VICTORIA REEF GOLD WORKINGS
METCALFE-TARADALE ROAD TARADALE, MOUNT ALEXANDER SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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VICTORIA REEF GOLD WORKINGS - History
Heritage Inventory History of Site: Gold was first discovered in Victoria Gully in June 1860 (Turner, Goldfields Map 1861). The Mining Surveyor's Report of 1860 reports that, "A new field has been opened on the east side of the Coliban River, about half a mile from it, and opposite the town of Taradale. The spot is a narrow gully , perhaps three quarters of a mile in length, running north and south, between schistose ranges. The depth of the sinking varies from 4 to 20 feet, through a yellow clay deposit. About two hundred miners have congregated here." In July 1860 the Mining Surveyor reported that this field had been the chief area of mining in the district during July and that there were three hundred men working here. However, in August 1860 the Mining Surveyor reported that, "Victoria Gully ... It seems is nearly worked out, as not above 50 miners are employed here at present.." The report of March 1861 stated that, "The alluvial workings in this vicinity are nearly abandoned, but the development of the quartz reefs seems satisfactorily progressing." The report of May 1861 states that only one claim, that of the original prospector, was still being worked. There is no further mention of this reef until September 1866, when the Mining Surveyor reported that it was being worked again after having been deserted for over four years. By March 1867 the reef was again idle, from lack of funds. The reef was again worked briefly in 1888 before being abandoned.
VICTORIA REEF GOLD WORKINGS - Interpretation of Site
Heritage Inventory Interpretation: Standard goldmining site along the Coliban River tributaries.
Heritage Inventory Description
VICTORIA REEF GOLD WORKINGS - Heritage Inventory Description
Goldworking area along a tributary of the Coliban River. The site consists of numerous pits and depressions with scatters of quartz throughout. The main focus of the activity lies on the western side of Plantation Road within 500 metres of Metcalfe-Taradale Road. There is also mining activity further east along Plantation Road, adjacent to other drainage lines.
Heritage Inventory Significance: Moderate archaeological significance (7). Moderate regional historical significance.
Recorded by: Andrea Murphy, Jeremy Smith
Heritage Inventory Site Features: Large numbers of mining pits, shallow shafts and associated quartz heaps.
Archeological Potential: Relics/Deposit
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VICTORIA REEF WORKINGSVictorian Heritage Inventory
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PETHYBRIDGES ROAD BRIDGEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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PETHYBRIDGES ROAD MINE TUNNEL SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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