Maldon Historic ReserveMaldon Victoria
The Maldon Historic Reserve comprises about 2500 hectares of public land and forest surrounding the historic township of Maldon, Victoria's first notable town. The Reserve was established to protect relics from the gold mining era that gave birth to the township. The Reserve contains large areas of regrowth Box-ironbark forests and grassy woodland which were extensively harvested for the gold mining and farming industries.
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| Things to Do
- Relics of the heady gold mining days survive close to town and can be appreciated by taking a trail on the Mount Alexander Diggings. Traces of abandoned mines, with names like Beehive, Derby Hill, New Chum, Lady Darling and South German, can be discovered scattered amongst the mullock and tailings heaps within easy walking distance of the township. The Beehive Mine chimney is a prominent landmark close to town.
- Just 2 km south of Maldon, on Parkin's Reef Road, are the ruins of the North British Mine, one of Victoria's most intact collections of historic mining features showing a range of gold extraction techniques. Carman's Tunnel, opposite North British Mine, is an authentic tunnel where guided tours are conducted on weekends and public holidays. The original mining landscape of mining holes and puddling machines from surface alluvial mining can be seen on the Parkins Reef Walk starting at the North British Mine.
- The rest of the Reserve is dotted with features including shafts, whim platforms, tunnels, dams, mullock heaps, old dray tracks and stone walls. All it takes is a keen eye to pick them out when walking through the Reserve.
- Try bushwalking, forest driving and wildflower spotting at Smiths Reef.
- Excellent views can be obtained from the fire tower on Mount Tarrengower and from Mount Moorul in the Nuggetty Range.
- A good view of the historic township can be seen from Anzac Hill.
- Wildflowers are particularly attractive, especially in the heath type forest at Smiths Reef during spring.
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| Facilities
- Picnic areas are located at Butt's Reserve, North British Mine and on Mount Tarrengower.
- Camping is permitted at Butt's Reserve but there are few facilities.
- Bed and breakfast, hotel and motel accommodation is available in Maldon.
- Caravan parks are located at Maldon and Baringhup.
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| | Heritage: Gold was first found at Maldon in 1853 resulting in a rush of some 20 000 diggers to the alluvial gullies around Maldon. By the following year only 2000 remained. After the initial rush, companies were set up to mine the quartz reefs and alluvial mining was carried out using puddling machines powered by horse or steam.In the 1860s the amount of quartz reef gold produced at Maldon almost rivalled Bendigo, Victoria's richest quartz mining field. This prosperity was short lived and from 1870 - 1900, Maldon remained the poor cousin to Bendigo. As gold production declined, the mines closed and the population dwindled. The last mine, the North British, closed in 1926. For most of this century, Maldon experienced very little growth and this has preserved many of the historic buildings and features that remain today. |
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| Looking After the Park
- Obey fire regulations and restrictions and remember that no fires, including barbecues, may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban. (North West Total Fire Ban district.)
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Backfill any holes dug while fossicking.
- All native plants and animals are protected by law.
- Historic features and artefacts must not be damaged, disturbed or removed from the reserve.
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| Precautions
- The reserve contains many shafts and tunnels and care should be exercised when travelling through. It is safest to keep to the tracks provided.
- Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking.
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| How to Get There
The township of Maldon is accessed via the Calder Alternative Highway from the Bendigo-Maldon Road, or via the Pyrenees Highway from the Castlemaine-Maldon Road or the Maldon-Newstead Road. |
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Attractions 
