ON FOOT in the High Country – Oriental Claims Walk
Event description
The ‘highest alluvial gold mining site in Australia’ is one of the things we don’t have to tell you about Oriental Claims. Join Omeo Historical Society’s Sally Doyle and Graeme Deveson as we have a look around this amazing area. Lots of gold was mined from the Claims and resulted in the creation of towns like Omeo and Swifts Creek – but the results of the controversial mining methods remain highly visible.
Graeme will show us how it all worked, the caves and cliff faces of the gold mining era, still very much in evidence.
Sally will speak to how the area has regenerated from the mining era into the beautiful and diverse area we see today.
This is a free walk, but numbers are limited so booking is essential.
This is a 1.5km walk and classed as a grade 3 walk with some steep sections. Covered shoes or boots are required; dress warm, bring a hat (the days can be very bright) and water. Two hour walk.
Meet at the Oriental Claims Carpark. The Claims are on the right hand side, if driving west from Omeo, or just past the Cassilis Road turn off on the left hand side, if driving east. Look out for the Memorial Bridge. The site is poorly signed, but there will be an On Foot in the High Country sign at the turn off, plus a high vis shirt on display.
The ON FOOT in the High Country Walking series is funded by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
This event is part of the 2023 East Gippsland Winter Festival, running from 9 June - 9 July. For the full festival program, please visit:https://egwinterfest.com.au/