Hepburn - The Blowhole
This artificial diversion tunnel on Sailors Creek was built by gold miners around the early 1870s. A tunnel through the spur was cut to redirect water flow from the original creek line. The soil in the dry creek bed was then sluiced for gold. It is an impressive sight when the creek is in full flow and water spurts out over a rock face to a pool below.
There are a number of viewing points. There is a walkway which leads to a view point of the upstream creek and tunnel inlet, another next to the tunnel outlet and another from across the river opposite the tunnel outlet.
During summer there is generally no flow, so the best time to visit in is winter / spring or after heavy rain.
The Blowhole is located in the Hepburn Regional Park.
Short walks can be undertaken by following the spur above the tunnel or through the diggings area.
There are no facilities such as picnic tables and toilets at The Blowhole.
Getting there
From the Hepburn Springs town centre, drive north and then east along Main Road for about 1.3km. Turn left into Eighteenth Street, and then right after about 1km into Blowhole Road. Blowhole Road is a 0.8km dirt road that leads to the Blowhole carpark. The road is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles. From the car park it is a 100 m walk to the viewing platform.
Swimming
It is possible to swim here in the pool below the tunnel when the conditions are suitable i.e. a gentle flow of water is running through the tunnel. It's not suitable for swimming if the water is running too hard or in summer when it is likely to have dried up or be very stagnant.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash
Photo Credit: Konrad Turner
Location
Blowhole Road, Hepburn 3461 Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/the-blowhole
