Hotham's newest walking trail, The Cobungra Ditch Walk, was officially opened by Bill Sykes MP, at a special media launch at Brandy Creek yesterday.
This walking track was reconstituted by the Mount Hotham Resort Management Board from a 10.5km long water race that provided water for the hydraulic sluicing operations of the Cobungra Gold Mining Company at the
Construction of the walking trail from the previously named Aqueduct Trail, recognises the significant role that the discovery of gold lead to the development of the Mt Hotham Resort.
This historic feature was transformed into a walking track between 2009 and 2011 by the Mt Hotham Resort Management Board Track Crew using similar tools and construction techniques to the original construction brigade.
This walk has the potential to become one of the high country’s premier historic walking tracks accessible to most age groups and fitness levels. The stands for the signs have been crafted by local blacksmith Richard Walker of High Country Forge to mimic the shape of the steel-riveted pipes used in the hydraulic sluicing process the shape of a snow gum trunk, which is the dominant species through which the course of the ditch runs. Artwork in the form of reconstruction and descriptive sketches are included on the interpretive panels, these have been drawn and designed by track construction supervisor Andrew Swift.
The opening of the Cobungra Ditch Walk will contribute to the development of ecotourism in the alpine region, and further strengthen the north east region’s reputation as a destination abundant with historical significance, according to Bill Sykes, MP.
“Tourism is extremely important to this area, and to
A second new walking trail, The Huts Walk, will be open to the public mid April which will bring to life Hotham's fascinating pioneering history.
For more information on the The Cobungra Ditch Walk, please view the track notes PDF below.
Cobungra Ditch Track Notes (1304 KB)
09 March 2011
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