Harrietville, Victoria
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Harrietville is a town in Victoria, Australia, located on the Great Alpine Road, in the Alpine Shire. It has a population of approximately 186.
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[citation needed].
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 an European classical music competition, and a lawn mower grand prix.
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