What is Prostitutes Reservoir?
Prostitutes Reservoir is a small historical water storage near Malmsbury, Victoria, built during the 1850s gold rush to supply water to steam trains crossing the nearby viaduct. Its controversial name originates from temporary brothels that operated near the construction site, where sex workers served railway laborers. Today, it’s primarily a historical curiosity managed by Coliban Water with limited public access.
Unlike major reservoirs, this 4-megalitre basin measures just 100m x 50m and no longer serves its original railway purpose. The name “Prostitutes Reservoir” appears on official maps and heritage registers, though locals sometimes use the euphemism “Working Girls Reservoir.” Its significance lies not in hydraulic engineering but as a social artifact reflecting Australia’s gold rush era, where remote infrastructure projects often spawned makeshift service economies. While physically unremarkable, the site embodies complex conversations about how we memorialize uncomfortable histories.
Where is Prostitutes Reservoir located?
You’ll find the reservoir approximately 100km northwest of Melbourne, adjacent to the Malmsbury Viaduct (off Calder Highway) near the town of Malmsbury, Victoria. GPS coordinates: -37.1895° S, 144.3852° E. It’s nestled within a valley surrounded by box-ironbark forest, with the viaduct’s stone arches forming a dramatic backdrop.
How do I get to Prostitutes Reservoir?
From Melbourne, take Calder Highway (M79) to Malmsbury (90-minute drive). Turn onto Viaduct Road; parking is available near the Malmsbury Viaduct lookout. Access requires walking 400m along an unsealed track – wear sturdy shoes. Note: There are no signposts directly referencing the reservoir due to naming sensitivities; look for the water body below the viaduct’s western end.
What landmarks are near Prostitutes Reservoir?
Key nearby sites include the Malmsbury Viaduct (heritage-listed railway structure), Malmsbury Botanic Gardens (19th-century plantings), and the historic Malmsbury Gaol. The region forms part of Victoria’s Goldfields Tourism Trail, with Castlemaine (15km south) offering museums detailing local gold rush history.
Why is it called Prostitutes Reservoir?
The name directly references the prostitution that occurred during its 1859-1860 construction. As 500+ laborers worked on the adjacent viaduct, makeshift brothels (“roustabouts”) emerged in canvas tents near the worksite. Historical records from the Public Works Department note complaints about “lewd women” causing disturbances, while gold rush diaries describe the area as a “ribald encampment.”
Was prostitution common at Australian construction sites?
Yes – remote 19th-century projects often attracted sex workers. With few women in gold rush regions (Victoria’s male-to-female ratio was 3:1 in 1861), “soiled doves” followed infrastructure projects. Similar encampments existed near the Eureka Stockade and Bendigo Creek diggings. What makes this reservoir unique is its official naming, likely from surveyors’ dark humor.
Are there efforts to rename Prostitutes Reservoir?
Periodic debates emerge: Heritage Victoria advocates retaining the name as historical evidence, while some community groups propose “Viaduct Reservoir” or “Malmsbury Workers Reservoir.” Critics argue the current name glorifies exploitation, though no formal renaming proposal has succeeded. The controversy reflects wider tensions about commemorating Australia’s frontier-era social realities.
What happened to the prostitutes after construction?
Most moved to permanent goldfields brothels in Castlemaine or Bendigo when the viaduct finished in 1861. Census data shows Malmsbury’s female population dropped 60% post-construction. Some entered domestic service or married laborers, while others disappeared from official records – a common fate for marginalized women of the era.
Were these women voluntary sex workers?
Evidence suggests varied circumstances: Some were independent entrepreneurs charging £1 per service (a laborer’s weekly wage), others were coerced by pimps. Newspaper court reports detail cases of underage girls trafficked from Melbourne. The reservoir’s history forces confrontation with Australia’s complex prostitution legacy, where economic desperation and exploitation coexisted.
Can you visit Prostitutes Reservoir today?
Limited access is possible via the Malmsbury Viaduct walking track, but visitors should note: There are no facilities, swimming is prohibited, and the site has occasional snake sightings. Photography is permitted, but the reservoir itself is fenced for safety. Respectful conduct is essential – this is both a water catchment area and a site with painful human history.
Is Prostitutes Reservoir worth visiting?
For history enthusiasts: Yes, as part of Goldfields tourism. The viaduct view justifies the trip alone. However, those expecting dramatic infrastructure may be disappointed – the reservoir is small and overgrown. Combine with Malmsbury Botanic Gardens (5 minutes away) for picnics. Avoid during summer bushfire season.
What ethical considerations exist for visitors?
Acknowledge the human stories behind the name. Some descendants of gold rush sex workers find casual tourism offensive. Local historians recommend reading primary sources (like Margaret Carnegie’s “Historical Records of Malmsbury”) before visiting to contextualize the site beyond its sensational name.
How does Prostitutes Reservoir impact modern Malmsbury?
The name remains polarizing: Older residents view it as irreverent local history, while newcomers often find it jarring. Economically, it draws niche tourism – heritage B&Bs reference it discreetly in marketing. The council navigates a delicate balance between historical accuracy and community sensibilities.
Does the reservoir still function?
Barely – it’s maintained by Coliban Water as a backup for bushfire fighting and stock watering, holding only 3-4 Olympic swimming pools worth of water. Unlike larger reservoirs, it lacks modern treatment facilities. Environmental studies note its role as a frog habitat, with growling grass frogs breeding along its reed-lined banks.
What safety precautions should visitors take?
Essential precautions include: Checking fire danger ratings (high risk Nov-Mar), wearing snake gaiters in warmer months, carrying 2L water per person, and avoiding the reservoir edge where sediments are unstable. Mobile reception is patchy – download offline maps. Never attempt to swim; water quality isn’t monitored and submerged debris exists.
Are there documented histories of Prostitutes Reservoir?
Key sources include: “Water & Gold: Victoria’s Engineering Heritage” (Public Records Office), “Scarlet Colonialism” by Lucy Frost (examining gold rush prostitution), and oral histories at Castlemaine’s History Museum. Surprisingly few photos exist of the original encampment – most visuals focus on the viaduct.
How does this reservoir compare to similar sites?
Unlike purely functional reservoirs, Prostitutes Reservoir is culturally significant despite its small size. Comparatively: – Malmsbury Viaduct: Engineering marvel, attracts photographers – Prostitutes Reservoir: Social history artifact, attracts cultural tourists Its naming is uniquely candid – most places with similar histories bear sanitized names (e.g., “Bachelor Creek” in California).