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State Coal Mine

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In its heyday, the State Coal Mine was a bustling network of tunnels, filled with men and pit ponies, dust and dim lights. Deep below the surface, miners toiled to dig the valuable black coal which powered Victoria's railway network. The mine was Wonthaggi's life-blood, and was active from 1909 to 1968.

Heritage - Prior to European settlement, the Wonthaggi area was inhabited by the indigenous Bunurong people, who travelled to the coast seeking shellfish and stone for tool making. Explorer William Hovell discovered black coal in the cliffs at nearby Cape Paterson in 1826. Small and isolated mining operations followed in the 1840's-1860's.

State Coal Mine
© Tourism VIC

Details

Getting There: 130 km south-east of Melbourne at Wonthaggi Take the Monash Freeway past Dandenong to Cranbourne Then follow the road signs to Phillip Island 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
Things to do: Explore the east area mine Visit the coal face underground tours See historic Buildings Watch a short film Steam locomotive

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Location

Garden St
Wonthaggi VIC

Getting There130 km south-east of Melbourne at Wonthaggi Take the Monash Freeway past Dandenong to Cranbourne Then follow the road signs to Phillip Island 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