Blackwood Mineral Spring
Following the discovery of alluvial gold in the Lederderg River in 1854, the towns of Blackwood, Golden Point and Barry's Reef were established. By the end of 1855, these towns had a total population of 10,000.
It is believed that the Blackwood springs were discovered by Chinese miners sluicing the river bed and banks. In 1879 a small area of land was set aside as a reserve around the Blackwood North Mineral Spring, but mining posed a constant threat to the survival of the spring until 1888, when all mining in the reserve was forbidden following a report by Mr E. Dunn, the Acting Government Analyst, who declared the water from the spring as being equivalent to 'Appolinaris' bottled mineral water, an expensive French import.
There was an attempt by Mr Robert Boys of Inglewood to start an 'aerated plant factory' to bottle Blackwood mineral water commercially. However Mr Boys could not obtain a permit to operate his business within the reserve, so the project was abandoned.
A simple rotunda was constructed around the North Blackwood Mineral Spring in 1900 and by 1910 a very picturesque wooden suspension bridge was built over the river and remained there until 1967, when it was replaced by the present concrete structure.
From 1879, when a reserve of 0.4 hectares was created, the protected area was gradually increased to 5.6 hectares in 1948.
Facilities
The Blackwood South Mineral Spring is on the carpark side of the river, a pipe set in a small, drained well beneath a rotunda. To get to Blackwood North Mineral Spring, cross the river over the footbridge. This is also a piped spring set in a well under a rotunda.
Flushing include toilets with wheelchair access, BBQs, rotundas (one which contains seating), shelter, tables and seats, kiosk and parking area.
How To Get There
From Daylesford: Take the Woodend / Trentham road, turn right at the Trentham turn-off (after approximately 21km). At the shopping strip, take the first right (Cosmo Rd) signposted Blackwood. You will reach Blackwood after another 14km. Turn left at the "Town Centre" sign, then right at the hotel, and within 600 metres turn left down a steep hill, pass the caravan park on the right and park on the river flat of the Lederderg River.
From Melbourne: Take the Western Highway towards Ballarat. Continue past the Bacchus Marsh (54km from Melbourne) and Myrniong turnoffs. Take the next turn off towards Greendale. At Greendale (after 6km) turn right towards Blackwood and Trentham. After 11 kms you will reach Blackwood. Turn right at the "Town Centre" sign, then right at the hotel, and within 600 metres turn left down a steep hill, pass the caravan park on the right, and park on the river flat of the Lederderg River.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash.
For more information about mineral springs in Victoria, see "From The Spa Country, A Field Guide to 65 Mineral Springs of the Central Highlands, Victoria", published by Edward and Maura Wishart
Location
41 Golden Point Road, Blackwood 3458 Map
