Spruce-up for Gabriel's Gully ahead of 150th birthday

Gabriel's Gully, the focus of gold rush 150th anniversary celebrations next March, is being spruced up.

Department of Conservation ranger visitor assets historic Kevin Pearce points to one of the...
Department of Conservation ranger visitor assets historic Kevin Pearce points to one of the historic features in Gabriels Gully. Photo by Rachel Taylor.
The Department of Conservation hopes a new viewing platform and information boards will entice visitors to stay and explore the history of Lawrence.

Doc ranger Kevin Pearce said the aim of developing the area was to encourage visitors to walk around.

Gold was discovered in the area by Gabriel Read in 1861 and the Clutha District Council recently advertised for an events manager to look after the four days of activities planned for next March.

Mr Pearce said in the past six months the site's development had come a long way, Doc workers having completed three staircases and a footbridge, stringer steps and edging around a 3km gravel path.

They were now building a viewing platform that looked out across Gabriel's Gully.

"It's hard to believe this hill went right across, and they've [gold miners] sluiced it all out and made this valley.

"We would like to have the structure completed [and] track graded and gravelled by the end of May. It needs a good six months to settle before the official opening," he said.

rachel.taylor@odt.co.nz

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