Wonthaggi East Area Trail

Wonthaggi East Area Trail created by ParkWalks

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Summary

This walk joins the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine to the Poppet Head in Apex Park; a tribute to Wonthaggi's coal mining history in the heart of town. Choose your own beginning and end!

Description

Find out more

This walk is part of the Heart Foundation's 'Green Walks in the Park' Program. Follow the link above for more information.

Facilities

The State Coal Mine has a picnic area, shelter, BBQ's, a café and toilets.

Apex Park has a BBQ, tables and toilet block.

There are chairs along the walk.

Access

Public Transport

To Wonthaggi State Coal Mine:
The local Cape Patterson bus stops on Billson Street at Stewart Street.
To Apex Park:
The Melbourne and local bus station is on Biggs Drive, only 300m from Apex Park.

By Car

From Melbourne, head East along the Monash Fwy to the exit for Pakenham/Koo Wee Rup C422. Head South on C422 and turn left onto South Gippsland Hwy M420. Continue straight as the road becomes Bass Hwy A420 and takes you right into Wonthaggi.

Further Information

For detailed Parks Victoria information about the park visit http://bit.ly/UZj55d

Description

Beginning at Apex Park, under the poppet head, have a look at the information signs which give you an understanding of the town's coal mining history. Walk towards the Railway Society Museum, turn right and you are now on the Bass Coast Rail Trail. Follow the asphalt path and cross the road to the Wonthaggi Visitor Information Centre. Stop here for brochures or a chat with the friendly staff. With bike and car parking available here, this is another option for starting or finishing the walk.

The track is now compacted gravel, wide and well maintained to allow for prams and bicycles. Continue along this open green corridor then cross the road.

The track winds beside the road for a few metres then narrows as it enters the most enclosed section of the Trail. Now you can be closer to the flora as you look out for fauna. It's easy to spot the cows in the adjacent paddock at the end of this track! Cross the road into Garden Street and follow it into the State Coal Mine site, you will see a big sign at the entrance. Walk beside the road to arrive at the Visitor Centre and cafe. Take your time to explore the above ground facilities as entry is free. The paths are mostly chunky gravel and best walked on foot.

Heart Foundation Walking is funded nationally by the Medibank Community Fund and the ACT Government through ACT Health.

The Green Walks in the Park program is an initiative of the Heart Foundation with funding from Parks Victoria and support from Victoria Walks.

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Points of Interest

1. Railway station

This former railway station now houses the Railway Society Museum run by the Wonthaggi Historical Society. It is open every Saturday.

2. Wonthaggi Visitor Information Centre

This sculpture represents the volume of coal each miner was expected to bring above ground each day!

3. Shaded rest area

A quiet spot to sit under the trees and imagine the noisy steam locomotives chugging right past you, laden with coal from the State Coal Mine.

4. The walking track

The walking tracks are well maintained and provide a nature trail alternative to walking or cycling along the road. Your dog will love it too.

5. State Coal Mine entrance

Free entry to the site allows you to explore all the above ground facilities. The site has historical buildings, a museum, a pit pony and steam locomotive.

6. Sheltered picnic area

A relaxing place to eat, rest and digest all the information you have just learnt about Wonthaggis coal mining history.

7. Apex Park

Is the final resting place for this historical poppet head and the State Coal Mine whistle. The whistle used to be heard 10 times a day and regulated the lives of many locals.