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There are some seriously stunning views to be found over old gold workings throughout the Victorian Goldfields!
The dramatic visual effects left behind by extensive diggings, hydraulic sluicing and open cut mining operations can sometimes make for some pretty incredible scenes.
Check out some of the region's best lookouts where you can look down over amazing old mining operations across the Goldfields!
Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve, Heathcote
The Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve is a remarkable area to visit on the edge of Heathcote!
Once a hydraulic sluicing site, mining activity in the late 19th century washed away the top layer of earth and revealed the dramatic, colourful cliffs on display today.
A walking track takes you on an educational circuit walk, showcasing the stunning geological features of the Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve as well as providing information signs and lookout points along the way.
Find out more about the Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve in Heathcote.
Red Knob Mining Landscape, Vaughan
When driving through the gorgeous little town of Vaughan, you'll be sure to notice the stunning red landscape in the valley beside the road.
Known as Red Knob, these dramatic cliffs are the result of hydraulic sluicing operations in the mid 20th century.
You can get a great view over the valley from a roadside lookout!
Find out more about the Red Knob Mining Landscape in Vaughan.
Bristol Hill, Maryborough
Maryborough's iconic Bristol Hill Pioneer Memorial Tower was built in 1933 during the Great Depression. It was based upon and named after Bristol Reef, which was mined from the late 1850's.
The tower is located at the edge of Bristol Hill Reserve and offers amazing views of the town, surrounding bushland, and remnants of old mining operations.
Find out more about Bristol Hill in Maryborough.
Deep Lead Mining, Volcanos and Dinosaurs, Lawrence
This roadside lookout between Clunes and Smeaton offers views across the site of an ancient thermal lake, old volcanoes on the horizon, and the Spring Hill and Central Leads mine where fossils were discovered by gold miners over a century ago.
Part of the fascinating Buried Rivers of Gold Trail, this lookout is accompanied by an illustrated information sign which stands alongside the parking area.
Find out more about this deep lead mine and its fascinating history in Lawrence.
Balaclava Mine, Whroo
Visit the impressive Balaclava Mine at Whroo and look down from the edge into this massive old mine!
The Balaclava Mine was opened in 1855 and it became the most extensive, famous and rich mine in the north eastern district!
Multiple lookout points provide views down over the extensive workings below.
Find out more about the Balaclava Mine in Whroo.
Victoria Hill, Bendigo
Take a walk through the Victoria Hill Mining Reserve and explore the historical site of what was once the world's deepest gold mine.
A huge poppet head has been converted into a lookout platform, a dominant feature of the reserve.
Carefully climb the steps to the lookout and take in the beautiful views over Bendigo, check out the extensive gold workings below, and see how many other poppet heads you can spot around the town!
Find out more about Victoria Hill in Bendigo.
Black Hill, Ballarat
The Black Hill Reserve in Ballarat is an impressive patch of parkland just minutes from the CBD which offers amazing views over Ballarat, lookouts over remnants of open cut and shaft mining, incredible scenery, beautiful walking tracks, picnic tables, and an excellent Mountain Bike Park.
Find out more about Black Hill in Ballarat.
Union Hill Mine Lookout, Maldon
Visit this roadside lookout area in Maldon and take a look down over the Union Hill Mine!
Gold was first discovered at this site in the mid 1850s, and during the 19th century roughly 250,000 ounces of gold was recovered. Those early finds were achieved by numerous individuals, associations and companies.
Today the site consists of a modern open cut mine which was worked from the late 20th century, with a decline at the far end.
Find out more about the Union Hill Gold Mine Lookout at Maldon.
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.
Check out the PMAV website for more information.
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