The Venus Battery is a remarkable survivor of the period of Charters Towers history as a gold mining and processing area.
The Battery was opened in July 1872, the same year that gold was discovered in Charters Towers. It was built by Mr Edmond Harris Thornburgh (EHT) Plant and his associate Mr Thomas Jackson. It was the first custom mill to be operated on behalf of the public in Charters Towers.
By 1919, most of the mines had closed in the area and the Mines Department purchased the mill. This was to ensure that there would be at least one operating mill in the area for gold producing mines in North Queensland.
Extensive restoration work has been carried out and now the mill operates as a tourist attraction. The trusteeship of the battery was transferred to the Charters Towers City Council in January 2003, as part of the development of the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail.
Suitable for all ages. A great experience for groups, visitors and those who love history…