Coal Mines Historic SiteAbout Coal Mines Historic Site
A historic convict-era coal-mining site on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania that preserves ruins and landscape features from a 19th-century penal settlement. It is recognised for its archaeological and historical value and is part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing.
Scattered ruins of convict-built structures, visible mine workings and a convict cemetery, set in coastal bushland. Interpretation at the site explains the coal-mining operations and the daily life of the convict workforce during the settlement period.
Established as a convict coal-mining station in the 1830s, the site was operated by the colonial authorities to supply coal during the period 1833 to 1848. Convicts provided the labour for mining and associated infrastructure; after closure the site fell into ruin and later became protected for its heritage values.
Situated on the eastern side of the Tasman Peninsula in southern Tasmania near the locality of Saltwater River, the site is managed as a historic reserve and is accessible from local roads serving the peninsula.
- UNESCO listing: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Australian Convict Sites, recognising its role in the 19th-century convict system.
- Operation dates: Operated as a penal coal-mining settlement between 1833 and 1848, with archaeological remains of convict buildings and mining facilities.
What to See#
- Saltwater River settlement: Remains of the Saltwater River convict settlement, including building foundations and mining infrastructure dating to the 1833-1848 convict coal-mining period.
- Coal mine workings: Convict-era coal working remains such as mine openings and infrastructure used to extract and load coal for transport in the 19th century.
- Cemetery: Convict cemetery with headstones and remains associated with the Coal Mines penal settlement period.
Best Time to Visit Coal Mines Historic Site
A convict-era industrial landscape on Tasmania's Tasman Peninsula; best visited in spring or autumn when weather is mild and walking conditions are good.
Weather & Climate near Coal Mines Historic Site
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (719 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 20° | 16° | 58 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 12° - 21° | 16° | 46 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 19° | 15° | 51 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 57 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 14° | 10° | 53 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 12° | 6° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 11° | 5° | 72 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 12° | 6° | 79 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 14° | 7° | 59 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 16° | 12° | 60 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 63 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 19° | 15° | 66 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Coal Mines Historic Site
The Coal Mines Historic Site is on the Tasman Peninsula, reachable by car from Hobart in about 1.5-2 hours via the Tasman Highway (A9) and local roads toward Saltwater River. The site is signposted from the main road around the peninsula; public transport options are very limited, so self-drive is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Coal Mines Historic Site
- Visit the interpretive signs at Saltwater River to understand the convict-era layout-there are visible ruins and a walk that rewards patience.
- Avoid wet weather when exploring the ruins; the Tasman Peninsula can get boggy and some tracks are unformed.
- Combine a visit with other Tasman Peninsula sites (Port Arthur Historic Site) for broader context on convict-era Tasmania.