Kitted up in a hard hat and miner's lamp, descend 61 metres underground on your next school excursion!

Explore how the discovery of vast gold deposits in the Bendigo Creek turned a sleepy sheep run into a mixing pot of cultures. Bendigo yielded over 700,000kg of gold during the gold rush and this wealth not only shaped the city, but also helped build Victoria into the successful state it is today. A tour of Central Deborah Gold Mine will reveal that not everyone struck it rich and that gold mining back then was a harsh and dangerous business.

Your students will become enthralled by Bendigo's fascinating underworld as they explore the honeycomb of hidden underground tunnels. Our tour guides will explore Bendigo's golden heritage with your students, the geology of the rock formations they encounter, demonstrate the mining methods that were practised on the Deborah Reef and explain what it was like to be a miner during the harsh gold rush era.

Victorian History Curriculum:

Years 5 & 6 – The Australian Colonies; Years 9 & 10 – Australia and Asia.

What's included:

Personal Tour Guide/s (Maximum pax per guide: 20-22)
Helmet for each participant
Access to explore the surface of the mine after your tour, this is a self-guided experience. Students can explore the treasure trove of vintage mining machinery and heritage-listed buildings on display. Please allow extra time in your schedule to explore the surface.

What to bring:

Flat enclosed footwear: The ground is rough and wet.
Warm clothing, it is an average of 14 degrees underground.
Camera, you won't want to forget this adventure.
Pocket money. We have a fantastic gift shop with affordable keep sakes to help your students remember their journey underground.

How much time you should allow for a Mine Experience Tour:

Groups of 10-20: 1.5 hours min.
Groups of 20-40: 1.75 hours min. Students are split into two groups.
Groups of 40-60: 2 hours min. Students are split into three groups.
Groups of 60-80: 2.25 hours min. Students are split into four groups.
Groups 80+: 2.5 hours min. Students are split into five groups.
Please allow an extra 30-45 minutes if you would like your group to explore the surface of the mine.

Compliment your tour of Central Deborah Gold Mine with the National Gold Education Program. This program provides teachers with access to free, interactive gold demonstrations delivered by passionate gold class facilitators who work within Australia’s gold industry.