Omeo, VIC
3.4 km (1 hr )
★★★☆☆

The Oriental Claims is a former gold mine, located 2 km south of Omeo. The name comes from The Oriental Company which mined in the area from 1876 to 1904, as well as in memory of the many Chinese miners ('Orientals') that worked the area for over 50 years.

There are two walking tracks at Oriental Claims; the Ah Fong Loop in the north, which traces the history of Ah Fong and other Chinese miners who worked the claims in the late 19th century. There are many information signs along the way describing the history and the techniques used to extract the alluvial gold. The second and slightly longer Pioneer Hill Loop covers the southern end of the site. This heads uphill, through the canyons formed by hydraulic sluicing to the Pioneer Hill Lookout that overlooks the nearby town of Omeo.