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All Australia Rubicon Rubicon Hydroelectric Scheme
AO Edited

Rubicon Hydroelectric Scheme

One of the oldest operating hydroelectric power schemes in Australia.

Rubicon, Australia

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Philip
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Rubicon Power Station.   Philip Mallis / Atlas Obscura User
The pipe carrying water down a 443-metre drop into the Rubicon Power Station.   Philip Mallis / Atlas Obscura User
View looking over the Rubicon Power Station.   Philip Mallis / Atlas Obscura User
Royston Power Station.   Philip Mallis / Atlas Obscura User
Rubicon Hydroelectric Scheme   Philip Mallis / Atlas Obscura User
One of the many aqueducts and sections of tramway throughout the Rubicon Valley.   Philip Mallis / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Rubicon Hydroelectric Scheme was a triumph of early-20th century engineering. Constructed by the State Electricity Commission in 1922, it has supplied electricity to Victoria for almost 100 years by harnessing the natural power of the Rubicon and Royston Rivers. When first opened, the system supplied around 16 percent of the entire state's electricity requirements.

It consists of several power stations, of which the Rubicon Power Station is the largest. These buildings sit at the bottom of a steep drop well over 1,000 feet (304-meters) from the top of a hill where a large pipe funnels water into two wheel generators. The other three power stations are located on the rivers. 

Other points of interest include three small dams that help control water flow and supply, an old narrow-gauge tramway, and an abandoned settlement near the end of the Rubicon River Road. There is abundant wildlife and vegetation throughout the area. 

Visitors can walk a circuit past most of the significant sites in about five-six hours. Tracks are generally wide and well-marked and mostly follow either the Royston or Rubicon Rivers.

Related Tags

Electricity Architecture Energy History & Culture

Know Before You Go

The Rubicon Valley is not accessible by public transportation. The road leading to the base of the Valley can be traversed easily in a two-wheel-drive car. There are tracks leading further into the bushland, but these are designed for off-road four-wheel-drive vehicles.

This is a remote location so the usual caveats apply. Carry plenty of water, food, and other supplies. Have an emergency plan, and tell people when you are leaving and expect to return. This area has a high bushfire risk and should be avoided during times of high fire danger. Check emergency services before visiting.

Note that many areas are still part of an operational infrastructure and are not publicly accessible without prior permission from Parks Victoria or AGL.

The entire site is listed on the National Heritage Register and under no circumstances should any historical artifacts or remnants be tampered with, moved, or removed.

Community Contributors

Added By

Philip Mallis

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swfraser

  • swfraser

Published

October 28, 2020

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  • https://philipmallis.com/blog/2019/10/17/crossing-the-rubicon/
  • http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;place_id=100030
Rubicon Hydroelectric Scheme
Rubicon River Rd
Rubicon, 3712
Australia
-37.327154, 145.860533
Get Directions

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