In its heyday, this Coal Mine was a bustling network of tunnels filled with men, pit ponies, coal dust and dim lights. Deep below the surface the miners
geared up in hardhats and cap lamps toiled, digging the valuable black coal used to power steam ships and railway networks.
The Underground Union Experience
Enjoy a fully guided tour into an original 1880's underground coal mine.
Provided with a hard hat, lamp and coat (or vest) your journey begins with a short guided walk from the carpark to the railway station. A narrow gauge train takes
you along a section of the old coal haulage route, with spectacular views over the Waimangaroa Gorge. From the mine portal you walk up a gentle incline 200 metres
into the Banbury Coal Mine.
Advanced audio and visuals bring the experience alive, with the sights and sounds that would have been usual back in that time. Have a go at your allocated mining job;
hewer, trucker, clipper, maybe you will be the shot firer........ Learn of the myths and legends of the early coal mining culture and discover the lost mining language of
banjos, sprags and devils. Watch a ghostly miner hologram to understand the harsh life of an old time Denniston coal miner.
Booking/Departure Details
Tours operate daily, if there are bookings, and commence at the Reception office located in the Denniston DoC Car Park
Tour Times until April 30th, 2017
Start: 9:30am*, 12:30pm and 3:15pm
Duration: Allow 2h 30m from reception and back again
*Minimum numbers required - call to check
Prices
Adult $100.00*
Child (10 to 15 years) $50.00
Child (5 to 9 years) $35.00
* 10% discount for senior citizens/goldcard holders
Booking
Seating is limited on all tours and advance booking is essential
Payment
EFTPOS and cash facilities are available on site.
NOTE: MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted however there is a 2% convenience fee for each card transaction.
Physical Ability
Visitors must be able to walk unassisted for 15-30 minutes to the station, some of which is graded. There is also a 5-15 minute walk into the mine on an uphill grade. Then the
return journey along the same route.
Minimum age is 5 years and all children [15 years and under] must be accompanied by an adult.
What To Bring
The weather at Denniston is sub-alpine and can change quickly, so please bring:
- Sturdy closed in footwear (walking/running shoes are adequate)
- An extra layer of warm clothes
- A rain coat
- Cameras are permitted
Visitors will be provided with a hard hat, headlamp and a hi-viz jacket or vest.
Mine Safety
Click here for further information about safety at the Denniston Tourist Mine.
Book now online or phone 0800 881 880