FORMER DEEP CREEK SETTLEMENT

The Deep Creek Settlement and its mining area is significant in relation to the initial alluvial phase of the Victorian goldrush. It is thought that the site was occupied between 1850s and 1860s.

Deep Creek Settlement consists of the remains of a single stone hut (intact but highly degraded) and four stone chimney features (also highly degraded). Adjacent to the settlement is the mining area that includes land which has been modified for ground sluicing. The mining area consists of worked (mined) land, area left in preparation for ground sluicing, an L-shaped banked dam and at least 4 water races leading to and out of the dam.

How is it Significant?

The site is of archaeological and historicalsignificance due to it being a rare example of an intact alluvial mining site with an attached settlement.

Why is it significant?

The Deep Creek Settlement is ofsignificanceas aresidential space for the miners that worked the adjacent mining area. An L-shaped dam was constructed immediately between the settlement and the mining area. Two water races leading out from Mclachlans Creek to the south of the dam are thought to have provided the dam with water. These races are in the land between the settlement and to the east of McLachlans Creek. The dam also had a seasonal water source from the creek located between the settlement and dam feature. Two other water races leading out of the dam head north towards the worked and prepared ground sluicing area. The proximity of the mining area to the residential area, and the interconnected water races are a clear indication that the settlement and mining area were linked to each other.

The site is also significant as it informs how miners adapted to, organised space and modified the rural landscape surrounding them to suite their needs. The site has scientific archaeological value for further research and possible excavations.

Group

Mining and Mineral Processing

Category

Mining camp/settlement/housing