Marysville - The Big Culvert
The Big Culvert is a substantial granite and bluestone arch culvert on the historic Yarra Track near Cambarville. It was built in the 1870s as part of the improvements to the road from Melbourne to the Woods Point and Jordan Goldfields. The moss covered granite and bluestone arch was constructed by a German settlor, George Koehler, who operated a hotel nearby. It is listed on the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Register.
The Big Culvert (the largest of the culverts built in the area at that time) was made from local granite believed to have been sourced from Mount Arnold by German settler George Koehler who was skilled in the masonry craft. It is said that George also operated a local hotel.
Today the culvert continues to carry water under the Marysville-Woods Point Roadway. Apart from the exterior stonework being covered in moss, the structure is the same as when it was constructed.
The Culvert carries both light and heavy vehicles on a daily basis, which is a testament to the quality of workmanship and strength of the granite construction.
The Big Culvert Falls is located about 16 km from Marysville on the Marysville-Woods Point Road. It is located just before the sign for the Cora Lynn waterfall from Marysville.
Directions to The Big Culvert
1. Travel to Marysville.
2. From Marysville, travel along the "Marysville Woods Point Road" for 17 km to the Big Culvert carpark on your left.
3. Park in the carpark area and carefully walk down 100 m to the Culvert.
4. Take care in wetter conditions as the track can be slippery and muddy.
Review:
The culvert is located only 100m from the Marysville-Woods Point Road. It is a stone tunnel to allow water to flow under the road. There is an information board and it is possible to walk through the tunnel/culvert, even though it can be rather wet, muddy and slippery.
Photos:
Location
Marysville-Woods Point Road, Marysville 3779 Map
Web Links
→ Yarra Ranges National Park - Lady Talbot Drive, Cambaraville Historic (PDF)
