Perched proudly to the south-west of Warburton stands Mount Little Joe. It is a mini-mountain with a story as steep as its slopes. Today we will delve into the history and tales surrounding this landmark.
Mount Little Joe stands 469 meters high. The mountain got its name from Portuguese Joe. Joe was a “packer” friend of Yankee Jim. Yankee Jim was a local historical character named James McAvoy.
The area around Mount Little Joe is rich in history. Scotchmans Creek was one of the earliest goldfields in the Upper Yarra district. It opened in late 1859. It quickly became one of the valley’s richest sources of gold. The creek got its name from a cunning old Scotsman. He fossicked for nuggets in this very spot.
Backstairs Track, also known as Blackstairs Track, once linked Old Warburton to the new Warburton. Packhorses wore down the steps long ago. As you walk, imagine those horses. They carried goods and supplies up and down this challenging path.
The climb to the summit is steep. The wide track plows straight up. Once you reach the top of Mount Little Joe, catch your breath. Enjoy views across the valley. Stands of trees burned in Black Friday and Ash Wednesday dot the landscape. These serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power.
Old Warburton Road winds around the base of Mount Tugwell. It links Wesburn and Warburton. It generally follows the old route of the 1860s. The original site of Warburton was near Yankee Jim’s Creek. This was south of Mount Little Joe. It was known as “Yankee Jim’s.”
In 1962, the Yarra Silvan Conduit was built. It passes through a large tunnel beneath Mount Little Joe. This conduit links the Upper Yarra Reservoir with the Silvan Reservoir. This is part of Melbourne’s water supply system. The Upper Yarra dam wall was the highest of its type in the southern hemisphere when completed in 1957.
Today, little remains of the Old Warburton settlement. Bushfires destroyed most of the buildings in 1926. The area is now mainly private property. It is surrounded by the Yarra State Forest.
Mount Little Joe offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The trails can be muddy and slippery in winter. Walking poles are recommended. The mountain invites you to explore its slopes. It urges you to discover its stories. It is a place where history and nature intertwine.