When driving through the gorgeous little town of Vaughan, you'll be sure to notice the stunning red landscape in the valley beside the road.
Known as Red Knob, these dramatic cliffs are the result of hydraulic sluicing operations in the mid 20th century.
Hydraulic sluicing is a mining method which employs high pressure jets of water to blast away large areas of earth, and wash it down to be run through a sluice box.
Gold gets caught in the sluice and the remaining slurry is washed away. Arthur Bradfield and his sons George and Ray worked to extract gold from this area, blasting the hillside away leaving the striking landscape we see here today.
You can get a great view over the valley from the roadside lookout, which consists of a gravel parking area and a wooden fence.
If you decide to venture down into the valley below, please take care not to climb on or damage any of the cliffs. Beware of uneven ground, unstable ground, and sudden holes/drops hidden beneath the thick scrub.
There are some vague pathways in some areas, try to keep to these and don't step anywhere you can't see the ground through the scrub.
WHAT IS HYDRAULIC SLUICING?
Hydraulic sluicing is a mining method which employs high pressure jets of water to blast away large areas of earth, and wash it down to be run through a sluice box.
Gold gets caught in the sluice and the remaining slurry is washed away.
This method of mining is extremely effective, but causes significant environmental damage and impacts waterways along with agricultural operations.
Hydraulic sluicing at the Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve was halted in 1890 due to such damage being wrought on the local landscape.
You can see more great examples of hydraulic sluicing sites at:
HISTORIC AUDIO TOUR
Red Knob is included in the "Gold Rush to Mount Alexander - The Diggings"
historic audio tour, a fantastic self guided journey through the region. You can listen to the audio for this particular stop along the tour
here.
More to explore nearby
Historical map of the Castlemaine Mining District, 1860
Map of the Castlemaine Mining District which shows historical features in superb detail, including mining divisions, reefs, gullies, and gold workings. Mining Department, Melbourne, 1860. High quality, durable A1 print in a satin finish. Large, 594 x 891 mm. Go to online shop.
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.
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