Rusty water tanks remain from a gold mining past

Anyone who has known me for a while knows that I love ‘rusty stuff’, you know what I mean, the stuff that is scratched, dented, falling apart and generally past its use by date.

If I can, I will incorporate it into my back garden in one form or another.

Unfortunately though, these water tanks, left over from the Ararat’s steam driven transport past though are perhaps a little big for me to re-purpose. Certainly getting them home could be problematic.

Located in western Victoria, Ararat was founded in 1857 after gold was discovered nearby and quickly grew into a prosperous mining town with the railway arriving in 1875, connecting Ararat to Melbourne.

This boosted Ararat’s growth again and it became an important railway junction, with lines branching off to Stawell, Portland, and Hamilton. The town’s station, built in 1888, is a fine example this Victorian-era expansion and remains a local landmark.

Unfortunately as with many booms, this one faded. As gold mining declined, Ararat transitioned to agriculture and became a regional centre with the railway continuing to play a vital role in the town’s economy, transporting goods and passengers.

Today, Ararat remains connected to Melbourne by regular V/Line passenger services and continues to be a popular rest stop for commuters on a Melbourne – Adelaide road trip.

Frequently asked questions:

The preserved water tanks stand as remarkable examples of 19th-century railway infrastructure. Each tank could hold approximately 100,000 litres of water, featuring innovative gravity-fed systems and cast iron construction typical of the Victorian era. The tanks were strategically positioned along the railway line at intervals calculated for steam locomotive water consumption rates. The engineering involved brass float valves, mechanical water level indicators, and frost-protection systems essential for winter operations. These tanks remained in active service until the 1960s, when diesel locomotives began replacing steam engines.

Ararat’s railway junction played a pivotal role in Victoria’s economic growth from 1875 onwards. The junction connected three major regional lines – the Melbourne line, the Portland line, and the Hamilton line – making it one of the busiest rail intersections outside Melbourne. This strategic position enabled the transportation of wool, grain, and gold to major ports and markets. The junction employed over 100 railway workers during its peak, operating a roundhouse for locomotive maintenance and a significant goods yard. Regular passenger services helped establish Ararat as a key stopover point for long-distance travel, contributing to the development of local hospitality industries.

What agricultural industries replaced gold mining? When gold mining declined in the late 1800s, Ararat’s transition to agriculture was comprehensive. Sheep grazing became predominant, with Merino wool production leading the change. Wheat cultivation flourished due to the region’s suitable soil composition and climate, with several flour mills operating by 1890. Vineyards were established in the 1880s, particularly in the Great Western region, leading to renowned wineries that still operate today. The region also developed significant oat, barley, and canola production. Modern farming practices include olive groves and speciality crops such as lentils and chickpeas, demonstrating ongoing agricultural innovation.