FORMER BUCKS HEAD HOTEL SITE

The site is mapped in the 1857 Revised Plan of Ballarat Blocks A. B. C. D as Allotment 1, 2 and 3 of Section B Main Street, however the site was likely established in 1854. The first known occupation was as a bookstore and paper hangings store. The site developed into the Bucks Head Hotel in the 1860s and was in use until the 1960s. The earlier phases at the site are likely to be present as the site has 1.5-2.0 m of fill present between 1858-2012. As the site is directly east of the original alignment of the Yarrowee Creek the site was likely raised due to constant inundation recorded as early as 1855.  

The site is of historical and archaeological significance. 

The site is of historical significance as the location of an early residence and commercial precinct during the years of the Victorian gold rush – one of the most significant rushes in world history. The site is of archaeological significance due to its potential to contain artefacts, deposits and features that relate to the establishment of commercial operations in the gold rush, and other later 19th century activities.