Hustlers Reef Gold Miners Heritage Walk to be unveiled

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke will tomorrow officially open the Hustlers Reef Gold Miners Heritage Walk, which celebrates the historic landscape where one of Bendigo’s richest underground mines was located in the 19th century.

During a 30 minute steep walk leaving from Niemann Street, Bendigo, fit and able walkers can follow the trail and learn about the magnates and miners that worked on the quartz mine until its closure in 1921.  

Six new signs have been funded by the Victorian Government’s Local History Grants program. The City collaborated with the Hustlers Reef Advisory Committee, a community group dedicated to the historical and environmental values of the reserve.

Aldo Penbrook from the Hustlers Reef Advisory Committee said the new trail signs explained to visitors about the significance of the site since the 1850s and how the community had campaigned to restore the reserve.

“What began as an industrial quartz reef gold mining site is now a unique experience that provides a sense of place for visitors and tourists,” Mr Penbrook said.     

“The reserve is used for passive recreation and over the last decade community action has re-vegetated sections to attract more birds.   

“It’s wonderful to see the reserve as a location for the community and tourists to enjoy and understand the history of the place.”

The City acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government, Public Records Office of Victoria and the Hustlers Reef Advisory Committee.