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Garfield Water Wheel: A Relic of Victoria's Gold Rush

Explore the remains of the Garfield Water Wheel, once the largest in the southern hemisphere, in Chewton's gold rush landscape.

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Explore the imposing stone foundations of the Garfield Water Wheel, once the largest in the southern hemisphere, powering the Garfield Mine's crushing battery during Victoria's gold rush. Discover remnants of the Garfield Mine and enjoy family-friendly walks amidst the historical landscape of Chewton.

A brief summary to Garfield Water Wheel

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain around the water wheel foundations and mine site.
  • Download the Heritage Notes from the Parks Victoria website for a deeper understanding of the site's history.
  • Bring your dog along, but keep it on a leash at all times to protect the native wildlife.
  • Take your rubbish home with you, as there are no bins provided at the picnic area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Chewton, follow the signs towards the Garfield Water Wheel on Leanganook Track. The access road is unsealed but suitable for 2WD vehicles, including coaches. Parking is available near the site. Note that the last 800m is along a rough bush track.

  • Public Transport

    Take the train or bus to Castlemaine. From Castlemaine, you can take a taxi or the line 5 bus to Chewton. From Chewton's Town Hall/Main Rd bus stop, it's approximately 3.5km walk or a short taxi ride to the Garfield Water Wheel. Bus fare from Castlemaine to Chewton: $1 - $3. Taxi from Chewton to Garfield Water Wheel: approximately $10 - $15.

  • Walking

    The Garfield Water Wheel can also be accessed by foot or bike via the Leanganook section of the Goldfields Track (stop LT04). Follow the track from Chewton, enjoying the surrounding bushland. The walk is approximately 3.5km from the center of Chewton.

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Discover more about Garfield Water Wheel

The Garfield Water Wheel stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of Victoria's gold rush era. Constructed in 1887, this massive water wheel was once the largest in the southern hemisphere, a title it held with pride. It powered the Garfield Mine's stamper battery, a crucial piece of machinery for extracting gold from ore between 1887 and 1903. Water was diverted to the wheel from the Coliban Water Scheme, an ambitious project that involved damming the Coliban River and building extensive water races to supply the goldfields. The wheel itself was an engineering marvel, boasting a 22-meter diameter and 220 buckets. Its immense size, however, contributed to its eventual downfall. High winds and constant wear and tear led to its decommissioning and dismantling in 1904. Today, visitors can explore the Garfield Water Wheel historical site and discover the remnants of the Garfield Company Mine. The imposing stone foundations that supported the wheel still stand, offering a glimpse into the scale of this historical operation. Self-guided walks around the area reveal other fascinating features of the mine, including the Garfield mine shaft and winding engine foundations, water races, and cyanide tanks. Interpretive signs provide insights into the site's history and significance. The Garfield Water Wheel is located within the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, where traces of gold mining are hidden among the trees.

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