Mining works on Towers Hill, historic site in Queensland, Australia
Mining works on Towers Hill are the remains of structures built for processing minerals on a large granite formation near Charters Towers. The ruins include concrete, brick, and stone parts of former mills and processing plants with visible foundations and chimneys still standing on the hillside.
Gold was first discovered here in December 1871, triggering the development of the Charters Towers Goldfield. Processing plants using chlorination technology were built from the mid-1880s to extract gold from sulfide ores, but cyanide treatment replaced this method in the 1890s.
The hill became a landmark for Charters Towers during the gold rush era and remains tied to the town's identity today. The visible ruins and granite formation connect locals and visitors to the region's past and the lives of those who built the mining operations.
The site is open for visitors to walk through and explore the ruins and foundations of the old structures. Walking shoes are recommended since the terrain includes natural rock outcrops and scattered remains that require careful footing.
A significant but often overlooked detail is the violent incident of 1901 when the plant manager David Brown shot the company chairman during a pay dispute. This dramatic moment remains connected to the site's history and is part of the stories locals remember about Towers Hill.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
