A local legend in Blackburn, a suburb located near the southern end of Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, has intrigued residents with the tale of a disused gold mine believed to be hidden beneath the streets. According to the legend, the mine operated during the gold rush era in the 1850s and 60s but was subsequently closed in 1880.

Details of the mine began to surface in the early 1960s when local schoolchildren embarked on an excursion to the site. Newspaper articles from that time briefly mentioned the visit but provided limited information on the mine itself. Allegedly, pumping equipment and mining gear were discovered decaying in the scrub on a property owned by a local resident named Ray Champion.

It is said that Ray’s father filled in the mine in 1904, leaving it vacant for over two decades. The closure of the mine may have been due to water seeping into it from the nearby Blackburn Lake or Gardiner’s Creek, though specific details surrounding its closure remain unclear.

Despite the local legend, there are no available records of gold being found in Blackburn. However, whispers and stories of gold discoveries in other parts of Melbourne during the gold rush era add an air of intrigue to the possibility of hidden riches beneath the quiet streets of Blackburn.

While the existence of the mine remains unconfirmed, the legend continues to capture the imagination of both residents and historians. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and fascinating stories that lie beneath the surface of our cities.