Jubilee Heritage Loop - 8.6 Kms

 
U3A Hike No. 136

Hike Report by Tim

No less than 27 hikers met at Delacombe at 7:45am, followed by a short drive to Smythesdale and on to a somewhat potholed entry road at Staffordshire Reef.

Our leader, Andrew, had modified and shortened the day's route in view of the expected very warm weather and we stuck to this plan in spite of the conditions being milder than expected - in fact the conditions were ideal for walking and we had a pretty easy time over the 8km route.

The shortened walk allowed ample time to digest the many historical remnants in the area with their associated informative signage, amplified by a good deal of historical context from Andrew and Gordon.

The several informed botanists in the group were also able to point out significant local flora such as the Common Correa which we decided was 'epidemic to the area' (we were probably thinking too hard about the revised COVID restrictions).

Andrew and Gordon also took time to undertake a bit of bushcraft education including a reminder of the 'Rule of Three' for emergencies. 

Normally, the rule of threes contains the following:

            You can survive:

·         Three minutes without breathable air (unconsciousness) generally with protection or in icy water;

·         Three hours in a harsh environment (extreme heat or cold);

·         Three days without drinkable water; and

·         Three weeks without food.

Best tip of the day: Take a spare plastic bag in your pack so you can remove litter from the track.

The following URL provides a good deal of information on the mine site, as well as pointing to other mining sites in the Ballarat area.

 https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/394/jubilee-mine/

 The Victorian Heritage Database provides the following text regarding the Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine:

 "Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine has one of the most comprehensive range of quartz mining foundations in the State. The brick and concrete foundations cover pumping, winding and crushing operations, as well as cyaniding of mine tailings. The machinery foundations are the remnants of large-scale quartz mining operations carried on at the site between 1899 to 1912.  During this time, the mine produced over 125,000 ounces of gold and was the district's most important gold mine".

Source: Victorian Heritage Database, Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine




Photos by Mark B




Correa Reflexa

Epacris Impressa (Common heath)



Jublilee Dam


Cyanide Pit







Boiler Site



Water Tank Foundations






LINKS

INTERACTIVE MAP

DOWNLOADABLE GPX FILE

HISTORICAL NOTES



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