STOCKYARD CREEK GOLD MINING DIVERSION SLUICE

The Stockyard Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice consists of a 250 metre long stone embankment with three separate diversions. Associated with the diversions are pebble dumps and extensive remains of bank quarrying. The creek was extensively worked by alluvial miners during the mid-nineteenth century. The embankment was used to divert the waters of Stockyard Creek through the sluice boxes, and away from its natural bed and southern bank, which were then mined for its alluvial gold.

How is it significant?

The Stockyard Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is of historical, archaeological and scientific importance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

The Stockyard Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice 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.

The Stockyard Creek Gold Mining Diversion Sluice is archaeologically important for its potential to yield artefacts and evidence which will be able to provide significant information about the cultural history of gold mining and the gold seekers themselves.

Group

Mining and Mineral Processing

Category

Water Race