BBQGuided underground mine tours offer a unique, unforgettable experience where you can immerse yourself in Victoria's mining history in an exciting and engaging environment. There are a bunch of underground adventures throughout Victoria that you won't want to miss - check out the following list!
Long Tunnel Extended Mine Tour, Walhalla VIC
Long Tunnel Extended Mine, Walhalla VIC (image source: www.walhallaboard.org.au)
Once a busy gold mining town, Walhalla is now a picturesque historic village nestled in Gippsland's alpine wilderness. Walhalla's Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine was Victoria's biggest gold producer for five consecutive years during the 1890's, and for one of those years it was the biggest gold producer in Australia. Over the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine's fifty year history, a total of 859,540 tons of quartz had been mined from which 440,312 troy ounces (or 13,695 kilograms) of gold was extracted.
Guided underground tours of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine operate daily and are pram/wheelchair accessible. There are two tour options - a general underground tour as well as a technical tour. Be sure to check out the museum while you're there for a fascinating glimpse into the town's mining history, methods and equipment.
Find out more at www.walhallaboard.org.au
State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi VIC
Discover what life was like working in a coal mine during the 1900s, venture underground and get hands-on at the coal face and learn all about how black gold was extracted by the hard working men of Victoria at Wonthaggi's State Coal Mine.
During its operation from 1906 to 1968, the State Coal Mine produced around 17 million tonnes of coal which was used in Victoria's railways and industries. Today the coal mine has been restored by the local community and is managed by Parks Victoria.
Enjoy free entry to the above-ground site where you can climb aboard the old steam locomotive, meet Cobber (the pit pony), take the heritage walk among the buildings and gardens, watch a film in the theatrette and explore the museum. Complement all this with a tour of the underground coal mine for an unforgettable day out!
Find out more at www.parkstay.vic.gov.au
Central Deborah, Bendigo VIC
Venture down into the underground tunnels of a real gold mine that operated during Bendigo's gold rush boom of the 1900's at Central Deborah Gold Mine! Central Deborah offers several guided underground tours, and boasts Australia's deepest mine tour at 228 metres underground with the Nine Levels of Darkness tour.
Explore the fascinating museum, the blacksmith shop, check out the crusher and other machinery, pan for gold, and learn all about how the mine operated and what life was like for the miners who worked there.
Find out more at www.goldfieldsguide.com.au and www.central-deborah.com
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat VIC
Visit Sovereign Hill's living museum and discover what life was like during Ballarat's 1850's gold rush! Sovereign Hill is a goldfields town complete with shops, hotels, schools, factories, a theatre, a gold diggings and underground mines to explore. Working exhibits are brought to life by fully costumed characters and over forty horses.
Sovereign Hill offers both self guided and fully guided mine tour options. Explore the Red Hill Mine on your own or undertake the three guided tours - Secret Chamber, Trapped, and Journey through the Labyrinth of Gold.
Find out more at www.goldfieldsguide.com.au and www.sovereignhill.com.au
Have you experienced any of these underground adventures? Let us know how it went in the comments below.
PROSPECTORS AND MINERS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA
Established in 1980, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria is a voluntary body created to protect the rights and opportunities of those who wish to prospect, fossick or mine in the State of Victoria, Australia.
You can support the PMAV in their fight to uphold these rights by becoming a member. You'll also gain access to exclusive publications, field days, prospecting tips, discounts and competitions.
Check out the PMAV website for more information.
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