In 1854 a large nugget of gold was discovered atop a hill at Whroo in Victoria, In 1855 the Balaclava mine opened, named after the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean war.During 1863 tunnels were driven to allow a tramline to operate.Gold bearing Quartz was carted out of the mine to nearby stampers and crushers to release the gold.Many tunnels were driven into the hill, some of which you can see in the panorama.Eventually, the miners decided to make this an open cut for easier access.Between 1866 and 1881, 21, 340 ozs of gold was recovered from this one mine.
