The Wallaby mine's construction commenced in
1851 and this site includes not only the mine but the nearby
Battery Site. This site is both heritage and Archaeological
listed.
The Wallaby Mine Gold Battery
Site consists of the remains of a 12-head stamping battery,
horizontal steam engine, stone boiler setting, and various buried
and partly buried piece of machinery. Nearby are some relics of a
water-powered battery (waterwheel pit and machinery components).
The mine is located above the battery and consists of a large glory
hole (open stope) and mullock heap. Ore for crushing was brought to
the battery through a tunnel.
The 12-head battery was
installed in 1912 to replace an old battery which has been damaged
by a bushfire. As well as being a significant producer of
Victoria's nineteenth century wealth, with its intensive use of
machinery, played an important role in the development of Victorian
manufacturing industry. The abandoned mining machinery at the
Wallaby Mine site is historically important for its evocation of
the adventurousness, hardship, and isolation that was part of
mining life in the high country areas of the State.
Access to this area is
recommended for 4WD vehicles however in dry conditions a high
clearance soft roader can reach this area from the Yackandandah
side via Yack Gate Road and Wallaby Mine Track. There is a steep
ascent/descent on the Beechworth side of the mine. It is
recommended that 2WD's park at
S: 36 21.687 E: 146
45.597
- it will be an approximate 200
metre stroll from this point.
Due to abandoned mines and
steep areas, please be careful with children in this
location.
Cache is an ammo
tin.
