March 2006

Maryborough State Forests FS0076

Joanna Lebbink
ISSN-1440-2262

The beautiful Box-Ironbark State Forests surrounding The arrival of European settlers contributed to the demise
Maryborough are home to a diverse array of native plants of the Jaara Jaara people as they were overcome by
and animals. The picturesque forest is a great place for introduced diseases and traditional ways were restricted by
you to relax and appreciate the natural forest. This area European settlement. The Jaara Jaara people and their way
also has a rich mosaic of Indigenous and European of living were drastically changed forever.
cultural history. Look carefully, you may still find
evidence of their occupation. Today the remaining Jaara Jaara people still share a
special connection with the land and the Box-Ironbark
Our Box-ironbark forests tell a fascinating story of change forest. The Jaara Jaara people are strongly involved in
and survival. How you use the forest today will shape our forest management and continue to strengthen their culture
forests of the future. How will you help shape the next on country.
chapter?
OUR GOLDEN PAST
Pre-gold era (1836-1853)
Getting there With the arrival of European settlers, the Maryborough
Maryborough is 180km north west of Melbourne and area established its pastoral beginning. The Simson
75km south west of Bendigo. From Melbourne, head brothers were the first white settlers to arrive in the district
northwest along the Calder Highway. Turn left onto the in 1840. The land they first used to graze stock included
Pyrenees Highway, which leads to Maryborough. the area that is now the Maryborough Township.
VicRoads Edition 5; location map 58, grid reference D2. Unofficially the presence of gold was known even in the
late 40s. However, every attempt was made to keep the
History gold findings quiet. It was thought that gold fever would
ABORIGINAL HISTORY erupt and ruin farmers already living on the land.
The local indigenous people, Jaara Jaara, have occupied
the Box-Ironbark forest area for thousands of years. The The Discovery of Gold (1854-1916)
dialect for the local area is known as Djadjawurrung. The James Esmond made the first officially recognised gold
Jaara Jaara people knew the Maryborough township area discovery in Victoria at Clunes in 1851. Maryborough was
as Tuaggra and a Maryborough street now bears this infected with gold fever and the gold rush began June
name. The Jaara Jaara people have a special connection 1854. As predicted gold fever hit the settlers hard and
with the land they belong to. The forest provided the chaos erupted. The efficiency of the bush telegraph meant
people with all the food and shelter needed to survive and that Maryborough grew from a mere 100 miners in June
in return they respected and looked after the land. In this 1854 to a chaotic bustling swarm of 25,000 miners in
dry harsh country, water was often scarce however man- September 1854. The miners had it tough; living and
made rock wells provided a reliable source of water. Some working conditions were harsh and unsanitary. Water was
of the rock wells still remain, the most elaborate set being scarce; a reliable water source was a major ongoing
at Bull Gully. These rock wells have been dug 130cm into problem for the miners particularly in the drier months.
sandstone. They have the capacity to hold 160 liters of
water and have never been known to dry up. In the beginning, gold mining was an individual or group
effort that purely involved muscle power, endurance and
lots of luck. Most of the miners knew almost nothing
about mining and learnt new techniques from other miners
and veterans from the Californian rushes. Methods
included panning, ground sluicing, cradling, puddling and
digging shafts. Once the surface gold was exhausted
mining shafts were laboriously dug to bedrock, where
extensive deposits of gold where often found. The small
mining groups eventually began to dwindle in numbers as
larger companies who could invest in expensive
machinery dominated gold mining industry.
Aboriginal Rock Well (Parks Victoria)

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 Maryborough State Forests FS0076

Mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) (Parks Victoria)

The understorey typically has numerous native grass
Duke Mine, Timor, North of Maryborough 1880’s. Reproduced by
species however taller shrubs including Golden Wattle
permission from the Knowledge Resource Centre, DPI, Victoria.
may also be present. During spring and early summer wild
Conservation was a luxury miners couldn’t afford. They flowers blanket the forest floor. Look carefully and you
depended on the forest as a resource and the pressures of may find some Shiny Everlastings or delicate orchids
the time meant that the forest area was stripped of timber including Slender Sun-orchids, Greenhoods, Pink Fingers,
for mining operations, railway sleepers, fence posts and Wax-lip Orchids and if you extremely lucky you may even
firewood. The soil was constantly dug over and disturbed see Endangered Lowly Greenhoods.
in search of gold and today the scars are still visible. The
ecological impacts of the gold rush were enormous and the
degraded land became less suitable for pasture. Take a
look at the beautiful forest surrounding you; what you see
today is probably very different to the forest that existed
prior to European settlement.

Post Gold era (1917-present)

In 1917 with the cessation of deep leading, the mining
boom was over and Victoria’s goldfield towns faced a
bleak future. Unlike many other small towns, which
eventually died, Maryborough managed to survive.
Maryborough survived by building up its industrial base in
the 1920’s, reviving old industries and establishing new Shiny Everlasting (Parks Victoria)
ones.

Today Maryborough is a beautiful historical town that is Fauna

thriving. The township is surrounded by spectacular Box The Box Ironbark forest surrounding the Maryborough is
Ironbark forest that contains relics of the gold mining era. home to many native animals. Some common animals you
State Forest is managed for economic, social and may find include the Short-beaked Echidna, the harmless
environmental values. If you are seeking to escape from Little Whip Snake, Olive Legless Lizard, and the Eastern
the cities you can enjoy the scenic landscape and the wide- Bearded Dragon. Keep you eyes and ears open at night
open spaces. If you are feeling lucky, the area is also still because you may see some nocturnal animals including
popular for prospectors. Common Ringtail Possums, Brush Tailed Possums and
Sugar Gliders in the tree canopy.
Flora
The State forests surrounding Maryborough form a part of
the Box - Ironbark Forest region. The Box –Ironbark
ecosystem represents a precious and unique environment
that provides habitat to numerous native plants and
animals. Predominant Overstorey species include Grey
Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), Red Box (E.
polyanthemos), Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon) and Red
Ironbark (E. tricarpa). Look up in the canopy and you
may also see native parasitic Mistletoe (Amyema miquelii)
on the branches of eucalypts. This parasitic plant is an
important source of food for many native animals
including the Mistletoe Bird and the threatened Painted
Honeyeater. Little Whip Snake (Parks Victoria)

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 Maryborough State Forests FS0076

The Box-Ironbark forest is particularly important because Things to do

it provides habitat for vulnerable, endangered and endemic Box-Ironbark Forest is a great place for a lazy picnic and a
species. The Brush-tailed Phascogale is a vulnerable stroll through some historical sites left behind by the gold
species that is found in the Box Ironbark forest around the rush era. There are numerous other activities that can be
Maryborough area. enjoyed. Please help keep our Box-Ironbark beautiful by
reducing your impacts and taking your rubbish home.
Please respect all native plants, animals, historic sites and
geographical features.

Prospecting
Prospecting can be an exciting experience that involves
searching for gold, gemstones or other minerals. Many of
the world’s largest nuggets have been found in areas not
far from Maryborough. All prospectors require a Miner’s
Right which is a permit for prospecting in Victoria and
must be carried at all times while prospecting. Prospecting
is permitted in most State Forests and many reserves.
Phascogale (Parks Victoria) Please remember to fill in any holes you dig.

Endangered species found in this area include the locally Bush Walking
endangered Bush Stone-curlew and the Swift Parrot. Bush walking is one of the best ways to explore and
During the summer the Swift Parrot breeds and feeds in experience Box-Ironbark Forest. If you are lucky and
Tasmania. As autumn approaches they cross the observant you may stumble across some hidden relics of
treacherous waters of Bass Strait and spend their winter on the gold mining era. In spring and early summer wild
the mainland feeding largely on the sweet nectar from flowers blanket the forest floor and fill the forest with
winter flowering eucalypts found in the Box-Ironbark colour. Box-Ironbark State Forest is also a great place to
forest. walk your dog. Please respect others in the forest and keep
your pooch under control. For more information on
walking tracks check out the ‘Walk It’ brochure available
from the Maryborough Tourist Information Centre.

Camping
Camping is permitted within the State Forests and is great
way to relax and enjoy the box-ironbark surroundings.
Most of the camping spots are informal bush camps
suitable for the self-sufficient camper who enjoys
‘roughing it’. Be sure to leave your bush camp the way
you found it. To help protect our environment please
observe the campfire recommendations:
Swift Parrot (Parks Victoria) • Take care with fire– observe all fire regulations and
total fire ban days.
Geology and Geomorphology • Collect only dead wood from the ground for
The Box -Ironbark Landscape is relatively flat and derived campfires.
from the base of sedimentary mudstone, slates and • Use existing fireplaces where possible.
sandstone. Harder metamorphic rocks and sandstones • Light fires in fireplaces or 30cm deep trenches.
often protrude as clusters of rocky hills that contrast with • Fires should be less than 1 meter square and at least 3
the relatively flat surrounding landscape. Granite meters clear of flammable material.
intrusions also occur and often appear as distinguished
• Never leave fires unattended. Ensure fires are safe
clusters of huge boulders and these rocky outcrops make
and that they are completely extinguished when you
interesting spots to explore and climb. Gold bearing quartz
leave.
reefs lie within the ancient sediments and have been the
basis of gold prospecting and mining for many years.
Bird Watching
Soils of the Box-Ironbark region are generally shallow and
Grab your binoculars because the Box ironbark forest is
derived mostly from the Ordovician era (430-500 million
home to numerous bird species and is an ideal location for
years ago) when this area was still covered by ocean.
bird enthusiasts. This area provides habitat for some
These are old shallow soils, which over time have lost
endangered bird species including the Swift Parrot and the
their nutrients through weathering processes. In many
locally endangered Bush Stone-curlew.
places, especially rocky-outcrops, the base rock lies close
to the ground surface and the roots of hardy plants grow
directly into disintegrating rock.

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This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is
wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you
relying on any information in this publication.

© State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment

 Maryborough State Forests FS0076

the west side of Possum Gully Road (Easting 0736265

Northing 5886572).

Brogan’s Hut and Paddock are the remains of a home

once occupied by the Brogan family. Amazingly, the mud
brick walls of the paddock and house are still clearly
visible. James and Harriette Brogan lived in this tiny one
room house with four children. Brogan’s Hut and
Paddock are within Daisy Hill State Forest, off Mudbrick
Tk. You can access Mudbrick Tk from either Pussum
Gully Rd or Settling Ponds Rd (Easting 0736914,
Northing 5887692)
Mistletoe Bird (Photo: DSE/McCann)

Bike Riding FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY! Look out for old mine
Box-Ironbark forest contains a maze of interesting tracks shafts when walking through the forest.
suitable for bike riders. It’s a great way to explore the area
and get some fresh forest air into your lungs. So gear up
For more information
and get going. If you’re using a motorbike, please make
sure it is registered and stick to designated vehicular The Forests Service is the division (within the Department
tracks. of Sustainability and Environment - DSE) responsible for
managing Victoria's State Forest. For further information
contact the Department of Sustainability and Environment
Attractions
office at Maryborough (5461 0800) or DSE's Customer
Timor Reservoir is located in the Timor State Forest.
Service Centre on 136 186.
There are picnic tables and BBQ facilities present, making
this area a perfect spot for a lazy picnic in the bush. To get
there, head north from Maryborough until you reach
Visit DSE’s Forests Service website
Timor Road. Turn left into reservoir road and follow the http://www.dse.vic.gov.au
signs to Timor Reservoir. (GPS coordinates GDA94: Zone then select “Forestry”.
55 Easting 0742779, Northing 5902039)
Acknowledgements
Dooleys Dam is a basic bush campsite located in Osborn, B. (1995) Against The Odds; Maryborough 1905-1961.
Central Goldfields Shire, Victoria
Havelock State Forest off Lucknow Lead track. There are
no facilities at this site and is suitable for the self- Bick, D., Kellaway, C., Milner, P. and Patrick, J. (1992) City of
Maryborough Heritage Study: a study in three volumes.
sufficient camper. On the north side of the dam there are National estate Grants Program; no. 737.
remains of an old puddler used in the gold rush era. Flett, J. (1980) Maryborough Victoria Goldfields History. The Poppet
(Easting 0747807, Northing 5901360) Heads Press, Victoria.
Calder, M. and Calder, J. (2002) Victoria’s Box-Ironbark Country; A
Battery Dam & Bully Gully Rock Wells are a major field guide. Victorian National Parks Association. Victoria
attraction of Maryborough. At this site you can see relics Attwood, B. (1999) My Country: a history of Djadja Wurrung 1837-
of the gold rush era. Picnic tables and a BBQ are available 1864. Monash Publications in History. Victoria
for day visitor use. Follow the walking track from Battery Clark, I. D. and Cahir, D. A. (2004) Tanderrum ‘Freedom of the bush’.
Dam to the Bull Gully Rock Wells left by the Jaara Jaara Friends of Mount Alexander Diggings. Victoria
people. Check out the ‘Battery Dam and Craigie State
Forest Note’ for more information. To get there from This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria
Maryborough, head along the Maryborough/Majorca Road and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw
(Inkerman st) until you enter Craigie State Forest, then of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes
turn west onto Graves track at the sign for Battery Dam and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
consequence, which may arise from you relying on any information
(Easting 0744338, Northing 5892247) in this publication.

The Chinese Baths located in Wareek State forest are

believed to be the site of the original Joss house and
Bathhouse. Chinese gold miners made these baths and
amazingly they still clearly visible today. This area is
popular for prospecting and although there are no
facilities, this is a great place to set up a bush camp. From
Maryborough head south to Talbot on the Ballarat -
Maryborough road, turn west up the Talbot-Avoca road
until you reach Possum Gully Road. The Site is located on

© State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment 2006 Page 6