Kiama woman handed in the gold to Lake Illawarra Police Station last Thursday, saying she did not know where it had come from, police say.

She had discovered the package two days earlier.

Police are now trying to find the rightful owner of the gold, but have emphasised that proof of ownership will be required.

The identity of the woman has not been revealed.

The discovery was made public this afternoon.