In the Spring it is a pleasant drive through golden canola fields from Nagambie, Vic
to the Goulburn Weir. Australia’s Irrigation scheme was the brainchild of later to become Prime Minister Alfred Deakin. Built of large granite blocks the Goulburn Weir was opened in 1891 and was the first ‘diversion structure’ in the scheme. Water from the Goulburn River is diverted from here into the Stuart Murray Canal which flows north to Rushworth and the Waranga Basin. When the weir opened it housed one of the Southern hemisphere’s first hydro-electric schemes which attracted tourists to marvel at the ‘illumination’. A statement which shows how much we take electricity and lighting for granted these days. To this day the weir is still an important part of the irrigation scheme and was modernised in the 1980’s.
Source: http://www.g-mwater.com.au/water-resources/catchments/storages/goulburn/goulburnweir
The Goulburn Weir is a delightful picnic spot with plenty of parking, lawns, BBQ’s an informative interpretation centre and a fascinating walk across the weir.
itchingforhitching 
I lived for a couple of years in a caravan which had gas lights. When we had electricity connected I vowed I’d never forget how good it felt to flick a switch and have lights come on. I’d forgotten all about that! 🙂
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Now you’re taking me back to the days of replacing those delicate little mantles. We thought our Coleman lantern was pure luxury.
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Did you ever accidentally break a brand new mantle as you were trying to light it for the first time? I did more than once!
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With the wind howling outside the tent…ugh
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Such forward thinking and planning!
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More Gung Ho than today. Now the feasibility studies, environmental issues and red tape take longer than the build I’d guess.
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What a fascinating place. I know I would love it. Sites like these that reflect the innovation and work of those who peopled our past interest me as much as spectacular natural wonders. Thank you for sharing it with me.
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The story goes that the bushland around there is scattered with granite blocks that fell from the drays on the way from the quarry and couldn’t be picked up. That piques my imagination.
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