Deep within Warrandyte State Park lies a testament to Victoria’s gold rush days: the Pound Bend Tunnel Entrance.
Have you ever wondered what it took to divert a river? Here at Pound Bend Tunnel Entrance, you can witness just that. This tunnel isn’t just some hole in the rock. It’s a monument to ambition and the relentless pursuit of gold.
In 1870, the Evelyn Tunnel Mining Company embarked on an audacious project. They wanted to expose a five-kilometer stretch of the Yarra River bed. Their aim was to mine the alluvial gold hidden beneath. The solution was to carve a 145-meter tunnel through the narrow bend of the Yarra. This would divert the river’s flow.
Imagine the scene. Men toiling with picks and shovels. They were driven by the hope of striking it rich. The Pound Bend Tunnel took only three and a half months to build. It measures six meters wide and four meters deep. This shows the incredible effort involved.
The Evelyn Tunnel Mining Company faced many challenges. They had to remove up to 14 meters of silt before they could even start sluicing for gold. Despite their efforts, the returns barely covered the costs. The company never paid a dividend and was wound up in September 1872.
But the story of the Pound Bend Tunnel Entrance doesn’t end there. In 1884, someone proposed using the tunnel to generate electricity. A company formed in 1888, called the Melbourne Water Power Co. Their goal was ambitious: to supply power to all of Melbourne. Sadly, this venture never came to fruition. The idea resurfaced in the 1920s. This time, it was to power the local Warrandyte community. But lack of funding prevented it.
The Pound Bend Tunnel Entrance is more than just a historical site. It’s a reminder of the dangers of the Yarra River. Strong currents and trapped branches make it a hazardous place. Sadly, there was a death at the site in November 2004. The tunnel often floods. This fills it with water creating a dangerous place to swim or fall into.
Today, the Pound Bend Tunnel Entrance is part of the Warrandyte State Park. It is a popular spot for picnickers and bushwalkers. The Pound Bend Loop is a tranquil walk. It leads you along the Yarra’s banks and through eucalypt woodlands. You can park near Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road. Then follow Pound Road to the Pound Bend Picnic Ground.
The Pound Bend Tunnel Entrance stands as a testament to human ingenuity. It also reminds us of the power and danger of nature. Take a moment to appreciate this feat of engineering. Think about the dreams and struggles of those who came before us. They sought fortune in the goldfields of Warrandyte. The Pound Bend Tunnel Entrance is a tangible link to Victoria’s rich history.