Ode to a Tree and the Barkers Creek Reservoir

When the Barkers Creek Reservoir (then known generally as Harcourt Reservoir) was completed in 1868 it was thought that it would be another source of water for Castlemaine and Sandhurst (Bendigo). But as months turned into years it became obvious to many people that it was a white elephant. It was too low lying to readily allow the construction of a gravity fed channel to either Castlemaine or Bendigo and for the same reason it wasn't much use to the miners who were desperate for water for sluicing. (ref: Mount Alexander Mail, 27 Feb, 1868). Eventually a use was found for the water as the young Harcourt fruit industry took root (to use a horticultural expression!).

 

    Nowadays the Barkers Creek Reservoir is open for recreational activities which include picnicking, fishing and unpowered boating although I can't recall seeing too many kayaks or canoes making use of the new freedoms. The above photo shows that boating was allowed at least at one stage some years ago.

    However here are two interesting photos which show the reservoir in the background and the Harcourt Channel crossing the North Harcourt Road close to a gum tree which has witnessed the entire history of the Barkers Creek Reservoir.

    Our tree was once pretty much by itself by the roadside. Below is how it looks today (unfortunately the growth of roadside vegetation has made it impossible to replicate the view). The tree is on the right.

    But around the same time as the early photo, another had been taken from higher up the hill. The same tree can be seen at the far right by the roadside. If you look closely you can see the Harcourt Channel winding it's way down the hill on the left and crossing the road to run behind our tree.

    Nowadays the tree has plenty of company and it's hard to see it in a present day view from roughly the same location. It's ringed in yellow. There may well be other aged trees along the North Harcourt Road but surely this one deserves special status.