Joadja Southern Highlands, NSW Australia

Watercolour, Size 38 x 28 cms
Joadja is a ghost town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, in Wingecarribee Shire.
Historic valley of Joadja, was a thriving mining town between 1870–1911 with population of approx. 1,100 people, many of which were skilled migrants from Scotland. Today, you can tour the settlement and see the ruins of a long lost village with its shale retorts, miners cottages, School of Arts, refinery area and cemetery. The mining technology that remains in the valley is of national heritage significance, being the only model of its type left in the world. Joadja Creek, which cuts through the valley, is a beautiful spring-fed waterway that never runs dry.
Joadja boasts of at least two ghosts roaming the ruins.
The property has recently been resold, with the new owners setting up a boutique whiskey distillery as well as continuing conservation work of the township. The ruins of the retorts, refinery and houses are being stabilised to ensure future generations the opportunity to view the site and appreciate its part in Australia's national heritage.
A 5 km (return) hike through the bush to the start of the spring is well worth it.