Coal was first discovered at the Site in 1833 and a team of convict
labourers was quickly dispatched to begin extracting it. The first
shipment left the mine the following year, and the mine was in
continuous use for the next 40 years, producing around 60 000 tonnes of
coal over its life.
Management
This important convict site is also managed by the Port Arthur
Historic Site Management Authority and is another compelling chapter in
the story of Tasmania’s convict history.
The entrance to the Coal Mines Historic SiteHow to Get There
The Coal Mines Historic Site is 25 minutes’ drive from Port Arthur,
near Saltwater River on the north western tip of the Tasman Peninsula.
From Hobart—Travel down the Arthur Highway to the
Tasman Peninsula; turn right at Taranna onto the B37. At the Premaydena
shop, turn right and take road C341 for approximately 13 kilometres/8
miles. The road is sealed up until the entrance to the Coal Mines
Historic Site.
From Port Arthur—Travel north along the Arthur
Highway to Taranna; turn left onto the B37, then continue as above.
Alternatively, continue past Port Arthur to Nubeena and Premaydena, then
turn left onto the C341 at the Premaydena shop and continue as above.
Experience
The Coal Mines Historic Site is a great place to discover on foot.
Learn the history of this place as you walk the paths and tracks and
around the Site and read the stories of some of some of the people who
lived and worked here. Explore the settlement ruins which once included
stone prisoners’ barracks and punishment cells, a chapel, bakehouse and
store as well as quarters for the commanding officer, surgeon and
soldiers.
A printed guide to the Coal Mines is available at the Port Arthur
Historic Site Visitor Centre.
Walk options range from a few minutes to several hours. Visit the Short Walks
website for more information.
Entry and Facilities
The Coal Mines Historic Site is open daily. No bookings are required
and entry is free. There are toilet facilities at the Site, but it is
not staffed.
More Information
Visit the Tasmanian
Parks and Wildlife Service website for more information on the Coal
Mines Historic Site.