Project status 

WorkSafe have recently advised Parks Victoria that a full review of the drift car ride will need to be undertaken to ensure all compliance is met for future re-registration.

Given the age of the drift car infrastructure, this review is required to confirm previous designs meet current standards. Parks Victoria have engaged a qualified and experienced Amusement Ride engineer to carry out an infrastructure and operational review of the drift car attraction. Results of this review will provide options for future works.
In planning for future works on site, specialist mining engineers are working to produce a design for the installation of modern ground (roof) support measures in the Main Heading (tunnel). These works will improve the overall safety and allow for less reliance on the original timber support frames within the tunnel.

 

Last updated: October 2024

 

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.

A group of children on a tour in the State Coal 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.


When will the tours re-open? 

Tours are now reopen to the public and can be reserved via the Parks Victoria bookings page.


When will the project start/finish? 

Though completion was initially expected in late 2024 or early 2025, new information has arisen surrounding the possible re-registration process, as well as potential issues with the condition of the existing Drift Car.
 
 

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