Earnscleugh Tailings Track
Walking track
Time:
2 - 3 hr
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.
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.
No guns, dogs or vehicles.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required