BBQInterested in the historical treasures of the Victorian Goldfields? Check out these panoramic virtual views of various significant sites throughout the goldfields! Simply follow the 'view' links provided below to be taken to Google's virtual Photo Sphere for each location.
Please note that if you have arrived at this page through the Facebook app, there may be some issues with the Photo Sphere displaying properly.
Gold Dredge and Dragline, Porcupine Flat VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
This fascinating gold dredge and dragline lies just outside Maldon, Victoria. Mr George Heywood started working the site in 1958 where he developed the dredge operation on Porcupine Creek. He purchased the dredge sometime after 1958, although it may not have been operational until after 1973. Operations continued with moderate success until 1984.
Red, White and Blue Mine, Muckleford VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The Red, White and Blue Mine is a sight to behold, with a poppet head complete with winding wheels and remains of timberwork, a mine shaft, machinery site, mullock heap and dams. The poppet head was originally from the Bendigo Deborah United Mine.
North British Mine and Quartz Kilns, Maldon VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The ruins of the North British Mine are fascinating and quite extensive, and the quartz kilns are an excellent example of early mining techniques in Maldon. There is a large, open mine shaft surrounded by a tall fence for safety.
Bull Gully Battery Dam and Eucalyptus Distillery, Daisy Hill VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The Bull Gully Battery Dam and Eucalyptus Distillery is located just outside Maryborough in the Craigie State Forest. The area was used during the gold rush to crush and process quartz from mines in the area. After gold processing operations ceased, some of the equipment was adapted to be used for a eucalyptus distillery.
Union Hill Mine Lookout, Maldon VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The Union Hill Mine in Maldon VIC is still operational. There is a great roadside lookout, accessed via a set of steps, with views of the mine site below.
Duke of Cornwall Engine House, Fryerstown VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The ruins of the impressive Duke of Cornwall Engine House can be found along the Vaughan-Chewton Road in Fryerstown, Victoria. The ruins are a rare surviving treasure of 19th century mining.
Black Hill Reserve, Ballarat VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The Black Hill Reserve in Ballarat is an impressive patch of parkland just minutes from the CBD which offers amazing views over Ballarat, remnants of open cut and shaft mining, incredible scenery, beautiful (but steep) walking tracks, picnic tables, and an excellent Mountain Bike Park. Wooden steps descend down through pine trees into the beautiful open cut gorge, a remnant of the site's mining days.
Balaclava Mine, Whroo VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The Balaclava Mine is a huge open cut mine in the ghost town of Whroo, VIC. This mine has been explored and recorded by both the Victorian Historical Mine Shaft Chasers Inc and the Historical Underground Mines of Victoria.
Port Phillip Mine, Clunes VIC
Image source: Google Maps Photo Sphere (screenshot)
The Port Phillip Mine was an extremely significant mine site in Clunes Victoria. The Port Phillip Company invested heavily in equipment. With 80 stampers it boasted one of the largest gold plants in the world. The quartz kilns of the Port Phillip Company are some of the earliest man-made structures surviving at Clunes. The Port Phillip Company was one of the top five productive gold mines in Victoria, producing 16,000 kilograms of gold!
What's your favourite place to explore in the Victorian Goldfields? Let us know in the comments below.
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