About

The State Coal Mine offers a journey back in time to discover what life working in a coal mine was like in the1900s.

Underground: educator-led guided tour

Families will journey underground through the dark network of tunnels with our guides to discover the technologies used in coal mining and learn how Victoria’s workingmen extracted the black gold. Above ground, kids will have access to historical sources that help demonstrate how people lived and worked at that time.

During the tour, we will discover Wonthaggi’s modest beginnings as a tent city, uncover the beginnings of the coal industry in Victoria, and explore the lives and working conditions of some of the mine’s early workers. Kids will also learn about the mining technology of the time and how it supported Victoria’s energy independence, and examine how new ideas and technological developments contributed to change in Australia’s society and economy during the early 1900s.

Above-ground: self-guided tour

Choose from any or all of the following: start your adventure in the Visitor’s Centre, watching a short film on the history of Wonthaggi and the State Coal Mine, before grabbing a map of the aboveground heritage trail.

Reminisce of times gone by in the old miner’s cottage and learn more about the mining days in the museum. Sing-along with the resident canaries or say ‘hello’ to the cheeky pit-ponies. Gain an insight into how creatures, both large and small, were vital to the running of the mine.

Reflect on the State Coal Mine’s dark days in the undermanager’s office, where tales of disaster show the remarkable resilience of the Wonthaggi community. Finish with a stroll up to the winder house. Learn about the history of the Wonthaggi CFA, whilst admiring the view of the State Coal Mine and surrounding areas.

Age & Price:

Children must be 5y or older to attend the underground tour.  There will be a primary school-aged group & a mixed-aged group (depending on numbers, with siblings welcome into both groups)

• Primary-aged kids (5y+): $8.50
• Secondary-aged kids (13y+): $12.00
• Adults: $17.00
• Pre-school aged siblings: not able to attend underground tour. Free for above-ground attractions

Timeframes:

11.40am arrival for a 12pm start (mixed age group), or 11.55am for a 12.15pm start (primary school group).

The underground tour is 1h-1.5h long.  Above-ground attractions may take 1h-2h to explore, and families are welcome to leave at any time.

Extra Information:

• The underground tour is a walking tour, including a steep walk into and out of the mine, approximately 300m each way. Total walking distance is 1-1.5km, with minimal seating opportunities throughout. Therefore, all participants must have a moderate level of fitness and not suffer from any major health conditions (heart or lung disease, acute musculoskeletal injuries etc.)

• No mobility aids are accepted in the underground tour

• Flat, closed toe shoes (eg. sneakers) and the provided safety helmet are required to be worn during the tour

• The temperature in the mine will be 12-14 degrees Celsius, no matter the weather outside. A long-sleeved shirt or light jacket is recommended

• Families may bring backpacks on the underground tour, but no food or drink other than water is permitted to be consumed in the mines

HEN members only, new members very welcome!

Location

State Coal Mine
19-37 Garden St, Wonthaggi Vic 3995

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