Goldfields Getaway
7 April, 2021
Central Goldfields Intimate Tours with John Moir
Following the success of the regional tours in the north, west, east and south of Dunolly – where we looked at the main features of each area – it was decided that we get a bit more specific and look for those hidden gems. One such area is in...
Following the success of the regional tours in the north, west, east and south of Dunolly – where we looked at the main features of each area – it was decided that we get a bit more specific and look for those hidden gems.
One such area is in the Tullaroop Reservoir area, where you will find a hidden creek valley. It is not noticeable until you arrive.
Start in Carisbrook and have a look down the back streets at the churches, the post office, the old gaol (Bucknall Street) and the gardens on either side of Deep Creek. If you are interested in seeing more, give me a ring.
Travel across the bridge toward Melbourne on the Pyrenees Highway past Bald Hill.
If you would like a small diversion you might like to slip up the eastern side of Bald Hill and have a closer look at the vineyards. They produce shiraz grapes and their wine is available for purchase locally under the names of Goodnight the Fox and Strathmuir Estate.
We now return to the highway and turn left. Travel down to Cotswold Road about a kilometre and turn right. It will not take long to get down to the second road on the right called Mt Cameron-Cotswold Rd.
All this area of around 15,000 acres was once the holding of the Bucknall family – it was called Rodborough. Take that road until you arrive at the valley in question and if you prepare a picnic beforehand, or/and take the fishing gear, you might just have an enjoyable couple of hours.
You can venture along the Tullaroop Creek but you might be better off in walking gear and spats or gumboots to provide a bit of protection as there are no made paths here. This is pristine country and very original in the main.
At this point you have two options: continue on down to Clunes or go back to Cotswold Road and turn left and then left again down Rodborough Road to Tullaroop Reservoir.
This is a great spot for a coffee break or lunch as the landscaping has made this a pleasure to visit. The planting of the trees has been well planned and includes some magnificent examples of local and Australian flora.
This dam wall was constructed and completed in 1959 and it provides the main supply of water to Maryborough and other local towns and villages. It also provides irrigation water for properties along the Tullaroop Creek and the Loddon River.
Pass on and look for a road or track off to the left called Bucknall Church Road. Services are still held here for reunions or special occasions. The track is unsuitable for most vehicles except trucks and four-wheel drives at present. The church is on private land and you need special permission to view the church.
Continue along Rodborough Road and you will pass a road leading off to the left (to Majorca) but continue and look for the Kong Meng Reserve on the left.
It would be wise to have either brought your iPod/pad with you or did a little research beforehand. However the area is rugged but worthy of a visit by gold historians, bird watchers and even wild flower seekers (in season). It is also a walking venue.
Continue on to Landrigan Road – a T intersection. At Landridgan Road you may either head right to Carisbrook, but I suggest you travel left and then left again to Majorca by crossing a narrow bridge.
The creek is scenic here, but then note the mining as you approach the town. In Majorca there is little evidence of the original town. There are a few mine remnants as you pass through.
When you get to the next intersection (again a T intersection) go right toward Maryborough. You soon come to a major crossroad and you are then in Craigie. Note the bluestone home on the right that once was a magnificent rural church.
To finish off this short tour you might like to go on to Maryborough. Here you might like to do one or all of the following: Call in at the Maryborough Railway Station for a look and grab a bit of afternoon tea – reflect on the renewed Tullaroop Reservoir wall area and the Tullaroop creek crossing.
While in this area make a note of the Central Goldfields Shire Council offices – this building was part of the original School of Mines. In its heyday it had a full diploma school and was also part of the Maryborough Technical College before all the educational changes took place.
Go to the gardens and see the magnificent lemon-scented gum and the glass house collection. Please call in at the tourist information centre while there.
Go up to the Bristol Hill Tower for a look over the town. While in that area, Worsley Cottage is the history hub of the whole area and well worth a visit as well.
In our next feature, we will look into some of the ventures in central Victoria of Major Mitchell.
For more information or forinquiries about conducted tours, contact John Moir on 0439 029 989.
