Boden's Water Races Part Two - 10 Kms

U3A Hike No. 108

Report by Chris Charleson
After meeting in Smythesdale, ten hikers and their 3 leaders travelled in convoy through the Ross Creek/ Enfield State Forest to the start of our walk. 

For much of our journey we encountered various of the water race system set up to service the 19th century mining in the area.  The race systems were hand dug by miners working for the various companies that the race served. Each race system had to be registered with the local surveyor before works could be undertaken. The water was directed to two relatively shallow dams. 

The main one that we followed today was constructed by Thomas Boden who was responsible for much of the water transfer infrastructure here. Andrew shared with us a letter in a newspaper report from 1878 just after Boden’s death, where the then Secretary for Mines discussed offering Boden’s widow about half market value to buy the infrastructure! (see link after photos to read more detail).

Gold in the area was extracted by sluicing, involving creating a slurry of material to be run over a box channel. The eroded gullies and discarded quartz along the old riverbeds are quite evident. The eucalyptus forest regrowth has been logged but a feature of the understorey was a profusion of heath - red, pink and white -as well as newly flowering wattle.  (Andrew and I enjoyed the panorama so much that we backtracked for a second viewing.) 

It seemed ironic that while the water races were dry, we had to negotiate lots of surface water along the tracks.   Another new area explored, so thanks Gordon. 

Photos by Andrew and Gordon








 












Historical Newspaper Report. Click Here

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

287. Frith Gully - Mt Misery Loop. Enfield State Park

Image
 U3A Hike No 287 Hike Report by Colin Fraser Eight hikers assembled outside the Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol for an 11.5 km hike on the Frith Gully-Mt Misery Loop in the Enfield State Park. We travelled in two vehicles to the start of the walk at Bald Hill on Incolls Road, Enfield. The walk was graded as moderate, and described as continuously hilly. We walking paths and rough bush roads through isolated parts of the park. There were deep gullies with lush vegetation, high ridges with open scrub, and areas that still bear the scars of extensive surface mining in the 19th century. We followed Misery Creek Road south then the Misery Creek and Forest Park walking tracks to Surface Point Picnic Ground, where we had smoko. Before arriving at Surface Point we were accompanied overhead by the raucous alarm calls of a group of cockatoos warning of our intrusion into their forest. Coincidently this occurred just near Mt Cockatoo!! We shared the picnic table with a man who was camping there
Read more

Hiking Group Rules

Image
All members resident in Ballarat are expected to attend the meeting point for a travel briefing. Expectations as to pre-hike meeting times. 1. Arrive at the nominated meeting point prior to 7:50am. 2. 7:50 to 7:55 - Vehicle allocation & transfer gear to allocated vehicles. 3. 7:55 Briefing regarding travel to hike venue. 4. 8a.m. (or when all previous steps complete), depart the meeting point. All members of the U3A Ballarat Hiking Group need to sign a form which sets out the risks associated with hiking   A copy of the form can be found here:   Acknowledgement of risk form  All members will: ...play a part in maintaining my safety and that of the other members of the Group.   ...disclose to the leader details of any health problems that may arise during a walk.   ...be responsible for carrying their own medications on walks.   ...comply with the Hiking Group rules regarding clothing, equipment, and safety* ...follow the instructions of the designated leader(s).   ...consider
Read more

305. Fisherman's Bend - Port Melbourne Walk 11.3km

Image
 U3A Hike No 305 Aerial Photo Showing Former Airfield Hike Report By Sharon Moss. On a blustery but fortunately dry morning , 19 intrepid travelers made their way to Southern Cross Station to begin their suburban hike through Fisherman’s Bend - Port Melbourne. We set off at a brisk pace with Andrew capably leading us & Gordon as whip. We had a lovely walk along the banks of the Yarra River, passing impressive boats moored at the marina with one bearing the name Costa Lot ! Andrew pointed out pylons that are decorative rather than functional, as they sit adjacent to the Bolte bridge but are not part of the structure . Passing under the bridge, we then joined busy Lorimer St , where conversation slowed somewhat as noise overtook. We were all alert watching out for bikes , scooters, joggers & traffic ! We passed several landmarks of interest . The  art deco building previously GMH , with one part of the building now occupied by a Ballarat company J King  Homes . Andrew shared inte
Read more