Chiltern - Magenta Mine Walk
The Magenta Mine Walk explores the gold-mining landscape surrounding Chiltern. Mining began at the Magenta Reef in 1860, with earth, rock and quartz removed using horses and drays.
The open cut reached a depth of approximately 15 metres, while an enlarged tunnel was worked to a depth of approximately 30 metres. Visitors can view one of the former mine shafts from the eastern side of the open cut and see the remains of timber foundations from the stamper batteries used to crush quartz.
The mine’s published production figures record 21,665 tons of material crushed for 9,900 ounces of gold, although the true yield is believed to have been closer to 13,000 ounces.
Walk Details:
- Distance: 15 km
- Duration: Approximately four hours
- Route: Circuit
- Official listing grade: Grade 2
- This is a long walk despite its official Grade 2 classification
- Carry sufficient drinking water and allow plenty of daylight
Chiltern - Magenta Mine Walk Map
Things to See:
- Historic open-cut mine
- Former mine shaft
- Viewing platform overlooking the enlarged tunnel
- Remains of stamper battery foundations
- Gold-mining landscape
- Box-Ironbark forest and seasonal wildflowers
Facilities:
- Car parking
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Viewing platform
- Interpretive information
Safety:
Remain behind barriers and supervise children closely around the open cut, shafts and other historic mine workings.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park, except for assistance animals.
Opening Hours:
The site is generally accessible at all times. Check current park conditions, fire restrictions and closures before visiting.
Direct Access to Magenta Mine
You can skip the 15 km walk from Chiltern and drive straight to the Magenta Mine Picnic Area. From Chiltern, take Barnawartha Road for about 3 km, then turn left onto Battery Hill Road. The mine site is about 8 km from town.
From the car park, follow the short mine-site track to see the open cut, a former shaft, the viewing platform over the enlarged tunnel, and the old stamper-battery foundations.
Stay on the marked tracks and behind barriers around the mine workings. The site has hazards including shafts and unstable cliffs.
Location
Magenta Road, Chiltern 3683 View Map
Web Links
→ www.explorechiltern.com.au/listing/magenta-mine
