Travel back in time and unearth the fascinating history of Bendigo’s gold rush era at Central Deborah Gold Mine. This iconic tourist attraction is one of your things to do in Bendigo that offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden world beneath the surface. More importantly, Central Deborah Gold Mine is perfect for families, with exciting adventures designed to spark children’s imaginations.
Central Deborah Gold Mine Tours
Central Deborah Gold Mine boasts two captivating tours, both perfect for families with children aged 3 and over:
Mine Experience
Don your hard hat and miner’s lamp for a guided descent 61 metres underground. Explore the labyrinthine tunnels, transformed into an exciting adventure for young explorers. Knowledgeable guides weave tales of the gold rush era, bringing history to life for curious minds. Witness traditional mining equipment in action, with demonstrations specifically designed to capture children’s attention. Perhaps they’ll even get the chance to operate a replica gold pan or see a real gold nugget up close! This 75-minute tour is suitable for all fitness levels and keeps children engaged throughout the journey. Age 3 and over (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Explore the Surface
Dominated by a colossal 22-metre poppet head, the surface of the mine is a treasure trove in itself, perfect for little explorers. Explore heritage-listed buildings like the Blacksmith’s Shop, First Aid Room, and Engine Room, which houses the only complete working winder in Australia. Learn about Bendigo’s mining legacy through exhibits showcasing machinery and equipment from various iconic mines. Allow ample time to explore at your own pace (around 30-45 minutes).
Family-Friendly Fun
Central Deborah Gold Mine offers a range of experiences beyond its captivating tours, all designed to be fun for the whole family:
Strike it Rich Panning for Gold
Head to the Panning Shed, where the whole family can try their hand at panning for real gold. This exciting activity is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, igniting a sense of accomplishment and sparking conversations about Bendigo’s gold rush history.
Birthday Parties
Plan a unique birthday party for your child with options for both surface and underground adventures. The Panning Shed and two function rooms, the Fosterville Room and Underground Function Room, provide distinctive event venues perfect for hosting birthday celebrations.
School Excursions
Embark on an educational journey with a specially designed school tour. Students will learn about the gold rush era, Bendigo’s transformation from a sleepy sheep run to a bustling gold mining centre, and the harsh realities of life as a miner. The interactive tour keeps students engaged and fosters a deeper understanding of Bendigo’s rich history.
Things to do in Bendigo
Your Central Deborah Gold Mine adventure doesn’t have to end there! Bendigo itself is a treasure trove of gold rush history, with many fascinating attractions waiting to be explored.
Vintage Talking Tram: Take a nostalgic ride on the vintage talking tram, touring Bendigo’s streets and learning about the city’s gold rush history from a knowledgeable conductor.
Bendigo Joss House Temple: Discover the Bendigo Joss House Temple, a beautifully preserved Chinese temple built during the gold rush era. Learn about the important role the Chinese community played in Bendigo’s development.
Bendigo Tramways Museum: Discover the rich history of Bendigo at the Bendigo Tramways Museum. Delve into artifacts and uncover the social and cultural significance of the Tramways in shaping Bendigo’s identity.