Aboriginal Rock Wells

"To the south of Maryborough are four rock wells dug into sandstone by Dja Dja Wurrong people prior to European settlement.  The holding capacity of the wells is 168 litres and [they are] regarded as the best example of such wells in Victoria."

Although we'd seen some rock wells on TV/DVD, no-one had viewed them in real-life - so we obtained directions and set off.  The tourist information officer had lived in the area since his childhood and said that when he was a boy, the wells still had their cover-stones (to prevent pollution and evaporation) but over time the covers had been damaged or stolen.

Given the history of damage, the wells are now enclosed by a high fence.  The unprotected water didn't look greatly inviting but in the past the wells had been an important source of drinking water due to a lack of permanent creeks in the area.

The tourism officer had sketched the well configuration for us, explaining that the two centre wells were dug straight down, while the wells at each end were dug diagonally (which also reduced evaporation).  Seemingly three of the wells are united under the surface, creating a sizeable holding supply.  Although our view was obscured by the fence, I'm glad we visited.