1. Track sign and No. 5 Brace

The building in the distance was a sorting plant for the coal, operating from 1909 to 1968. For hundreds of 14 year old boys this was their first place of work as they picked stones out of the coal.

2. Pioneer Mines Area

This is where it all began. Mining commenced in 1909, producing 780,000 tons before closing in 1914. Underground workings were very shallow, evident by the depressions in this area.

3. Overgrown path

Keep a lookout for this sign post. The red arrow points right, so take this short but narrow and overgrown path.

4. Fallen tree branch

You may encounter a natural obstacle on this track as it takes you into the heart of the heathland.

5. Former haulage line

A 3km rail track where skips were hauled overland by cable. Have a look for the cable on the ground. Pine trees line both sides of the track.

6. Baxter's Beach track

After you cross the road there is an option to walk to Baxters Beach. The red track to Baxters Wetland is clearly signed and heads to the right.

7. Nos. 9 and 10 shafts

Together these mines covered an area of almost 200 hectares. Thats 160 underground cricket grounds! The coal has gone but this concrete shaft remains.

8. Baxter's Wetland and bird hide

Nesting boxes and permanent water make this a perfect home for many birds and water fowl. Watch out for Pacific Black Ducks, Purple Swamphens and White-faced Herons.

9. Campbell Street track entrance

Leave the street and follow this gravel track back into the heathland. On the right is the Cinder Loop track which formed part of a horse drawn tramway used for transporting bricks.

10. Tent Town

The site where 12 miners first lived when the State Coal Mine opened in 1909. By mid 1910 the township of Wonthaggi was established with the construction of 100 miners' cottages.

Find out more