SNAKE HILL TRACK WATER RACE

The Snack Hill Track Water Race was likely constructed and operated in the 1850s/early 1860s. Water races are linear earth-cut channels constructed to divert water from streams and, by force of gravity, convey it to the site of gold mining operations, often for ground sluicing. The earth banks of water races can be retained by dry stone, especially if the terrain is sloping. 

 

This water race ran from a now-dry top dam (35-metre-long, with a 1.5-metre-high earth embankment) on the west side of Snake Hill Track. The race is approximately 1km long and is traceable for its whole length. It feeds two dams, one near Bridal Hill and the other in Alfred Gully. The water race is associated with three areas of ground sluicing: the first immediately east of Snake Hill Track; the second near Bridal Hill; and the third in Alfred Gully. 

The site is historically significant as one of the main water races within the Ararat Goldfield. It demonstrates how engineering solutions bought water to mining sites and emphasises the value of water to gold mining processes.