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Coal Mines Historic Site
The Coal Mines Historic Site is located on the Tasman Peninsula, an area southeast of Tasmania surrounded by stunning cliffs, beautiful bays, and a deep blue ocean.
This site has more than 25 substantial ruins and the remains of the coal mining activities in a peaceful bushland setting of approximately 214 hectares.
The Coal Mines Historic Site Walk in Port Arthur is a must-do for anyone interested in discovering history dating back to the 1800s.
What was once the scene of tough, unrelentingly hard convict labour is now a tranquil, peaceful site scattered with ruins overlooking the beautiful Ironstone Bay.
Parts of the penitentiary, underground cells and mine shaft remain, while the history of coal mining and confinement are revealed via subtle interpretation signs. These are strewn like blocks around the site, making the easy walk ideal for slow discovery.
The Coal Mines Historic Site is significant to the history of Tasmania as it was where the first operational mine was developed. It was also here that the "worst class" of convicts from Port Arthur were sent to work as a place of punishment.
The remote convict coal mine on the Tasman Peninsula opened in 1833 and operated for 40 years. In this isolated work camp, reoffending convicts from Port Arthur and elsewhere suffered additional hardship under ruthless overseers. In the early 1840s, the site became part of the government’s probation system.
The substantial and elaborate ruins at the site today include a complex of punishment cells, separate apartments, barracks, workshops, warder’s lodgings and a chapel.
The Coal Mines Historic Site walk is one of the 60 Great
Short Walks of Tasmania
The Walk - 2 kilometres Circuit - 2 Hours - Grade 2
Today, the Coal Mines Historic Site allows you to wander around the ruins and enjoy the scenic vistas while learning about Tasmania's convict history. It is a great place to explore on foot, with several tracks and paths around the extensive site.
Signs and displays guide you around the site and inform you about its history.
The coal mines site initially provided a local coal supply to the Port Arthur colony and accommodated up to 600 convicts; nowadays, it is an interesting place for a walk.
It takes approximately two hours to complete the short walking circuit, starting and ending at the Main Settlement Area and visiting the shores of Plunkett Point.
Along the walk, you’ll see underground cells, building ruins and the main shaft and air shafts.
The Prisoner Barracks ruin was originally two large stone buildings that housed up to 170 convicts within a fenced compound. Underneath the barracks are the remains of 16 solitary punishment cells made from sandstone blocks, creating a dark, soundproof, and poorly ventilated environment.
Notes:
Plenty of car parking.
There are Toilets available near the carpark.
Directions to Coal Mines Historic Site from Port Arthur
From Port Arthur, travel along the Arthur Highway until it becomes Nubeena Road. Follow this road until you reach Nubeeena, then travel along B37 from Nubeena.
At Premaydena, take road C341 for approximately 13 kilometres. The final 400m is unsealed but suitable for 2 WD Vehicles.
More Places to Explore
Tasman Arch, Pirates Bay, Fortescue Bay, Devil's Kitchen, Tessellated Pavement, Remarkable Cave, The Blowhole, Crescent Bay, Fossil Bay Lookout, Bivouac Bay, Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul.
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