The following information is displayed on an information sign at Dunn's Reef.
Before mining took place, Dunn's Reef was an exposed quartz reef protruding from the earth. From the late 1850s Dunn's Reef became an open cut quartz mine. Gold was extracted from the quartz by 'roasting' the material to soften it, then crushing it in huge stamp batteries. The crushed quartz was then washed to separate the gold. Day and night, loud stamping could be heard throughout the goldfields.
The track below leads to the remains of the Dunn's Reef loading ramp. Can you imagine the hardworking miners, loading materials from the ramp into the loud stamp battery below? The dam was then used as a water source for separating the gold from the quartz.
Dunn's Reef is opened for mining
The mine shaft reaches a depth of 320 feet (97.5 metres)
Concord Association try their luck at Dunn's Reef
Dunn's Reef Company begin a seven year stint at the reef
Dunn's Reef Company makes a cross-cut at a level of 200 feet (61 metres) to follow a reef rich in gold.
Mining by Dunn's Reef Company ceases
The reef is re-opened by the Concord Company
Concord Company close their mine at Dunn's Reef
Dunn's Reef is a short 120m return walk from Dunns Reef Track. Four wheel drive vehicles will also make it up the track.
The track splits in two about half way up, the track heading to the right takes you up to the mine, and the track to the left takes you to the remains of the loading ramp.
The loading ramp has unfortunately mostly collapsed, the two large posts remain but the bits of wood going horizontally between them have given way. It's still very interesting to see, and there's a great picture of what it looked like before it collapsed on the information board up the top at the mine.
Image of the Dunn's Reef loading ramp, before it collapsed. Image displayed on an information sign at Dunn's Reef.
As you ascend towards the open cut mine you will begin to see quartz rock scattered everywhere. Before it was mined, the quartz reef here was exposed and protruding from the ground. Be very careful walking around the edges, the ground is covered in loose stones and you could easily slip.
When visiting Dunn's Reef, be sure to stop at the
Red, White and Blue Mine just down the road, where many relics still remain of the former mine including the poppet head with winding wheels, shaft, machinery site foundations, mullock heaps and dams. There are multiple quiet picnic spots with tables, wood fire barbecues and beautiful views over the dams.
If you're interested in seeing an exposed outcrop of quartz which
hasn't been extracted by mining,
Quartz Mountain (also known as Amherst Reef) in Lillicur is definitely worth a visit. Quartz Mountain is the largest outcrop of pure quartz rock remaining in Victoria, and it is a very impressive sight!
Collapsed loading ramp
Collapsed loading ramp
Collapsed loading ramp
BBQ
Muckleford
