THE ISLAND, THOMPSON BEND

What is significant?
The entire Island formed in 1856-1859 and the surrounding Yarra river to a radius of 100 metres. (The significance of the site is increased by the proximity of the Pound tunnel downstream- HO253).

How is it significant?
The Island is historically and technically significant to the Shire of Nillumbik.

Why is it significant?
The Island is historically significant because it is close to the site of the first discovery of gold in Victoria, and because the gold rush that followed this (and subsequent strikes) fundamentally and permanently changed Victoria (Criterion A). The Island is historically and technically significant because it was created as a result of the diversion of the Yarra river to allow alluvial gold mining and illustrates the technology of the time and the importance of gold mining to the district (Criteria F & A).

BICK STUDY, 1992
Rare in a Melbourne-wide context, this island was created as the result of diversion of the Yarra River to allow the alluvial goldmining of its former bed and illustrates the technology of the time, as well as part of the nature of Victoria's first goldmining. The proximity of the Pound Tunnel (p 424) downstream, excavated during the same period and for the same purpose, as well as the site of the first gold discovery in Victoria on a nearby creek, enhances the historic significance of the Warrandyte area both in the early history of goldmining in Victoria and in the settlement of this area.

BASIS OF SIGNIFICANCE:

RARITY

ILLUSTRATION OF THE THEMES

HISTORY

TECHNOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE

DEGREE OF SIGNIFICANCE:

LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

EXTENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:

ENTIRE ISLAND AND SURROUNDING YARRA RIVER TO A RADIUS OF 100 METRES

Group

Mining and Mineral Processing

Category

Other - Mining & Mineral Processing