Gold was first found in this area as early as 1849 when a lump of gold bearing quatrz was plowed by a farmer.
Although no further gold was found at this location the Gordon Reward Mine was established
at a later date and gemstones were also found.
One prospector, Mr. Carter, found indications of gold in "Spike Gully" and spoke to the
owner of the Sandy Creek Hotel. The owner and Carter set up a prospecting party and soon found
payable gold, including nuggets! The rush was on and soon almost 6000 prospectors were on the site.
Once the easy alluvial gold was gone the prospectors searched nearby areas and found other soiurces in
Victoria Hill, Moonta Hill and Green Hill.
The 1870's saw many of the surrounding areas reefs searched, many proving gold bearing. The lack of
expertise in reef mining and finance led to them not being worked until the 1890's.
Gold was soon found and many mines opened including: "The Lady Pearce", "Lady Alice", Barossa Treasure", Comet", "Phoenix" and "Young Australian".
At this time a miner from Western Australia, Mr. L.R. Menzies, purchased the mines and amalgamated them into one
establishment naming it the Menzies Barossa.
Money was frugally spent on mining machinery and developing the mines, with the inclusion of a 40 head battery!!.
By 1899 the enterprise collapsed due to mine mismanagement and overheads.
A large proporation of these mines are now in the confines of the Parra Wirra National Park. The remainder are on
private property.
The only other time of working these mines was during the depression years in the 1930's.
A large nugget strike in 1980 suggests that there is still plenty of nuggety gold in this field. If
you are lucky enough to gain access to the field it could be very worthwhile.
Click on the nugget to go back to The Aussie Prospectors Page"
