Quartz Hill - Dirty Dicks Gully Circuit, Castlemaine Diggings Historical Park - 11 Kms

U3A Hike No. 156



Hike Report by Jan

Eight hikers braved the frosty morning and -4 degrees temperature and drove to the Garfield Wheel via Castlemaine and Chewton. This was the starting and end point of our walk. We followed the Goldfields track for about one kilometre until we stopped at Manchester reef to inspect the adit which included the surprise of a very deep shaft close to the entrance. This was also a good opportunity for a group photo. From then on it was a case of following Gordon and his trusty map as we traipsed “off road” along slippery water races and vague tracks.

We discovered a ruined chimney and the remains of a hut and terracing at Sailors Gully. We stopped at every deep mineshaft (there were plenty) and someone always had to throw a rock down it to find out how deep it was. One even had a washing machine at the bottom of it. By now the sun was shining and it was a beautiful brisk winter’s day. A flock of choughs could be seen and heard enjoying themselves in the tree tops. There were lots of fungi and mosses and a few golden everlasting flowers were just opening. A couple of wattle species were also beginning to flower but the real show of bright yellow will happen in a few weeks time when myriad tightly closed buds will burst open and add a zing of colour to the bush.

We walked past lumps of quartz and had morning tea near the top of Quartz Hill; a very aptly named place. We continued going up hills and down hills as our hike took twists and turns along dirt roads and rough tracks. In a flat, grassy valley Gordon used his sleuthing Super Powers to find a short tunnel at the base of a dam wall where an old valve had been removed. This was Dirty Dicks Gully territory and some stories of D.D.’s exploits were read aloud. There was even a bit of musical entertainment from Andrew at this point. (you can watch it via the links after the photos) We followed a water race until it entered a deep cutting and then became a tunnel running under Quartz Hill.

Of course we had to explore this unusual engineering feat but were not allowed inside the tunnel for fear of a cave-in. Back up the hill we followed tracks that went every direction on the compass until we paused briefly at the familiar and prettily situated Welsh Village. A bit further on we came to a large slate quarry and had a discussion about who on earth uses Castlemaine slate these days.

After half a kilometre we met our old friend the Goldfields Track and followed it back to the Garfield Wheel carpark. We whipped out our camping chairs and ate our lunch before driving back to Castlemaine and our reward for completing an energetic hike….hot beverages at Das Kaffehaus :-)

Thanks Gordon for all of your planning for this interesting and enjoyable walk. And for insisting on keeping us safe! 

Photos by Mark B





























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