State Coal Mine restoration
Project status
The Drift Car at the historic State Coal Mine will be fully restored thanks to $2.4 million in additional funding from the Victorian Government.
This funding commitment adds to the $1.5m committed in 2023, which has been used for critical safety works on the Main Heading (the tunnel the drift car operates in).
The drift car is a specially built mine cart enjoyed by more than 10,000 people a year, carrying visitors up and out of the mine’s underground workings. Operation was suspended in 2020 following safety and mechanical inspections.
The new funding will allow for the repair and modernisation of the drift car and the replacement of the track that it travels upon.
While walking tours of the mine resumed in 2023, restoring the drift car will be a significant benefit to visitor accessibility into the mine and the dedicated volunteers and staff who lead underground tours.
Work on the Main Heading is now well underway, with contractors Mancala Services on site. The works will bring the tunnel up to modern safety standards to future-proof the mine and allow for works on the drift car.
We will continue to provide regular updates to the Friends group on the projects progress.
Walking tours of the underground mine are currently suspended to allow contractors to undertake the critical works in the Main Heading safely and are expected to reopen once works are complete.
Pictured above: Workers walking through the State Coal Mine.
Last updated: June 2026
The project
The State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi operated from 1909 until 1968, producing almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria's industries and railways.
Today, it's a unique visitor attraction in Gippsland - the only historic coal mine experience in the southern hemisphere. Managed by Parks Victoria, the mine precinct is a heritage site that offers self-guided tours for the public, alongside a Visitor Centre and museum.
During 2020, engineering inspections revealed the rail “drift car” used to carry people out of the mine, and the track it runs on, no longer met modern safety standards. The drift car is a specially adapted mine cart, the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. It was enjoyed by more than 10,000 people a year.
In July 2023, funding of $1.5 million was announced to restore the drift car and reopen the underground tours at the mine.
Project benefits
Visitors
Since first opening to the public in 1983, a visit to the mine on a school trip or holiday has been a childhood highlight for many Victorians. Restoring the underground tours will return a valuable visitor experience to the State Coal Mine.
Local community
The town of Wonthaggi grew up around the mine and it remains a very significant part of the community. More than 50 local volunteers regularly maintain the grounds and buildings, run guided tours, and serve customers in the shop. Former miners, many in their late eighties and nineties, also take a keen interest in the mine.
Victorian heritage
This project will help restore a part of this heritage site, which remains just as it was in its working days. Parks Victoria is responsible for managing the state’s largest and most diverse collection of heritage places on public land.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing $1.5 million to restore the famous mine and reopen underground tours.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely. Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually.
We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe. When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Access changes
There are no access changes due to the works associated with this project.
Anyone planning visits to parks, reserves and heritage sites should first visit the Parks Victoria website, to check for any changed conditions.
Related information
FAQs
Why were the underground tours closed?
In 2020 engineering inspections revealed the rail “drift car” used to carry people into the mine, and the track it runs on, no longer met modern safety standards.
We’ve been able to reopen walking tours of the mine, but the drift car remains out of action.
When will the tours re-open?
Underground walking tours are open and can be booked on the Parks Victoria bookings page.
What work needs to be done to the drift car?
To bring the drift car up to modern standards, an experienced amusement ride engineer is designing ways to make it safer, as well as being easier to operate and maintain.
When will the drift car be running again?
We’re prioritising the work to bring the main heading tunnel up to modern safety standards. This work will take place in early 2026. While this is done, we’ll continue to look at how the drift car can be restored.
What other work needs to be done inside the mine?
Mining engineers have designed ways to make the main tunnel safer, with rock bolts and full coverage of the ceiling with shotcrete or a similar product. The timber braces will be maintained.
Subject to Heritage Victoria approval, the tracks, timber sleepers and ballast will be replaced with new concrete sleepers, improved drainage and a maintenance inspection pit.
How is this project funded?
The State Government has invested $1.5 million to restore the famous mine and reopen tours.