Starting at Lal Lal station, Andy pointed out interesting traces in the landscape of geological and human history, including the former Lal Lal swamp. The Wathaurong people previously used this area in its natural state for resources they needed to survive, thrive and practice their unique culture and customs.
We proceeded to the historic blast furnace and visited one of the iron mines nearby. Historically, Lal Lal is an important site, not only because of alluvial gold mining in the area, but also because it became a partner in Ballarat’s booming mines and economic growth in the 1870s. The development of an industrial economy in Ballarat came as deep quartz reef mining evolved and required heavy mechanical equipment. Thus, there was a need for locally produced iron and all the products that could be made from it. The early railways and original tramway serviced the Iron Blast furnace, built on the banks of the West Moorabool River. The Melbourne-Geelong to Ballarat Railway was used for bringing some of the raw materials needed for the furnace. They were transferred to the tramway, as well as lignite from the Mt Doran pit required for the operation of the blast furnace. The smelter worked until 1883 after which many obstacles including finances, caused it’s shut down. While here, one of the Parks Victoria Rangers for the area came by and was able to answer a few questions.
Twining Fringe-lilies, Waxlip Orchids and Pink Finger Orchids were flowering in this area. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Crimson Rosella were among the bird life seen and heard. There were lots of recent echidna diggings, but no animals were spotted.
We then proceeded to Lal Lal Falls and the Eugene Von Gerard Lookout, where the artist had painted one of his famous landscapes in 1856. Only a trickle of water was flowing over the steep drop.
Welcome Swallow were nesting in the picnic shelter. Several insects were observed, and a flock of Straw-necked Ibis were in a nearby paddock.
ABN 23 918 778 150
Incorporation No A0044963D