State Coal Mine drift car project
Project status
The Drift Car experience at the historic State Coal Mine will be fully reinstated 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 2024, 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 drilling in the Main Heading tunnel of 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 place that offers self-guided tours for the public, alongside a Visitor Centre and museum.
During 2020, engineering inspections revealed the '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. Additional funding of up to $2.4 million was announced in March 2026 to complete the ground support works and restore the drift car to service.
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.
Heritage values
This project will help conserve a part of this heritage place, 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 up to $3.9 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
The State Coal Mine remains open daily, with all above ground attractions, including the cafe, open as normal. Access is restricted in designated work areas, with minimal impact on visitors.
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.
Anyone planning visits to parks, 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 '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 in 2024, but the drift car remains out of action. Walking tours may not be available during periods of construction works underground until the completion of the project.
When will the tours re-open?
Underground tours are currently suspended whilst the ground support works take place. The walking tours are expected to recommence in August. Further interruptions to tours may occur as the project progresses.
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?
Whilst the ground support works are underway, we are carrying out the development and design process for the drift car and rail infrastructure. Currently, we are expecting this work to begin later this year.
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 Act approval, the tracks, timber sleepers and ballast will be replaced with new sleepers, improved drainage and a maintenance inspection pit.
How is this project funded?
The State Government has invested up to $3.9 million to restore the famous mine and reopen tours.