Harrietville - Tronoh Dredge Swimming Hole
The Tronoh Dredge hole was once the location of the biggest bucket dredge in the southern hemisphere which operated from 1942 to 1954. A section of the Ovens River east branch was cut off from the main river course to dredge it for gold.
Nowadays, the hole has been filled with water to create a recreational lake. It is a great location for a picnic, swim or canoe. The lake has a pier (Joop's Jetty), floating swimming pontoon and a rope swing.
There are also a number of walking trails that meander around the dredge holes. Begin your walk from the Tronoh Dredge Hole car park off Feathertop Track and head either way around this man-made lake. The walking tracks weave through native bush and ferns, along the Ovens River or around the dredge holes. These tracks are signposted and offer further information on the significance of historical sites along the trails.
One problem with the swimming hole is algal blooms which have occurred on a number of occasions due to lack of flow of fresh water. There is a second smaller lake to the north but that is not suitable for swimming due to the stagnant water. It is recommended that you check that the swimming hole is open before travelling there.
The waterhole is most suited to experienced swimmers since the banks are fairly steep and the hole is deep.
Location
Tronoh Lane, Harrietville 3741 Map
