Tasmania · Attraction
Coal Mines Historic Site
Convict labour beneath the earth
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
On the remote north-western corner of the Tasman Peninsula, the Coal Mines Historic Site preserves the ruins of Tasmania's first operational coal mine, worked entirely by convict labour from 1833 to 1848. Recognised as part of the Australian Convict Sites UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site offers a quieter, more contemplative counterpart to Port Arthur, free to enter and rarely crowded, with atmospheric ruins set against coastal bush.
The site operated as a place of secondary punishment, meaning convicts sent here had already committed further offences within the convict system. They worked in punishing conditions underground, extracting coal that was used to fuel the colony's industry. The ruins that remain, including solitary confinement cells, the guard tower, engine house, and the inclined plane used to haul coal, convey the harsh reality of this regime more starkly than any museum exhibit.
A self-guided walking trail of approximately three kilometres loops through the main settlement and out to Plunkett Point, where the ruins overlook the calm waters of Norfolk Bay. The landscape is strikingly peaceful today, and the contrast between the serene surrounds and the brutal history of the place is one of the most affecting aspects of a visit.
No booking is required and the site is open daily. The access road is sealed to the entrance, though the inclined plane track and the walk to the main shaft are uneven and not recommended for those with limited mobility. The site is about 25 minutes drive from Port Arthur.
Scenic views
