Traveller safety information

In a postcard setting on the banks of Birch's Creek at Smeaton, Anderson's Mill stands as a powerful reminder of an industry that flourished after the gold rush of the 1850's. Standing today much like it was over 100 years ago, the five-storey bluestone building and its magnificent iron water wheel are still in place.

Construction of the flour mill commenced in 1861 and it was operational within six months, the Oat section of the Mill was completed by the following harvest. Outbuildings such as the stables, grain store and bluestone office were added later as the operation expanded. The water wheel was developed from designs by John Smeaton and the patterns cast locally in Ballarat at Hunt and Opie's Victoria Foundry. Water was collected from Hepburn Lagoon, about five kilometres from the Mill, then released into Birch Creek before being channelled into the water race to turn the wheel. The amount of water required depended on the product being processed. The person operating the release gates at Hepburn Lagoon would be asked to release "half oats water" or "full flour water" for the shift's operation.

• Andersons Mill is open on the first Sunday of each month from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Entry and guide is by donation. The grounds around the Mill may be enjoyed at other times but please observe private property signs.
• Come to the annual Anderson's Mill Festival - for delails visit www.andersonsmillfest.org.au

There is a picnic area with picnic tables and toilets that are accessible when Andersons Mill is open

In 1861, with money generated from the gold and timber industries, they built Anderson's Mill in order to tap into the local agricultural and population boom.

The building was designed by John Anderson, who had trained as a millwright in Scotland. The height of the building reflected the need to use gravity in the milling process and the siting to utilise the water from Birch Creek.The Anderson family owned and operated the Mill for almost 100 years, through boom times, depression and war. But despite its impressive beginnings, the prosperity of the Mill was short lived. Railway lines bypassed Smeaton and the centre of wheat growing gradually shifted north and west. Wide annual variations in wheat harvests also made it difficult for small-scale local millers to obtain regular supplies.

After the Mill closed in 1959, most of the machinery was sold for scrap. For almost 20 years the building stood unused. In 1974 it became one of the first buildings to be included on the Historic Buildings Register. Much needed repairs were made and the Mill was finally purchased by the State Government in 1987. Restoration began in earnest to preserve the history and beauty of the Mill. The building is now listed on the National Estate Register of the Australian Heritage Commission as well as the Historic Buildings Register and is also classified by the National Trust.

What you see today is the culmination of hard work and dedication from conservation professionals, local groups and government departments involved in the restoration program.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

• Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
• Fires only in gas barbecues and are not permitted on days of Total Fire Ban.
• Take your rubbish with you.
• Do not disturb or remove any relics or historic artefacts, material or property.

This park has been assessed to have a low level of bushfire risk and will remain open on days of Code Red (Catastrophic) Fire Danger Rating.

Smeaton is accessed via the Creswick - Newstead Road off the Pyrenees or Midland Highways.

• Enfield State Park
• Hepburn Regional Park
• Paddys Ranges State Park