Historic State Coal Mine reopens after major restoration

UNDERGROUND walking tours at the historic State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi have officially reopened to the public following the successful completion of Stage 1 of the mine’s extensive engineering and safety restoration project.

The highly anticipated return of the iconic Walk In Walk Out Tour marks the end of months of intensive, around-the-clock drilling and infrastructure stabilisation.

The news sparked immediate celebration among the local community and heritage enthusiasts, with past visitors praising the dedication of the project crew to safeguard the site's history.

The revival of Wonthaggi’s premier heritage tourism site was made possible by a state government funding injection totalling $3.9 million. An initial $1.5 million was allocated to complete critical safety stabilisation works within the Main Heading Tunnel.

A subsequent $2.4 million funding commitment from the Victorian Government secured the long-term future of the attraction. This combined investment has ensured that the iconic drift car experience can now be fully reinstated, anchoring the region's tourism economy for years to come.

Executing the complex engineering overhaul required a high-intensity, heavy presence from specialist contractors Mancala Services. To guarantee public safety during the active construction phase, all underground access was temporarily suspended.

Parks Victoria worked side-by-side with Mancala contractors to finish installing a sophisticated new ground support system within the 260-metre-long Main Heading.

The specialist team successfully completed the installation within the allocated timeframe, overcoming significant operational challenges deep below the surface.

With the structural integrity of the mine secured, Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteers, alongside Parks Victoria staff, are finally welcoming adventurers back into the dark depths of the mine.

The meticulous restoration promises to make the revamped underground tour experience a safe, educational, and deeply memorable adventure. Visitors can once again walk in the footsteps of the miners who carved out the region's history.

Crews installed more than 500 rock bolts and nearly 30 cable bolts throughout the 260-metre tunnel. The entire roof of the Main Heading was coated with a 50mm layer of fibre-crete, a specialised, high-strength concrete mix and the original timber seats were retained to strictly preserve the site's historic integrity.

Parks Victoria Project Manager Russell McIlroy said all future project work depended on completion of Stage 1. "Ground strengthening works are now complete," McIlroy said.

"From a compliance point of view, it has allowed the tours to re-open." McIlroy revealed that Stage 2 was already in the design stage. "Designs have progressed quite a way, including the refurbishment of the drift car," McIlroy said.

Parks Victoria Team Leader Anthony Jones noted that workers on site overcame significant spatial and environmental obstacles during construction. "Having to complete the build in such a confined space was an issue," Jones explained.

Heavy rain compounded drainage difficulties and washed debris into the mine, creating clean-up challenges. Despite these delays, Jones stated that the outcome "went well."

"Securing the longevity of the Main Tunnel through ground support was very pleasing," Jones concluded, noting that the ongoing maintenance workload had now eased significantly.

No entry fee is required to visit the above-ground attractions at the State Coal Mine.

Visitors can stroll through the heritage gardens, tour historic buildings, and explore the museum's fascinating collection of mining artefacts. A small fee applies to the popular underground adventures which run daily at 11.30 am and 2.00 pm.

To learn more or secure your tickets book online at Parks Victoria.