Saturday 14 October 2017

Walkers on the trail to Black Diamond Mine.

Val leading the group down to the creek bed.

Erica looking into the mine entrance.

See anything Elaine in the deep excavation?

Leader Val at a digging

Photos by Erica, Philip and Mary

On October 14, nine Batemans Bay Bushwalkers traversed across a range of bushland – damp forested gullies and dry stony tracks – towards the Black Diamond Mine in the Currowan Forest.

It was found to be a very well preserved mine adit, but only a few of the group ventured into the muddy tunnel.

The mine was worked between 1890 and ’91; 1894 – ’95; and 1912 – ’15, but unfortunately no records are available on the workings, the miners, or the production.

There were other diggings and big holes in the area including a lonely rock chimney from a long gone building.

There had been a bushfire in the mine’s area not that long ago which left a stark scene and some spotted gum trees with very colourful orange-red bases, but as yet no regrowth on the ground.

All agreed it had been a very interesting day’s walk.

Pat R