Description

Just outside Talbot, in the Tunnel Hill Bushland Reserve, lies an abandoned gold mine tunnel which runs in a straight line under a small hill and has an opening at each end. The Tunnel Hill Mine was supposedly driven in 1861 and was briefly reworked in 1917 when there was some cyaniding carried out. Entry is prohibited into the mine itself and gates are locked at entrances. Parks Victoria advises it is not safe to enter the tunnel. From the main entrance you can walk straight up and over the hill to find the second entrance on the other side. There is a dirt road that goes over the hill as well, but you may require a 4wd vehicle. The whole reserve is great for birdwatching, bushwalking, cycling, horse riding and gold prospecting. Please stay to marked tracks within the Reserve. Parks Victoria requests that current day prospectors fill in their holes and take care of the site. When heading out from Talbot, travel along Gladstone Street until you see the 'Tunnel Hill Bushland Reserve' sign on your left. Just after the sign, there is a dirt road on the left that sweeps around behind the sign into the bush. Follow this dirt road, ignoring the first turnoff to the left, and continue off into the bush. ou will soon come to a fork in the road, turn left. Follow the dirt road for a few more minutes until you reach the entrance to the mine.