DAVIS' WATER RACE

CRESWICK REGIONAL PARK, HEPBURN, HEPBURN SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    DAVIS' WATER RACE - History

    The extant section of race one of the earliest races in Creswick and was the first along

    Back Creek constructed under the permit system in 1854. Originally constructed by Davis

    & Mitchell in 1854, G. Russell soon purchased shares in" this race, and by 1857 B. Eaton

    had taken over Mitchell and Davis' share in Water Permit No.1 (Back Creek).

    The race transported water from dams along Back Creek to ground sluicing and alluvial

    mines at Georges Diggings, Doctors Lead and Portuguese Flat.

    In 1858 Russell, Eaton and Bragg were involved in major dispute of water rights on Back

    Creek and the enusing court cases are illustrative of the complications of water

    management experienced in many areas of Victoria on the early gold fields.

    Details of the court case can be found in 'Archaeology of Water Management on the

    Creswick Alluvial Goldfields' (P. Davies, S. Lawrence and J. Turnbull, 2012).

    Interpretation of Site

    DAVIS' WATER RACE - Interpretation of Site

    This race was constructed in 1854 and represents one of the earliest races in Creswick associated with ground sluicing and alluvial mining.

    Archaeological Significance

    DAVIS' WATER RACE - Archaeological Significance

    This site has a high level of archaeological significance.

    The race is a representative example of an 1850s water race that was constructed and

    utilised under the permit system. Archaeological features include the race alignment,

    negative cut features , spoil and sediment deposits, dams, diversions, sluice points and

    flume remains, and sluice lining materials. It is significant as many of the earliest races

    along creeks have been destroyed by subsequent working. Its' history can be used to

    trace the development and implementation of water management regulations on Central

    Victorian Goldfields.

    Although water races are common on Victorian Goldfields very few races in Victoria have

    been documented and mapped in detail and the integrity of remaining goldfield water

    management complexes is largely under researched.

    Historical Significance

    DAVIS' WATER RACE - Historical Significance

    The site has a HIGH level of historical significance at a local level. Due to the excellent

    preservation of a large part of the Creswick goldfield, the intertwined narratives of mining,

    water supply, environmental consequences and rapidly evolving legislation can be read in

    the landscape. At a state level the site contributes to broader narratives of water supply

    and mining (Victorian Historical Theme 4.5 & 4.6) and informs the development of both

    mining and water management laws for the State of Victoria.

    The race system is one of many on the Creswick alluvial goldfield that together make up

    an important and well preserved cultural landscape of water management.

    Combined with Creswick's strong forestry education facilities and proximity to Melbourne

    and Ballarat, an increased awareness in this well preserved mining complex could provide

    Creswick with excellent educational and tourism opportunities illustrating mining

    techniques and how mining shaped Victoria's water laws

    Heritage Inventory Description

    DAVIS' WATER RACE - Heritage Inventory Description

    A 1.8 km extant section of water race along Back (Creswick) Creek.

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