Montreal Goldfields
1.30pm - 3:30pm
A fascinating day out for the whole family, The Montreal Goldfield, located near Bermagui is open at 2.00pm for tours, Thursday to Sunday. As this is a volunteer run organization please visit the Facebook Page for up to date opening and tour times.
Admission to the site is by guided tour only. Private bookings are welcome upon request.
Montreal Goldfield just north of Bermagui is an amazingly intact example of alluvial diggings from the 1880s and the only goldfield in Australia that goes into the sea. A guided tour through the goldfield is a unique experience for all ages.
Trained local historians reveal the mysteries and anecdotes of times gone by as you follow boardwalks and compacted paths through the beautiful native forest of tree ferns, eucalypts and orchids, inhabited by sugar gliders, lizards and diverse bird life. It is peaceful and relaxing, a far cry from the gold rush era’s chaotic days.
Old mine shafts are fenced off or covered so you can look down at them in safety. A browse through the Heritage Centre highlights the intriguing stories told by the guides.
In 1880, gold was discovered on a beach north of Bermagui at Montreal Goldfield, and the gold rush of the Sapphire Coast began! The rush was short lived only lasting from 1880-1883 but nearly 250kg of gold was unearthed using only a pick and shovel. It became the only goldfield in Australia that extends into the sea.
The goldfield was also linked to one of Australia's greatest seafaring mysteries which involved the the disappearance of a government surveyor and four other men and still remains unsolved.
Located at:
769 Wallaga Lake Road, (next to BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park)
Wallaga Lake, 2546
New South Wales