Harrietville, Victoria

Infobox Australian Place | type = town
name = Harrietville
state = vic


caption = River flowing into Harrietville Trout Farm
lga = Alpine Shire
postcode = 3741
est =
pop = 278
elevation=
maxtemp =
mintemp =
rainfall =
stategov = Benalla
fedgov = Indi
dist1 = 351
dir1 = NE
location1= Melbourne
dist2 = 105
dir2 = SE
location2= Wangaratta
dist3 = 27
dir3 = S
location3= Bright

Harrietville is a town in Victoria, Australia, located on the Great Alpine Road, in the Alpine Shire. At the 2006 census, Harrietville and the surrounding area had a population of 278.Census 2006 AUS
id=SSC25731
name=Harrietville (State Suburb)
accessdate=2007-08-04
quick=on]

The town began as a goldmining settlement during the Victorian Gold Rush. Alluvial gold was mined initially. Many of the early miners were Chinese. Later, the mining shifted to deep reefs accessed via shafts. A large dredge, known as the Tronough Monster, also worked extracting alluvial gold from the Ovens River flats. The dredge extracted gravel and created the hole it floated in, dumping the tailings behind it. It made slow progress along the river flats, eventually stopping when rock reefs were contacted at the base of the surrounding mountains. Three large and deep lakes remain near Harrietville where dredging operations ceased.

Harrietville today provides some accommodation for skiers visiting nearby Mount Hotham. The town hosts a bush market in January and on Easter Sunday. Also in January are a European classical music competition, and a lawn mower grand prix.

References

* [http://www.farlang.com/gemstones/bradford-harrietville/page_001 Harrietville Gold Field] Victoria Geol. Survey 1904, W.M. Bradford