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

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.