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Emma's Well
Emma's Well is an historical natural feature in Vaucluse.
This spot is a permanent natural spring and the stone trough was first placed here in 1874 for horses as they traipsed up the hill with their heavy loads. Iron cups were also placed nearby for human use.
It has been used by locals for decades. My father can remember drinking water from the spring in the 1920s and 30s. It was Dad who showed me the well when I was quite young and I thought Geocachers might enjoy this unusual historic feature. Although the water is always flowing and looks clear I'm not sure I would drink the water today, but I vaguely remember doing so a child!
Who was Emma?
No one really knows but -
She was possibly an Aboriginal woman living in a hut opposite the well in the 1870's, who showed settlers and the military this permanent supply of crystal clear water. About this time "Emma's Well" was chalked on a large rock beside the stream.
Or possibly the spring was named after an English counterpart in Hertfordshire which is a spring providing life to passers and is called 'Emmaswelle'. This one appears in the Doomsday Book.
I prefer the first version but really they are the same story - a spring providing vital water which is life to those trudging up "Heartbreak Hill".
The well is still in operation and can overflow onto the footpath so watch your step as the path can be very slippery and mossy and this is a very busy road.
The location can be reached by bus routes 324, 325 and 386 or by driving and parking in nearby side streets. There is NO PARKING along this section of New South Head Road.