LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 11 WONTHAGGI Former mining town a gateway to coastal wilderness A town with a deep coalmining history, Wonthaggi is the largest town in South Gippsland, with lots of facilities, and it's also the gateway to the wonderful coastal wilderness regions of Cape Paterson and Wilsons Promontory. The name 'Wonthaggi' is derived from a Boonwurrung (southcentral Kulin) word meaning 'home'. Mining history Operating from 1909 until 1968, Wonthaggi's State Coal Mine produced almost 17 million tonnes of coal for Victoria's industries and railways. Today it's an open-air museum that brings to life the tough working conditions of the former coal miners. With an informative visitor centre and film theatrette, an old steam locomotive, interactive displays, souvenir shop and café, it is a fun and educational family day out, with free entry to all above-ground facilities and attractions. Guided underground mine tours have recently recommenced, and provide a fascinating insight into the working life of coal miners. Whistling reminder Another place to see mining history is in Apex Park, which features a steel-framed Poppet Head, with the original shift whistle at its top. The whistle (made by the same company that made the whistle for the Titanic) now peeps every day at noon, as a respectful nod to the town's coal-mining past. Jaw dropping It's also worth stopping by the historic Wonthaggi Hotel, which was opened in 1915, and at its entrance features the giant jawbones from a 23-metre-long Sperm Whale that washed up on Wreck Beach in 1923. Bass Coast Rail Trail The old railway line here has been transformed into the popular Bass Coast Rail Trail – a relatively flat and scenic 23-kilometre-long rail trail that crosses timber trestle bridges, and winds beside ocean beaches, farmland, and a former coal mine, all the way to Woolamai – a small inland country township, known for its picnic racetrack. Local knowledge To find out more about the area, head to the Wonthaggi Visitor Information Centre in Bent Street. Guided underground mine tours have recently recommenced at the State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi. Photo: Visit Victoria GRAHAM STREET BILLSON STREET MCKENZIE STREET KORUMBURRA ROAD BASS HIGHWAY Police WONTHAGGI RAILWAY HISTORIC AREA STATE COAL MINE HISTORIC AREA HISTORIC RAILWAY LINE BUSHLAND AREA WONTHAGGI BUSHLAND RESERVE TOLEONGATHA & INVERLOCH TO SAN REMO & PHILLIP ISLAND WONTHAGGI RECREATION RESERVE wonthaggi Welcome to 3995 Scan here for full detailed map Distance from Melbourne: 135km Population: 4400 approx. Amenities: Great walks and trails including the Bass Coast Rail Trail. Accommodation options include caravan and camping, hotels, motels and holiday rentals. Close to the beach for coastal fun.
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