State Coal Mine drift car project
Project status
The Drift Car experience at the historic State Coal Mine will be fully reinstated thanks to $2.4 million in additional funding from the Victorian Government.
This funding commitment adds to the $1.5 million committed in 2023, which has been used for critical safety works on the Main Heading (the tunnel the drift car operates in).
The drift car is a specially built mine cart enjoyed by more than 10,000 people a year, carrying visitors up and out of the mine’s underground workings. Operation was suspended in 2020 following safety and mechanical inspections.
The new funding will support the repair and modernisation of the drift car, along with replacement of the rail infrastructure it operates on.
While walking tours of the mine resumed in 2024, restoring the drift car will significantly improve accessibility for visitors and support the dedicated volunteers and staff who lead underground tours.
Safety upgrades inside the Main Heading are now complete. Over 500 rock bolts were installed throughout the tunnel roof, bringing the underground works up to modern standards and future-proofing the mine. These works also enable future restoration works on the drift car and rail infrastructure to be carried out safely.
Pictured above: Workers carrying out drilling works in the Main Heading tunnel of the State Coal Mine.
Last updated: September 2026
The project
The State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi operated from 1909 until 1968, producing almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria's industries and railways.
Today, it's a unique visitor attraction in Gippsland - the only historic coal mine experience in the southern hemisphere. Managed by Parks Victoria, the mine precinct is a significant heritage place featuring underground tours, a visitor centre, museum and self-guided experiences.
During 2020, engineering inspections identified that the drift car used to carry people out of the mine, and the track it operates on, no longer met modern safety standards. The drift car is a specially adapted mine cart and is believed to be the only experience of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Before its closure, it was enjoyed by more than 10,000 people a year.
In July 2023, $1.5 million was announced to restore the drift car and reopen the underground tours at the mine. Additional funding of up to $2.4 million was announced in March 2026 to complete the ground support works and restore the drift car to service.
Project benefits
Visitors
Since first opening to the public in 1983, a visit to the State Coal Mine has been a memorable highlight for local families, school groups and visitors to the Bass Coast region. Restoring the draft car will further enhance underground tours and return a much-loved part of the visitor experience.
Local community
Many volunteers grew up around the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine and it remains a highly significant part of the community.
More than 50 local volunteers help maintain the grounds and buildings, lead guided tours and welcome visitors. Many have dedicated years, and in some cases decades, to preserving and sharing the story of Wonthaggi's mining heritage. Former miners, many now in their late eighties and nineties, also maintain a keen interest in the site's future.
Heritage values
This project will help conserve an important part of a heritage place that remains remarkably intact from its working days. Parks Victoria manages the state's largest and most diverse collection of heritage places on public land.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing up to $3.9 million to restore the drift car experience and support the long-term future of underground tours at the State Coal Mine.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when managing risk in parks.
While nature and heritage places can present unique challenges, projects and maintenance programs help minimise risks and enable people to explore Victoria's parks and historic places safely. Parks Victoria manages and maintains more than 50,000 assets across the state.
We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These works are carefully planned to keep visitors, staff and contractors safe. When visiting a park during construction works, please follow signage, stay out of restricted areas and follow directions from Parks Victoria staff and contractors.
Access changes
The State Coal Mine remains open daily, with all above ground attractions, including the cafe, open as normal. Underground tours continue to operate daily as a walk-in, walk-out experience.
Anyone planning visit should first visit the Parks Victoria website for any changed conditions.
Related information
FAQs
Why were the underground tours closed?
In 2020 engineering inspections revealed the 'drift car' used to carry people out of the mine, and the track it runs on, no longer met modern safety standards.
We’ve been able to reopen walking tours of the mine in 2024, but the drift car remains out of service while restoration works continue.
When will the tours re-open?
Underground tours are open as a walk-in, walk-out experience. Tours are offered twice daily and can be booked through the Parks Victoria website.
Further interruptions to tours may occur as the project progresses.
What work needs to be done to the drift car?
To bring the drift car up to modern safety standards, an experienced amusement ride engineer is designing upgrades to improve safety and reliability, as well as being easier to operate and maintain.
When will the drift car be running again?
There is currently no confirmed reopening date for the drift car.
Now that ground support works inside the mine are complete, detailed design and planning for the drift car and rail infrastructure are underway. Timeframes will depend on design completion, approvals and procurement processes.
Updates will be provided on this page as the project progresses.
Subject to Heritage Act approval, the tracks, timber sleepers and ballast will be replaced, along with drainage improvements and construction of a maintenance inspection pit.
How is this project funded?
The Victorian Government is investing up to $3.9 million to restore the drift car experience and support the return of this iconic heritage attraction.