The Blowhole

Client:   Parks Victoria
Collaboration:   Cardno TGM 
Status:   Construction completed 2020

The Blowhole Gold Diversion Tunnel is a creek diversion which was probably built in the early 1860’s when Jim Crow Creek was being extensively worked by European and Chinese miners.  The short tunnel constructed by the miners through a sandstone ridge was used to divert the waters of Jim Crow Creek effectively cutting off a long section of the original creek. The resultant reach of dry creek bed was extensively worked by the miners.  The Blowhole Gold Diversion Tunnel is considered to be historically and scientifically important as a characteristic and well preserved example of an early form of gold mining.  Water diversion and sluicing are important key ingredients in an understanding of gold mining technology as it was employed in mountainous country where water was plentiful and perennial (extract from Victorian Heritage Database).
When the Jim Crow Creek catchment floods and exceeds the capacity of The Blowhole, the pressurised water being pushed through the Blowhole creates an impressive site that attracts many visitors during the short periods of time that it is activated.

Our recent public facility design works have included re-aligned paths and boardwalks to improve visitor access and safety and the design and siting of a new viewing platform, sited to take full advantage of the operating Blowhole.  

The nature of the site including minimising impacts on the heritage and flora of the site required design sensitivity.