YACKANDANDAH CREEK GORGE GOLD MINING DIVERSION SLUICE
BELLS FLAT ROAD YACKANDANDAH, Indigo Shire
Victorian Heritage Register
Statement of Significance
Last updated on - May 11, 1999
What is significant?
The Yackandandah Creek Gorge Gold Mining Diversion Sluice consists of a 65 metre long stone diversion sluice and associated pebble dumps, and a 200 metre long tail race. The embankment was used to divert the waters of Yackandandah Creek away from its natural bed which was then mined for its alluvial gold. The tailrace was cut in 1882 by the Premier Company when they sluiced Rowdy Flat.
How is it significant?
The Yackandandah Creek Gorge Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is of historical, archaeological and scientific importance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
The Yackandandah Creek Gorge Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is historically and scientifically important as a characteristic and well preserved example of two early forms of gold mining. Gold mining sites are of crucial importance for the pivotal role they have played since 1851 in the development of Victoria. Water diversion and sluicing are important key ingredients in an understanding of gold mining technology as it was employed in mountainous country where water was plentiful and perennial.
The Yackandandah Creek Gorge Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is archaeologically important for its potential to yield artefacts and evidence which will be able to provide significant information about the cultural history of gold mining and the gold seekers themselves.
