OLD TOM CREEK PUDDLING MACHINE SITE

Old Tom Creek was mined for alluvial gold from the early 1850s. In 1861, the local mining surveyor stated that puddling machines were gradually making their appearance in the western portion of his mining division - such as at Old Tom, Champagne, Brandy Hot, Break-of-Day, and adjacent gullies.

The site contains a puddling machine earthen imprint, but no known timber elements. The diameter of the puddling trench is 6m, the horse-way is 1.6m wide and central mound has a diameter of 2.6m. There is an imprint of central post and a drain is on north side.

This site is of local historical significance, technological and archaeological significance. 

The Old Tom Puddling Machine is significant as a feature of the gold rush and is a rare example of puddling activities in the Wombat State Forrest. It is significant and an example of puddling technology and demonstrates the different periods of gold mining withing the area.