Central Deborah Gold Mine

When gold was first discovered in Bendigo in 1851, it sparked decades of gold mining worth billions of dollars. The Bendigo goldfields soon became the richest in Australia with 5,600 gold mines producing almost 700,000kg of gold. Central Deborah Gold Mine is a quartz-reef mine which operated for just 15 years between 1939 and 1954. Although a relatively short time frame, during this period the mine produced 29,865 ounces (929kg) of gold. Today, it is a well-maintained and operational mine, preserved and retaining many original features which shares its rich history with visitors. Mine Experience Tour - 75min - 61 metres underground: Don a hard hat and miner’s lamp, descend to Level 2 and discover what conditions as a miner were really like during the harsh gold rush era as you are guided through the honeycomb of tunnels where almost one ton of gold was unearthed. Children must be at least 3 years of age. Times: Tours depart regularly from 9:30am. Underground Adventure Tour – 2.5 hours - 85 metres underground: Gear up in overalls, boots, miner’s hat and lamp to descend to level 3 of the mine. Climb ladders, work a mine drill and search for gold with finders’ keepers! Each tour includes lunch served underground in the Crib Room. Children must be over eight years of age to complete this tour. Times: 11am and 2pm daily (bookings recommended) Nine Levels of Darkness - 3.5-4 hours - 228 metres underground: Deep, dark, dirty and awesome! Drop 228m underground in the original 1950s miner’s cage and explore levels 6-9 of the mine. Learn how to set a charge. Operate a real mine drill. Climb down parts of the mine shaft using the ladder way. Experience the thrill of following the cap of the reef up into a T-rise. After a hard day’s work, enjoy a lunch break underground and try your hand at a game of cribbage. Participants need to be over 15 years of age and have a good level of fitness. Times: 10:30am Mon - Sat, excluding Public Holidays (Bookings essential)