Opening Hours
The Coal Mines Historic Site is open daily.
No bookings are required and entry is free.
There are toilet facilities at the site.
Getting Here
Driving DirectionsThe 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.
Disabled Access
While the main settlement and Plunkett Point are accessible, the Inclined Plane and the track up to the Main Shaft are not recommended for those with mobility issues.
The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) is continuing to closely monitor the impacts and spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Your safety is our priority and we are taking every precaution to ensure our site is COVID Safe. We are an accredited COVID Clean practicing business.
We have implemented our COVID-Safe Plan for the Coal Mines Historic Site which includes:
- Installation of soap dispensers in the toilets.
- An increased cleaning regime for the toilets.
- Installation of COVID Safe signage in key locations throughout the site.
- Ensuring our staff exercise due diligence with best practice personal hygiene.
Facilities and Precautions
Toilet facilities are available at the main carpark.
A 300 metre section of track is wheelchair accessible. The other sections of track are rated as a Level 2 walk.
Please keep in mind that the ruins are unstable and fragile, so please do not climb on them. There are a number of deep shafts and building ruins. For safety, remain behind barriers and supervise children.
Bicycles must keep to formed tracks as tyre treads on soft vegetation can leave lasting scars and potentially damage archaeological remains beneath the surface.
Metal detectors and firearms are not permitted.
The weather in Tasmania is changeable and there are no shelters at the Coal Mines. Be prepared with sun protection, warm clothing, a raincoat or umbrella. For your own safety, we ask you to stay on the paths. The ground is uneven in many places, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Mosquitoes are widespread at the Coal Mines at almost all times of the year, the use of repellent is advised.
Visitors Guide
Filming and Photography
Filming and Photography (drones)
For the safety and preservation of our heritage buildings, wildlife and guests recreational use of an RPA is NOT permitted at the Coal Mines Historic Site.
The commercial use of an RPA may be considered with the provision of evidence of Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) operator’s certificate (ReOC or the former UOC); and the pilot must hold a remote pilot licence (RePL or the former UAV controller). This requirement applies to all categories of RPA including very small RPA (sub- 2kg category). Anyone with this licences wishign to film will also need to present a current Public Liability insurance certificate and complete the Filming and Photography Application form at least 10 business days prior to filming.
Please refer to CASA regulations for any RPA’s used within the vicinity of the Coal Mines Historic Site and Lime Bay Nature Reserve: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/rules
Management
This convict site is managed by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) and is another compelling chapter in the story of Tasmania’s convict history. It is also one of the eleven historic places that comprise the Australian World Heritage Convict Sites Property.
PAHSMA undertakes a range of activities to preseve this fragile and special place, including the conservation of landscape and buildings, archaeological surveys and interpretation of its heritage.
The Coal Mines Historic Site embodies a wide range of heritage values.
The Coal Mines is one chapter in the epic story of convicts and transportation in Tasmania
