A Portal into Victoria’s Industrial Past

Just 15 minutes from Inverloch, the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine is the only historic coal mine experience of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Operating from 1909 to 1968, it produced nearly 17 million tonnes of coal that fueled Victoria’s railways and industries. Today, it’s a beautifully preserved heritage site—an aboveground village and an underground world waiting beneath it.

Entry to the aboveground precinct is free, and there’s plenty to explore before you descend below the surface. Start at the Visitor Centre for a short film on the mine’s history, then wander the heritage trail with map in hand.

You can step into the old miner’s cottage, stroll through the museum, greet the canaries, and meet the pit-ponies who once played essential roles in the mine’s operations. In the undermanager’s office, stories of tough times and remarkable community resilience echo from the walls.

Families will love the sprawling picnic area, free BBQs, Fairy Garden, café, and gift shop. Most aboveground areas are wheelchair-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome outdoors.

The Underground Experience

A visit here wouldn’t be complete without joining one of the guided underground tours, running at 11.30am and 2pm daily. Kids 5+ are welcome, and tours are led by Parks Victoria rangers and volunteers, many of whom have personal ties to the mine.

The descent takes you into a labyrinth of dim tunnels, where ancient coal seams glint softly and rusting skips wait silently on their tracks. Tools from decades past remain in place, creating the uncanny sense that the miners have just stepped out for lunch. Guides bring the space to life with stories of grit, danger, and camaraderie, showing visitors exactly how the mine worked in its heyday.

If you stand still long enough, you can almost sense the echo of hooves and hear the distant shake of steel rails.

Photo credit / Parks Victoria.

Tickets to The Underground Experience can be purchased via Parks Victoria website. Purchase tickets here.