Coal Mines Historic Site

The Coal Mines Historic Site is outstanding for its insight into Australia’s convict history.

Located on the Tasman Peninsula, this pretty site was once home to 600 convicts who had the difficult and dangerous task of extracting the coal and dragging it out of the mine tunnels on trolleys. Historic ruins include the penitentiary, underground cells and a mineshaft.

This is a great place to explore on foot due to the good number of tracks and paths formed around the extensive site. Signs and displays are available to guide you around and inform you about the history of the Site. However, if you prefer you can obtain a printed leaflet about the Coal Mines from the Visitor Centre at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

The walk is 2km’s return and is graded as Level 1 and 2, which means for Level 1 there is a 300-metre section of track which is wheelchair accessible. The rest is Level 2 which means it is an easy walk suitable for most fitness levels with tracks that may have occasional steps and a formed gravel or hardened surface.

Walkers should allow at least 1-2 hours or longer for the 2km return trip.

Walkers should ensure they have sturdy walking shoes or boots, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, clothes to suit the weather, raincoat, woollen jumper, snack food and drink.

Due to deep shafts and building ruins, it is requested that visitors remain behind barriers and children are supervised.

Please note that pets are not permitted at the site, nor are metal detectors or firearms. Please keep bicycles to formed roads and you are encouraged to assist with conservation by not disturbing any building remnants.

Park entry fees DO NOT apply.

Facilities:

Toilets are available and there are some great picnic spots, however you will need to bring your own drinking water and all supplies. Camping is available nearby at Lime Bay.

Vehicle Access:

You will find the Coal Mines Historic Site by travelling on road B37 from Taranna or Nubeena on the Tasman Peninsula. At Premaydena take road C 341 for approximately 13km’s. The final 3km’s is unsealed.