The West Gippsland Relic, Mining, and Heritage Protection Inc.
Preserving historical sites in gold mining areas between Walhalla and Jamieson, in the Victorian High Country.
The 1850's was a prominent time in Australia for migration and economic growth. The gold rush brought hundreds and thousands of people to rough dry country and incredibly dense bushland. Many people had to adapt to harsh and isolated conditions. Often, buildings were huts, and shops were far and few. Mining practices began very primitively involving a lot of manual labour. Over time, these practices evolved from alluvial mining to deep lead mining using new technology and machinery. As more rock came out of the ground, more could be crushed for finding gold, which sent an economical boom across the state. Many dwellings and satellite towns were dotted throughout the terrain as more gold was discovered.
A lot of mining ceased when the gold rush declined in the early 20th century, due to resources, money, and war. Many people relocated their homes and moved to larger towns and cities. As a result, a lot of areas were left dilapidated to be taken back by the bush, and much of the stories, knowledge, and history have been lost over time.
Over one hundred interpretative signs have been installed on the Aberfeldy Track Historic Touring Route by the West Gippsland Relic, Mining, and Heritage Protection Inc. Our volunteers are dedicated to the preservation of this historic area so that generations to come may learn of and experience this unique part of Australia.
With many sites to explore along the 300km stretch, the Aberfeldy Track is one of the largest historical touring routes in the Southern Hemisphere.
