Wonthaggi Coal Mine State Park

Post

Subscribe

Parks Victoria Series – Wonthaggi Coal Mine


The Wonthaggi State Coal Mine is quite literally a hidden treasure. Fun for the whole family, Minecraft enthusiasts especially will love this real life coal mine experience.

Take a picnic and stay all day. Stroll through the lovely old buildings, learn about the history of the Wonthaggi township and take a guided tour underground.

Entrance to the above ground section of the Wonthaggi Coal Mine Park is FREE and well worth a visit as a day-trip destination.


Where is the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine?
Garden Street, Wonthaggi. Telephone: 5672 3053.

Wonthaggi is located 90 minutes or 132 km South East of Melbourne, an easy cruise down the M420 Sth Gippsland Highway and the A440 Bass Highway.

Wonthaggi is approximately 20 minutes from Phillip Island.

Things to See and Do
The Wonthaggi Coal Mine produced nearly 17 million tonnes of coal between 1909 and 1968, leaving behind an extensive network of tunnels.

The highlight of a day spent at the Wonthaggi Coal Mine is the underground adventure into the mine. Our wonderful tour guide, Rod took us on a 90-minute tour and everyone enjoyed the ride out of the mine at the end.


Entry to the Wonthaggi Coal Mine Park is FREE and visitors can spend as long as they like exploring the makeshift town, wandering through original buildings and visiting the museum.

A dedicated group of volunteers keep the Wonthaggi Coal Mine in beautiful condition. It's easy to imagine life in the little cottage as it is furnished true to the day, with fruit trees, vegetable garden and chook shed out the back.


Climb aboard the old steam engine, take photos sitting in the coal cars, pop into the explosives shed, wander the blacksmiths workshop and meet Cobber the pit pony in the stables. Don't forget to stop at the aviary and learn how canaries helped the miners.

A 12-minute film plays continuously about the 1937, No 20 shaft explosion and the intensive rescue and repair operation afterwards.


When is the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine Open?
Daily 10am – 4.30pm.

Underground tours start at 11.30am and 2.00pm daily. More frequent tours during school holidays and group tours by special arrangement.

Parking
There is ample free, onsite parking.

Access
The Wonthaggi State Coal Mine facility is wheel friendly (Suitable for prams, strollers, walkers and wheelchairs). The paths above ground are gravel with an easy gradient.

Current facilities allow for strollers and wheelchairs to venture into the mine to a certain extent. These facilities are due to be upgraded soon. Please speak to staff in advance if you have any special requirements.

Tour Bookings and Prices
Tour bookings can be made online.
Tours run daily at 11.30am and 2.00pm with extra tours during school holidays.

Adults: $19.50
Children (5-15 years) $9.90
Concession (Pension Card Holders) $13.80
Student (16 plus) and Seniors: $16.70
Family (2A & 2C): $48.50

Food and Facilities
There is a beautiful picnic area offering three, free BBQ hotplates. There is also a sink with fresh running water, long work and dining benches, and several privately partitioned picnic tables beneath a large shelter.


The children will be enchanted by the brightly coloured playhouse and fairy garden. The entire play and picnic area is kept safely protected from the road by a white picket fence and gate.


There is an onsite café with both indoor and alfresco dining. The breakfast menu is served all day, along with hot and cold lunches, cakes and Devonshire tea.


What to wear
Anybody wishing to venture into the underground mine MUST be wearing enclosed shoes. The facility provides hard hats (you'll be grateful) and hair nets for underneath.

The mine is usually between 14 to 17 degrees. A jumper is sometimes recommended. That being said, I normally feel the cold and was fine in just a t-shirt on a mid 20-degree December day.

Shopping
There is a small selection of souvenirs available in the entrance foyer.

What to Take
A picnic lunch and drink is highly recommended.

General, season appropriate weather protection is recommended.

Camera. Photos are allowed both above and below ground in the mine.

If you've never been to Wonthaggi, the Coal Mine is a wonderful excuse. The town itself is large and there are plenty of ocean beaches nearby. You could even travel from Wonthaggi to see the penguins come home on Phillip Island afterward.

#day_trips
#family
#free
#fun_for_children
#fun_things_to_do
#south_east
%wnmelbourne