Daisy Hill - Bull Gully Aboriginal Rock Wells
The area's first inhabitants were the Jajowurrong people. Evidence of how these people survived in these dry forests can be found at Bull Gully Rock Wells. These wells provided a valuable source of drinking water by collecting rain in trenches dug from outcropping sandstone. The wells are the best known example of their type in Victoria.
Four sets of aboriginal rock water wells are located in the bushland of the Maryborough region. The holding capacity of these wells is 168 litres and they are regarded as the best example of such wells in Victoria. Four holes have been excavated into the base of a large outcrop rock. Their position is such that they are a natural catchment for rain falling on the rock above. Three of these holes are united under the surface becoming, in effect, one sizeable 'tank' with three openings. Owing to the lack of permanent creeks the aborigines relied on these wells for their drinking water when passing through this region. The openings to the wells were covered with flat rocks to prevent pollution of the water and to prevent evaporation during summer months.
In the past the wells were thought to have been constructed for other purposes. The Melbourne "Herald" of 22/01/1919 published an article on the 'sacrificial alter or mysterious rock' at Maryborough. The writer apparently assumed that victims were killed on the rock and their blood collected in the four holes at the foot of the rock.
On 14/03/1919 A.S. Kenyon (Geological Survey of Victoria - Records) wrote describing the "Aboriginal Pigment Quarry near Maryborough", saying there was no doubt the objective was pigment and the excavators were the aborigines.
Locally they have always been accepted as water wells because the Jajowurrong aboriginals were seen to be using them as such, in the early days.
How to get there
Battery Dam, the start of the walk, is located approximately 3km south of Maryborough off the Maryborough/Majorca Road (Inkerman Street) enter west at Graves Track and travel about 1km along the track to Battery Dam.
There is a 2.5km loop walking track to these wells from the Bull Gully Battery Dam and Distillery ruins on Graves Track.
Location
Graves Track, Daisy Hill 3465 Map
