Things To See and Do
Miners Heritage Walk-In Mine
Rubyvale
Would you like to..
At Miners Heritage you can explore the world of sapphires, gem-cutting and fossicking. A 30 minute tour of the mine allows visitors to observe the manufacturing process. The mine is located one and a half kilometres from Rubyvale, west of Emerald and is Australia's largest walk-in tourist mine. Miners Heritage has an underground jewellery showroom and gem-cutting exhibition.
The gemfields have been mined since 1875 when a railway surveyor found red zircons at Retreat Creek and thought they were rubies, which is how Rubyvale got its name. Their current popularity, however, began with an influx of people in the late 1960's who were seeking an alternative lifestyle. Many of them found it, and remained to redevelop the town.
The lure of great riches, just there for the taking, draws many thousands of people to the gemfields every year. It is still possible for anyone to find a gem worth tens of thousands of dollars, but even if you leave empty handed, the sheer fun of trying makes the whole trip worthwhile.
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone:
07 4985 4444
Email: miners_h@tpg.com.au
ENTRY INFORMATION
Open Times:
Operating times are from 0900 to 1700. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entry Costs:
| Entry | Cost | Valid From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $8.50 | 01 Jun 08 - 30 Jun 09 | |
| Child (Aged 6-12) | $3.00 | 01 Jun 08 - 30 Jun 09 | |
| Student | $5.00 | 01 Jun 08 - 30 Jun 09 |
FURTHER INFORMATION
Children: Children catered for.
Disabled: Disabled toilet facility available. However the mine tour involves going down 44 steps and patron would require assistance down the steps.
CHILD GUEST INFORMATION
Children are able to participate in the mine tour as well as do fossicking.
General Comments
Visitors need to be able to desend 48 steps in the tunnels and then return up the same 48 steps.
How to get There
Drive to Rubyvale 65 kilometres west of Emerald, Miners Heritage is located approximately two kilometres outside Rubyvale. When travelling from Rubyvale turn right at post office and follow signs for next two kilometres.
