Lerderderg River
The Lerderderg River (known locally as The Lerdy) is a
perennial river of the Port Phillip catchment, located in the Western District
region of the Australian state of Victoria.
Location and features
The Lerderderg River rises below the Blackwood Ranges, part
of the Great Dividing Range, in the Lerderderg State Forest, near the locality
of Blackwood. The river flows generally south by east in a highly meandering
course, through the Lerderderg Gorge within the Wombat State Forest where it is
joined by two minor tributaries, The Old River and Goodman Creek, before
reaching its confluence with the Werribee River within the Melton Reservoir,
southeast of Bacchus Marsh. The river descends approximately 383 metres (1,257
ft) over its 40 kilometres (25 mi) course.
Diversion Tunnel
The Lerderderg River diversion tunnel, also known as "The Tunnel," is a significant historical site located on the Lerderderg River, approximately 25 km northwest of Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia. The tunnel was constructed during the Victorian gold rush, likely between 1855 and 1870. It was created by driving a tunnel through a mountain spur in a horseshoe bend of the river. This engineering feat diverted the river, allowing the previously submerged riverbed to be sluiced for alluvial gold.
The tunnel is one of about thirteen river diversions from
that era that still exist today. It's situated within the Lerderderg State Park
and can be accessed via a 3.0 km walk along Byers Track upstream from the
O'Briens Crossing Picnic Area. The area is not only a testament to the
ingenuity of the gold miners but also a popular spot for bushwalking and
appreciating the natural beauty of the region.
The river is known for the Lerderderg Gorge Picnic Ground,
camping, bushwalking, and fishing. In earlier days, gold was mined in the upper
reaches, and some of the old mines (considered dangerous to enter) can be seen
as you travel along the sluice on the east bank, which previously fed into
those mines. The water slowed to a trickle during the severe drought of 2007.
Even when not flowing, there are still a few popular swimming spots along the
river, including "Harry's Hole", "Third Hole", and
"The Pit", all of which are in the Lerderderg Gorge.
The river is traversed by the Western Freeway northeast of
Bacchus Marsh.
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