Sedgwick - Coliban Main Channel Waterfalls and Dissipator Walk
The Coliban Main Channel, which was was constructed in the late 1860s, is an engineering marvel and an incredible place to visit.
The channel, which is approximately 70 kilometres long, is an open gravity channel between Malmsbury and Bendigo. The channel transfers water from the Malmsbury Reservoir to the Bendigo and Castlemaine Water Treatment Plants, which supply 14 towns in the region, and it also supplies irrigation water to rural water customers of Coliban Water.
The channel consists of concrete sections and earthen or rock sections with the concrete sections being around 60 to 80 years old.
These waterfalls are situated along the Leanganook section of the Goldfields Track. Swimming is not permitted and would be very dangerous.
Review:
At the entrance there are some brick ruins, a section of disused channel and a shelter with a long seat.
From the entrance there is a track heading uphill to see water rushing down the concrete channel with two artificial waterfalls, some 90 degree turns and a semi-circular stone dissipator to lessen the force of the water flow along the way. Higher up the hill the gradient reduces and there is a more gentle flow.
We followed the channel for about 1.3km until it disappeared into the hillside but you can continue on the Leanganook Track and the channel will appear on the surface again.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash.
How to get there
It's easy to go to the wrong place using Google Maps. We put Bryden Road, Sedgwick into Google maps but got directed to Harcourt North. In the end, from Sedgwick, we put "Cnr Mandurang South Road and Springs Road, Sedgwick" into Google maps and then kept heading south along Springs Road which becomes Bryden Road. From here, there is about 800m of good quality gravel road until you come to a locked gate on the left hand side with a 46 sign on it. Park along the side of the road.
Photos:
There are plenty more interesting features along the Coliban Channel. Check out the book 'The Coliban Main Channel: A Walking Guide', which is available at Stonemans Bookroom, Castlemaine, the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre, Bendigo Visitor Information Centre, Chewton Post Office, Harcourt Post Office, Elphinstone Post Office and Aesop's Attic, Kyneton.
Location
Bryden Road, Sedgwick 3551 Map
Web Links
→ Drone Flies Over Coliban Waterfalls and Dissipator (YouTube)
