The scenic South German Dam is set alongside the
South German mine site, and is a scenic spot for a stroll or to relax with a view.
Picnic tables and bench seating are set around the dam, and a walking track takes you up to the mine site where you will find ruins and relics of one of Victoria's best producing gold mines of the 1890s.
This is just one of many fascinating old mine sites you can explore in Maldon.
Walking tracks at South German Dam
A short stroll around the dam will take you to the South German Mine (more information on this below), and other tracks take you to the
Caledonian Kilns and to the
Beehive Mine.
All three of these sites are well worth visiting. The Beehive Mine is set right near the brilliant Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum, so be sure to stop by there for a look as well.
The South German Mine
The South German Company was one of the first mines in Australia to
introduce the cyanide process for extracting gold from battery
tailings.
The South German Company installed a 20 head battery in 1886, which was later increased to a 30 head battery.
With a decline in production towards the end of the century, the
company installed an extensive cyanide and chlorination plant to
re-treat the tailings from the battery, with great success.
After losing the shoot of gold in the early 20th century, The South
German Company spend years prospecting with little success before
encountering trouble with water. The mine closed in 1918 when the shaft
was flooded.
More to explore around Maldon
Other interesting mining/processing sites throughout Maldon include:
Other places worth checking out around Maldon:
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.
BBQ
Maldon
