Sunday, May 31, 2009

Smith's Gully to St. Andrews Nature History Trail


The historically important Smith's Gully to St. Andrews Nature History Trail is located about 50 km northeast of Melbourne, near the Kinglake National Park.

The 3 km (return) Trail starts at the Smith's Gully Reserve, on Smith's Gully Rd, opposite the historical Queenstown Cemetery, reached from the Kangaroo Ground to St. Andrew's Rd, then via Clinton's Rd. It ends at a ford at Black Cameron Rd.

Interpretative signs describe the various artifacts and features along the Trail, with fascinating explanations of how the gold was mined, using alluvial and reef extractions.

The first gold was discovered in 1854, and all mining activity was abandoned in the 1920s.

The Trail passes through an area which was devastated by bushfires in 1962 and the forest is now largely regrowth.

Due to the extended drought, the Creek has dried up.

Remains of the stamping battery, cynanide tank, and the weir are near the car park.

See thf full set of
Photos which show the scenery, vegetation, forest and relics of old mining activity along the Trail.

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