State Coal Mine
Address: Garden St, Wonthaggi, Victoria 3995
Phone: 03 5672 3053
Email: info@parks.vic.gov.au
Web: parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/state-coal-mine-h.a.
Overview
Journey back in time at the State Coal Mine to discover what life working in a coal mine was like in the 1900s. Venture underground through the dark network of tunnels to get hands-on at the coal face and learn how Victoria's hard working men extracted the black gold.
Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, the State Coal Mine is the only historic coal mine experience in the Southern Hemisphere, offering interactive fun and interest for the whole family.
Free entry to all above ground facilities includes the new State Coal Mine Visitor Centre with cafe, theatrette and shop, museum, heritage trail, historic buildings and sheltered barbecue area.
Join a tour exploring the network of underground tunnels and imagine them dusty and dim, filled with last century's hard-working men drilling and chipping for coal. Kids will love donning their hard hats and getting hands-on at the coal face.
Rising from its beginnings as a make shift 'Tent Town', Wonthaggi quickly grew to the thriving town we know today. Operating from 1909 to 1968, the State Coal Mine produced almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria's industries and railways.
The mine remains just as it was in its working days. Tools and equipment are still in place, as if the miners have just walked away. Seams of 130 million year old coal glisten under dim lighting, while empty skips stand idle to rust in the silent tunnels.
All underground tours are guided by Parks Victoria staff and volunteers who tell stories from mining days past and explain mining methods and social history. Many guides have personal connections to the mine, with a special few being retired miners. Please note closed toe shoes must be worn and children under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Price & booking
Cost
| Type | Valid from | Valid to | Entry cost($) |
|---|
Entry Entry to above ground facilities | 01/01/12 | 31/12/12 |
Free
|
Family - Underground Tour Two adults and two children | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $45.00 |
Adult - Underground Tour | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $18.00 |
Student (16+) - Underground Tour | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $15.30 |
Senior - Underground Tour | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $15.30 |
Group (10+) - Underground Tour Per person. Group booking of minimum 10 people. | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $15.30 |
Senior School Group - Underground Tour Per student. Group booking of minimum 10 people. | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $12.50 |
Junior School Group - Underground Tour Per student. Group booking of minimum 10 people. | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $7.20 |
Carer - Underground Tour Must have a valid carers card. | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 |
Free
|
Child (5 - 15) - Underground Tour Must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 free. | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $9.00 |
Concession - Underground Tour | 01/01/12 | 30/06/12 | $12.60 |
More info
Local directions
The State Coal Mine is situated in the town of Wonthaggi, 130 km south-east of Melbourne. Take the Monash Freeway past Dandenong to Cranbourne, then follow the road signs to Phillip Island and Wonthaggi, along the South Gippsland and Bass Highways. Continue past the Phillip Island turnoff, about another 20 km to Wonthaggi. The mine is signposted from the town just off the Cape Patterson Rd.
Facilities
- BBQ Facilities
- Café
- Coach Parking
- Guide
- Interpretive Centre
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
- Shop
- Visitor Information Centre
- Walking Tracks
Opening hours
Tours conducted daily at 11.30am and 2pm.
Daily
10:00am
-4:30pm
Except Christmas, Boxing Day and ANZAC Day.
Disabled access
Contact operator for further details.