Sunday 19 November 2017

Boots and socks off to cross the Candoin Creek.

Barry inspects a wheel and pit.

Plenty to see around this old mining area.

Other mining facilities.

Relics from early mining.

‘Mod cons’ even in the bush.

Photos by Denise

For the third time this year, members of Narooma- Dalmeny and Batemans Bay Bushwalking Clubs  got together for a combined hike. A group of twenty walkers and one visitor explored an alluvial gold mining area behind Moruya township.

The first hurdle was to cross Candoin Creek as its water levels and flow rate had been increased by recent rain. Shoes and socks were taken off in an effort to preserve comfort and avoid slipping on large rocks.

Thence it was onward through open forest where the group enjoyed the sight of several Kurrajong trees in bloom whilst listening to birdsong and the sound of cicadas. Many relics of past mining activities soon became apparent, such as a stamp battery to crush ore, slag pits, large wheels, water pits and even a bush shack that boasted a BBQ and “dunny”  out the back.

Mining in the Eurobodalla commenced in 1831 and continued into the early 1900’s although interest and activities continued in the area explored by walkers for at least another fifty years, a fact to which the remnants of abandoned Chevrolet truck attest. It was a privilege to visit such an historically interesting region of our shire.

Denise S