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: