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Gold Puddler on M114 Track

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Daisy Hill
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M114 Track, Daisy Hill VIC 3465

Explore other locations around this area using our interactive map

Features

The remains of this gold puddler lie alongside the M114 Track, which loops away from Graves Track in Daisy Hill. The puddler is shallow but well defined and lies alongside a small dam. The area is surrounded by gold diggings and mullock heaps.

Gold puddlers are significant relics from the Victorian gold rush - gold prospecting is allowed in this area, however it is important that you do not disturb the puddler itself as it is an important historical feature which must be preserved.

WHAT IS A PUDDLING MACHINE? 


Puddling technology was developed entirely in Victoria from the early 1850s. The need for these machines arose due to the enormous amounts of clay soil in the region which needed to be broken up to retrieve the gold. Puddling machines are a very significant development in the history of Victorian gold mining, as they are the only technology or method developed entirely on the Victorian Goldfields. (source)

Earth Resources offers the following concise description of a puddling machine:

Puddling machines were pioneered on the Victorian goldfields in 1854 as an affordable means of processing gold-bearing clay on a large scale.

A horse dragged a harrow repeatedly through a circular, barklined trough full of clay and water, 'puddling' the mixture into a thin sludge. Any gold freed from the lumpy clay would sink, remaining behind on the bottom of the trough after the watery sludge was drained off. A clean-up of the residue, using tin-dish or cradle, would bring the gold finally to light.

Photograph of a gold puddling machine used in Victorian gold mining.
Image source: Federation University Australia E.J. Barker Library (top floor) Mount Helen Victoria/span

This excellent representation of a gold puddling machine is displayed at the nearby Battery Dam site, alongside another puddler:


Another is displayed at the Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings free tourist mine in Castlemaine:



GOLD PROSPECTING IN THIS AREA


Maryborough is a popular destination for gold prospectors. Countless massive gold nuggets have been found throughout the region since the 1850s, with significant discoveries still being unearthed today! If you're interested in trying your luck gold prospecting around Maryborough, whether it's with a gold detector, gold pan, or sluice, we've put together this handy guide to get you started.

Gold prospecting is allowed in the area around this gold puddler, however it is important that you do not disturb the puddler itself as it is an important historical feature which must be preserved.

GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE MARYBOROUGH GOLD FIELD, EARLY 20TH CENTURY


Geological map of the Maryborough gold field which shows historical features in superb detail, including reefs, leads, gullies/flats, and old workings. Originally published by the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, early 20th century. High quality, durable A1 print in a satin finish. Large, 594 x 891 mm. Go to online shop.



 

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