Mines

Mines and mine relics

The whole region we visited was once the state's richest gold fields. It is dotted with old mines, dangerous mine shafts (most of which are unmarked) and old remains of mining era buildings.

Old mine

The entrance to the old mine is now over grown. But this mine once pulled out 3 tones of gold from the hillside.

Some one took the trouble to cut back all of the weeds

The thing has been blocked off just in the entrance. Damn!
I explored this as a kid. It was a multi level mine, with at least 2 levels, vent shafts and 3 side tunnels.

Old mine 2

This is smaller than the first mine, but more open and accessible. It only runs about 100 metres into the hill.The ore vein that it followed was later open cut and the debris collapsed into this mine.

The entrance is a tight squeese

The old mine winds into the hillside.

Water wheel.

This old water wheel was once the largest in the country.

Remains of a giant water-wheel once used to power a gold stamping battery.

It is quite tall, each step about a quarter of a metre.

You should be able to make out the shape of the wheel

Many steps

View from the top

Looks steep. Is steep.

Me and my shadow.

Steam power house

This old steam boiler house provided rotary and steam power to a battery and mine works in this old mining area.

Mostly still intact

Not bad considering it is over a hundred and twenty years old

The interiour is covered in vines

Lower floor area

The impressive chimney

Outside

Chimney

Must be sealed at the top

Base of the chimney