Explore
Old Tom Mine Walk (Greater Bendigo National Park)
Follow the track heading north from Notley Camping Area (2km, 40 minutes return) or take the longer 5.5km loop starting and ending at Shadbolt Picnic Area (allow 2 hours).
The walk offers visitors the chance to explore remnants of both alluvial and quartz reef gold mining techniques from the 1800s. See the Old Tom Reef mine, the remains of a puddling machine used as recently as the 1930s and the site of a cyanide treatment plant which reclaimed gold from old tailings sands. The quartz mine is fenced but the mine entrance is still clearly visible at the end of the open cut. Gold-laden ore from this mine was carted to Bendigo for crushing in the 1850s until a small crushing battery was built on site. Later alluvial workings were built and in the 1930s tailings sands were treated with cyanide to reclaim even more gold. The Raywood channel, which forms part of the modern water supply, bisects the site.
How to get there
Old Tom Mine Walk (Greater Bendigo National Park)
Need to know
Old Tom Mine Walk (Greater Bendigo National Park)
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Warnings & Restrictions
Dogs
Restrictions
- No vehicles
- No dogs allowed
- No horses
- Management vehicle only
- No fires permitted
Warnings
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Water hazards
- Dam
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Terrain hazards
- Slippery surface
- Mineshaft
- Shaft
- Uneven ground