our story of strife,
struggle & mateship

Welcome to the Coalface Experience

The Collinsville Coalface Experience was opened in October 2004, on the 50th anniversary of the Collinsville Mine disaster. The Coalface Experience serves as a reminder, not only to those who died in the 1954 disaster, but also to all those who have commited their lives to mining.

The Coalface Experience begins with a video introducing the audience to the life of a coal miner and their families. Featuring interviews with locals, the film highlights the union spirit so strongly felt in small coal mining towns like Collinsville. Throughout the Coalface Experience there are multimedia displays about different aspects of coal mining, from the Pit Ponies to modern safety methods. As you move through the exhibit you will gain a personal understanding of the hardships and rewards found in the coal mining industry. The final display of the Experience, a ‘pepper’s ghost’ film, re-enacts the 1954 mine disaster, bringing to life the men who lost their lives.

Stage 2 of the Experience focuses on the development of safety across the decades. The exhibit draws information from around Australia and the world to paint a picture of the importance of safety underground. The stage features an interactive ‘touch screen’ display highlighting the different dangers found in mining. There is also a film which demonstrates to the audience the ways that everyday miners ensure their personal safety underground.

We are currently upgrading the Coalface Experience website.
We'll be back up and running very soon!

For enquiries please contact the Collinsville Scottville Workers Club on (07) 4785 5452
The Coalface Experience Museum is located on Railway Road, Collinsville, Qld 4804.

Learn More about Collinsville's History
at The Coalface Experience

Getting to Collinsville

map of Queensland and the Whitsundays

Collinsville is located just 80km from the seaside town of Bowen, and 140km from Airlie Beach. Often referred to as the Whitsundays Outback, Collinsville offers a range of accommodation options and exemplary dining experiences. There are also several tour options available to compliment the Coalface Experience, diving further into the rich history of the town.

For caravanners, Collinsville offers a free 72 hour RV campground - regularly rated as one of Queensland's best. There are also a number of accommodation options for those travelling by car. Check out the links below for more information about Collinsville's accommodation, dining and local tours.

 

Accommodation Dining Tours