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Jubilee Mine

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Staffordshire Reef
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Jubilee Road, Staffordshire Reef VIC 3351

Explore other locations around this area using our interactive map

Features

  • Historic mine site
  • Extensive ruins
  • Walking track
  • Detailed information signs
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Picnic tables
  • Toilet
The extensive ruins of the Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine are a fascinating place to explore. 

This significant site is nestled away within the beautiful forest of the Jubilee Historic Area, just half an hour from Ballarat.        

A fantastic self-guided walk takes you around the site of the Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine. 

Features you will discover along the walk include battery foundations, engine beds, a water race, old mine shafts, surface workings, cyanide plant, tailings, old house sites and more. 

Illustrated signposts provide lots of information along the way.

Multiple picnic tables are located alongside the parking area, as well as a toilet and an info sign. 

The walking track begins from the information sign. 

BUSHWALKING AT THE JUBILEE MINE


Jubilee Walk

The Jubilee Walk begins from an information alongside the parking area, and takes you on a self-guided tour through this now peaceful area of bushland. 

Discover the many extensive ruins and remnants of past mining operations throughout the Jubilee Historic Area, where you will find the fascinating remains of many different features and technologies of the Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine.

The track is marked by arrows and signposts. Be sure to keep to the track to protect vegetation and keep yourself out of danger - there are unexpected mine shafts throughout the area. 
  • Circuit, 40 mins
  • Easy, slightly undulating track
  • Signposted, lots of information provided

Picnics at the Jubilee Mine


Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the Jubilee Mine Historic Area for a relaxing day out. 

Have lunch at the picnic area before embarking on the educational self-guided tour which explores the remnants of the Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine. 

The picnic area is set right alongside the car park and features multiple picnic tables in a peaceful bushland setting. A toilet is also available for visitor use. 

History of the Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine


The Victorian Heritage Database provides the following text regarding the Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine:

"Jubilee Company Quartz Gold Mine has one of the most comprehensive range of quartz mining foundations in the State. The brick and concrete foundations cover pumping, winding and crushing operations, as well as cyaniding of mine tailings. The machinery foundations are the remnants of large scale quartz mining operations carried on at the site between 1899 to 1912. During this time the mine produced over 125,000 ounces of gold and was the district's most important gold mine."

An information sign at the Jubilee Mine picnic area displays the following text:

A piece of our history

Within this now peaceful forest is a cultural collection which reflects the endeavour of human activity and occupation during the goldrush. 

The Jubilee Reserve contains one of the best collections of historic mining and associated features in Victoria.

Gold was first discovered in this area in the 1850s as shallow alluvial or surface deposits. 

By the late 1850s deep lead mining had begun where the gold was followed down the course of the old riverbeds into deeper workings. 

Reef mining in the district started in the late 1850s, but at this site a gold bearing quartz reef was first discovered in 1887 and "The Jubilee Quartz Mining Company" was formed. 

The mine commenced operations shortly thereafter and continued under various names until 1913 when shareholders closed the mine and sold the plant and equipment.

Mining in the area continued on a smaller scale after the First World War and during the depression years when work was hard to find. 

These were only small claims and often reworked areas looking for gold left in the early rush. 

Take some time to discover foundations, structures, dwellings, gold treatment plants and water races used in the quest for gold. 

The area around you is rich in the many facets of mining history. 

Some other mine sites to explore in the Victorian Goldfields


The Victorian Goldfields is filled with fascinating ruins and relics, where abandoned mines, diggings, boilers, machinery foundations and gold puddlers are scattered in abundance throughout the region. We've gathered together this list of abandoned mine sites where you can safely explore and learn a bit about this remarkable aspect of our local heritage. 

Caring for the Jubilee Historic Area

  • Take your rubbish home with you
  • Stay on walking tracks and roads for your own safety
  • Only light fires in the fireplace provided
  • Fires including portable BBQs are illegal on Total Fire Ban days
  • Remember that all native plants and animals are protected
  • All artefacts are protected and must not be disturbed or removed
  • Fossicking is not permitted

PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA


Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.

You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.

Check out the PMAV website for more information.



DID YOU KNOW...

  • Bushwalking is an excellent way to get outdoors and exploring nature.
  • Evidence of the mid-late 1800's gold rush can be found throughout the Victorian goldfields in the form of abandoned mine shafts and tunnels, mullock heaps, buildings and ruins, circular puddling troughs, remains of cyanide vats, and quartz kilns.
 

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