The Blowhole: A Gold Rush Relic

The Blowhole, located in Hepburn Regional Park, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of 1860s gold miners. This artificial diversion tunnel was constructed on Sailors Creek (also known as Jim Crow Creek) to reroute the water's flow around a bend. This allowed miners to access the exposed creek bed and sluice it for gold. The tunnel itself is a remarkable sight, especially when the creek is flowing strongly. Water rushes through the tunnel and is expelled over a rock face into a pool below. Viewing platforms offer different perspectives of the tunnel's inlet and outlet, as well as the surrounding area. Though the water flow may be reduced or absent during the summer months, the site remains an interesting historical landmark. The Blowhole is easily accessible from a nearby carpark, followed by a short walk to the viewing platform. Visitors can also explore the area further via short walks along the spur above the tunnel or through the old diggings. The Blowhole also connects to longer trails within Hepburn Regional Park, including sections of the Goldfields Track. Today, The Blowhole is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. It serves as a reminder of the intense gold mining activity that once characterized the region. It also highlights the lasting impact of human endeavors on the natural landscape.