Peak Hill Open Cut Experience
Peak Hill's Open Cut Landscape!
Tourist Mine
The historic Peak Hill mine operated between 1893 and 1917 producing abount 60,000 ounces of gold from 500,00 tonnes of rock. Alkane re-excavated for gold on the site between 1996 and 2002 retrieving 145,00 ounces of gold from 4.9 million tonnes of rock
Whilst most of the historic operation were consumed by the recent mining activity, some of the old workings have been preserved. The Open Cut Experience includes both historic works and the more recent mines with several walking paths and viewing platforms having been constructed.
The Peak Hill Open Cut gold mine was re-developed in 2002 as a Tourist Mine - a unique attraction located on the Newell Highway in the quaint town of oeak Hill. In September 2007, Parkes Shire Council signed as agreement with lease holder Alkan Exploration committing to keep the project running, through Council operating the tourist arm of ther mine.
Located in an elevated and pleasant bush setting, just 400 metre for the town centre, the Peak Hill Open Cut Experience forms an imposing backdrop to the township.
This is a walking experience which requires a low to moderate level of fitness to complete most the the trails but, for mess active visitors, there is "easy access" to the main viewing platform and a pleasnt, flat return walk along the "low wall" of the main open cut with spectacular views across to the "high wall".
General Entry
The Open cut experience is open to the public for General Entry )sel-guided tours) over school holidays and long weekends from March to October. General Entry gives visitors access to picnic areas, all walking trails and gold panning (as a small additional cost).
The Open Cut Experience is open from 10:00am until 4:00pm during these periods.
Group Guided Tours
Group guided tours (more than 10 people) are offered all year round by appointment. Enquiries can be made to Parkes Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6863 8860.
The group guided tours are recommended for school and coach groups. On The Digger Tour the guide will take you across fascinating historic gold mine workings, and around the rim of the open cut pits.
On the tour you will enjoy fabulous views into each of the open cuts as well as spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. After you tour, you are free to pan for gold and explore th hill on your own, there are 6 kilometres of walking trails available, as well a number of pleasant picnic spots.
Gold Panning
Why not try your hand at mining the old fashioned way? Gold panning equipement is available from the kiosk. Patience will be rewarded!
The Open Cut Experience is open daily 10:00am to 4:00pm over school holidays and long weekends from March to October; pre booked tours commence formt he Kiosk at the Track Head Car Park, Mingelo St, 400m up hill from Peak Hill Post Offic.
Telephone Parkes Visitors Information Centre on (02) 6863 8860
PRICE LIST (effective September 2007)
General Entry
|
Product |
Description |
Adult |
Child |
Concession |
Family |
|
General Entry (self-guided)
|
Full access to public areas |
$5.00 |
$4.00 |
$4.00 |
$15.00 |
|
Pre-booked Guided Tour
|
Available to groups of 10 or more people. Must be pre-booked. |
$10.00 |
$8.00 |
$8.00 |
n/a |
Gold Panning costs an additional $2 per person (in conjuction with a tour/general entry) or $5 if you only decide to do the panning (an no general entry).
Everyone should fine gold!
Group-Guided Tours (for groupss of more than 10 people) ara available by prior appointment. Allow 1.5 hours for guided tours. Contact Parkes Visitor Information Centre on Telephone (02) 6863 8860, or fax (02) 6862 1023
Tours can be arranged and tailored for groups with special needs
Conditions of Entry
- FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS
- CHILDREN AGED UNDER 15 YEARS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
- CHILDREN TICKETS - ELIGIBLE FOR THOSE AGED 5-15 YEARS
- CONCESSION INCLUDES PENSIONER, SENIOR AND STUDENT CARD HOLDERS
- FAMILY MEANS DAD AND /OR MUM PLUS DEPENDENT CHILD
