Garfield Wheel to Welsh Village, Castlemaine Diggings National Historical Park Circuit - 11 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 199



Hike Report by Joan

The Expedition Eight set off on a cold frosty but clear morning to discover the relics of both the gold mining and the slate quarry eras in the bushland  between Chewton and Castlemaine. 

The impressive Garfield Waterwheel  was the first relic we noticed as soon as we emerged from the parking area.   These massive stone remains of the water wheel supports were used by the Garfield Company Mine from 1887 to 1903 to power the stamping battery which was essential in crushing the quartz in order to extract the gold.  As we ventured away from the waterwheel the track took us on a challenging wet and slippery ridge that ran along the deep water channels emanating from the Expedition Pass Reservoir which supplied the water to the large wheel.  (an impressive recreation video of the wheel can be viewed in the link to Historical Notes)

In addition to the water channels we also came across a couple of fenced off old mines which were the first of many that we were to see during our hike.  The track eventually took us to the Puddling Works area where we saw more of the machinery and set up used in the gold mining operation.  It seemed the perfect spot to have a cuppa and just take in the peaceful  surroundings which is in contrast to the busy operation that would have existed in the 1880's.  
From here we came across the remnants of a slate quarry which appears to have been a big operation in its heyday. As with what we experienced from the gold mining area, once the profitable elements were taken from the land, the land was just left scarred never to return to what it had been.  (articles on Castlemaine Slate can also be found in the link to Historical Notes- see link after the photos)

We meandered along and again found remnants of old mines and sluicing operations giving way to discussions among the group of what life must have been like for miners and families living in this area.  The track eventually led us to the area known as the Welsh Village.  We were in for a treat with being able to see the remnants of so many stone buildings that would have been used for living as well as storage and work.  Again discussion centred on" what the norm" would have been for those living and working here.   

We finally reached our lunch spot for the day which was the peaceful Expedition Pass Reservoir. The purpose of this Reservoir was to supply water to the Water wheel. It was named  in 1914  to honour  Major Mitchell who in 1836 came through this ravine.  Our return trip from the Dam was along the Forest Creek Walk .  This was an enjoyable walk well marked with some interesting information boards along the way.  We were also able to see an area we called the Grand Canyon which in reality was an area that had been sluiced with  much erosion also having taken place.  

We had one more winding hill to climb before we once again returned safely to our cars as well as had the chance to again be amazed at seeing the remains of the magnificent Garfield Water wheel.  This area reflects the hard work done by those working and living in this area but also that the area that was left behind was a stark transformed landscape due to shaft sinking, tunnelling and sluicing.

Thanks to Mark, our capable leader and Andrew, our capable whip who kept the 
six lady hikers in between safe and entertained!! 

Photos by Andrew















ANOTHER MALE RED HEADED MOUSE SPIDER OUT LOOKING FOR A MATE!





    Don't forget to look for Wally!! (not the two obvious wombats)

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