See Map Below.
This walk begins near the Lake Sambell Caravan Park, at the
end of Junction Road. The 5 kilometre walk follows Hurdle Creek/
Spring Creek, Silver Creek, and takes you past mines different
to those on Reid's Creek and Woolshed Goldfields.
The area around Hurdle Flat has numerous deep mine shafts which
were developed after the alluvial gold was removed. Deep lead
or quartz mining was fruitful but required labour and capital.
Many miners formed themselves into companies to acquire the necessary
machinery and funds. The ore taken from these mines was crushed
at nearby stamping batteries, with the gold then being separated
from the residue.
Several shafts can be viewed along the track, but take care
here.
The walk begins at the end of Junction Road, and is a trail
to the north of the creek. The trail crosses the creek by means
of a new metal bridge, and then recrosses the creek with an older
wooden bridge. Up to the older wooden bridge the walk is along
the creek reserve between the caravan park and the residential
homes, and is mainly revegetated woodland, with the exception
of some huge river gums.
Once crossing the wooden bridge the nature of the walk changes,
as you are entering a world where the forest was turned upside
down in the 1850's by the many thousands of gold miners. Just
across the bridge you can see the area has been mined extensively,
with the shape of the forest floor being dredged out in this
section. Continuing the walk you commence a gradual climb, but
notice these unique mine shafts. There would be very few places
in the entire world where you could see these gold mines or holes
which have been dug 150 years ago, dug down like a well to obtain
the gold bearing quartz at the bottom.
Above is the eerie forest you enter after crossing the wooden
bridge. The path winds up on the right through this washed out
and overmined area of forest. You imediately feel as if you have
stepped into a different world. Even the light is different here.
Follow the track shown above which wanders through the forest.
At times right next to the track there are mine shafts as shown
above. This is a photo looking straight down the mine. It is
now only about 5 metres deep. The mine shafts have metal grills
over them to stop you falling in.
Another form of mine shaft is this one above which looks just
like a huge wombat burrow. Continue to follow the path. Mountain
bikes use this path a lot.
Above is another photo of the path meandering through the eucalypt
forest. Note the fenced off mine shafts on the left hand side.
No where else in the world other than Australia will you see
sights like this. These forests have families of Koalas in them.
They have often been seen at the Silverwater Caravan Park. Keep
your eyes out for them, but remember they are masters at hiding.
Nearing the Silverwater Caravan Park the trail has a loop section.
You may either turn left and go uphill, or turn right and proceed
downhill, then down some stairs and you will need to cross the
small wooden bridge into the Caravan Park.
Only a matter of 30 metres upstream from this bridge is the
junction of the Silver Creek and Spring Creek.
You will need to head upstream and cross the other small wooden
bridge, and follow the trail to Heaven and Hell Tunnels, and
on to Lake Kerferd.