DELEGATE RIVER DIVERSION TUNNEL

The Delegate River Gold Diversion Tunnel is a diversion which was excavated in 1889 by the Delegate River Gold Sluicing Company. The tunnel was used to divert the waters of the Delegate River effectively cutting off a long section of the original river course. The dry river bed was extensively worked.

How is it significant?

The Delegate River Gold Diversion Tunnel is of historical and scientific importance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

The Delegate River Gold Diversion Tunnel is historically and scientifically important as a characteristic and well preserved example of an early form 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.

[Source: Victorian Heritage Register]

Group

Mining and Mineral Processing

Category

Alluvial Workings