Puddling was one of the main methods for working the alluvial gold field.
Large quantities of gold bearing clay were taken from the gullies and mixed with water in the puddlers.
A single horse would drag harrows around the circular trench to break up the clay and allow the heavier gold to settle to the bottom of the trench.
Today, Whroo has one of its many puddling machines restored (1863 records indicate that there were 17 puddling machines at Whroo).
Over the years Charles Bell and the Rushworth Lions Club have been responsible for its restoration.