Earnscleugh Tailings Track
Track category
Walking track
Time:
2 - 3 hr
Description
Earnscleugh tailings aerial view
The track entrance also links with the Alexandra-Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk.
The walks follow vehicle tracks. The surface is uneven and loose in places. Please keep to the tracks.
A shorter, 30 minute return track to a viewpoint over the historic reserve starts at the carpark.
The longer walk takes in a circuit over different types and levels of dredge tailings and other relics. It follows a vehicle track for the first half hour until a line of more recent tailings is crossed. This marks the entry to the massive Alexandra Dredge, which was taken from the Clutha River/Mata Au in 1950. A short sidetrack here links with the Alexandra-Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk. An interpretive panel explains the tailings left by the different dredges that have worked in this area.
Half-an-hour beyond this is a loop walk over the tailings left by the Earnscleugh No 2 and 3 dredges. Points of interest include the original ground surface, dredge pond remnants, water races and old machinery, including dredge buckets and trommels used for sieving material.
At the end of the loop, return the way you came, or head towards the river to pick up the Alexandra - Clyde 150th Anniversary Walk again.
Getting there
Access is from Marshall Road, three kilometres from Alexandra off Earnscleugh Road. At the end of Marshall Road is a bridge over the Fraser River with a carpark and an information kiosk.
Activities
Dog walking
Historic sites