Old Smelter Remnants
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Daydream Mine

4.6
·503 reviews·Silverton, Australia

Step into the past at Daydream Mine, an authentic 19th-century mining experience with real underground tours and historical artifacts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better tour experience

CrowdLow
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Old Smelter Remnants

Daydream Mine

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better tour experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the past at Daydream Mine, an authentic 19th-century mining experience with real underground tours and historical artifacts.

4.6
(503 reviews)

"A real, hands-on underground mine tour that gives you a whole new appreciation for a miner's life."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book in Advance! 💰

Save money and guarantee your spot by booking tickets ahead of time.

Cash is King 💵

Mobile reception is spotty; bring cash as card machines can fail.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Mine Tour

Underground Mine Tour

Daydream Mine

Experience a real, non-working mine from the 1880s. Gain insight into the tough life of miners.

Historic Memorabilia

Historic Memorabilia

Daydream Mine

See fascinating artifacts and learn about the rich mining history of the region.

Cornish Scones

Cornish Scones

Daydream Mine Cafe

Enjoy delicious, freshly made Cornish scones with jam and cream after your tour.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead & Prepare for Tight Spaces

Booking your tour in advance is recommended to save money and secure your spot, especially during peak times. Be aware that the underground tour can be tight and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or larger frames.

Rough Roads & Limited Connectivity

The road to Daydream Mine can be rough, so a suitable vehicle is advised. Mobile reception is very limited, so it's best to bring cash for any purchases, as card payment systems can sometimes fail.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better tour experience
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🪙 Ride an electric mine car into a REAL mountain in Colorado! 🚂💨 We explored the Old Hundred Gold Mine in Silverton, CO — one of the most unique and family-friendly adventures in the Rockies! You get to ride into the mountain on an old electric mine car, watch live demos of how gold and silver were mined, and even try your hand at gold panning! 💥⛏️ This is the perfect hidden gem for families, hist...
@adventurefamilyvlog
12.7K likes • 199.1K views

Book in Advance! 💰

Save money and guarantee your spot by booking tickets ahead of time. Reddit

Cash is King 💵

Mobile reception is spotty; bring cash as card machines can fail. Reddit

Best tour I’ve done of anything this guide knew his stuff and made it fun for my kiddo❤️ #silvertoncolorado #laborday #minetour
@margeapodaca
10.1K likes • 318.3K views
Name : You Are My Desire /白日梦我/ Daydream me ❗DISCLAIMER ❗ ☆▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎ 1.SONGS AND PICTURES DO NOT BELONG TO ME. 2.NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. 3. ALL GOES TO THE RIGHTFULL AUTHOR/ARTIST 4.ONLY EDITS ARE MINE. 5.TAG ME OR GIVE CREDIT IF YOU REPOST ✨Follow @manhwa.dailly for more✨ ☆▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎ 🏷️]------<<<<< ignore Tags>>>>>>---------° #horimiya #manga...
dreamsushiii
17.3K likes • 287.9K views

Claustrophobia? Be Aware! ⚠️

The underground tour can be tight. Consider this if you're prone to claustrophobia. Reddit+1

Rough Road Ahead 🚗

The drive can be bumpy. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Reddit

Did I hate this hike the entire way up? Yes. Am i still daydreaming about it? Yes. 📍 Ice Lake and Island Lake, Silverton CO Follow us on IG (Voje.Adventures) for more :-) #travel #fyp #nationalforest #colorado #icelake #islandlake #silverton #ouray #sanjuan #backpacking #Hiking
@adventuringvojes
4.2K likes • 47.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book in Advance! 💰

Save money and guarantee your spot by booking tickets ahead of time. Reddit

Cash is King 💵

Mobile reception is spotty; bring cash as card machines can fail. Reddit

Claustrophobia? Be Aware! ⚠️

The underground tour can be tight. Consider this if you're prone to claustrophobia. Reddit+1

Rough Road Ahead 🚗

The drive can be bumpy. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Reddit

Listen Closely to Guides 👂

Guides are knowledgeable, but accents can sometimes be mumbled. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(503 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Daydream Mine for its authentic and insightful underground tour, offering a real glimpse into the tough life of 19th-century miners. The historical memorabilia and delicious Cornish scones are also highlights. However, some find the tour spaces tight, and communication with guides can occasionally be difficult.

"The area seems pretty looked after, they try their best. Very friendly people and full of tourists. The road to get there can be very rough though. I just hope next time that I can understand the tour guide better, his accent was abit mumbled. It is full of information and memorabilia. When there was a big crowd and the buses of people coming in, it was a little bit confusing. Who was going with which group. There is very little mobile reception so best to bring cash as the payment systems for card can fail."

Anthony Gagliano

"Getting to see & experience this historic mine (in operation from 1880s) was very enlightening. Whole new appreciation for how hard a miners life was. The underground tour can be tight in some places and not everyone on our tour coped well with that, so just bare that in mind if you are claustrophobic or have a large frame. Scones at the end were lovely. If you have the time when out Broken Hill way I recommend popping in for a visit."

Ashleigh A

"Best hands-on and real-life underground mine tour I've been on. Our tour guide today was Tyson. A great young bloke who knew the history of the area well. This non-working mine is about a 20-minute drive out of Broken Hill on the way to Silverton. The underground tour is not for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable in close spaces of which I'm one. However, I went down with some trepidation, and I was ok. It is a little tight in a couple of spots and you do need to be sure footed as well, but there are railings to hold onto and its only a few minutes before you can stand fully upright again. It might not be suitable for people with larger frames and who are over 175cm tall as these mines were originally created by our Cornish forefathers, and they were quite small in stature. We arrived not as part of a tour group, but we were able to purchase our entry tickets and enjoy delicious freshly made 'Cornish' scones, with jam ad cream and a nice cup of tea. It's a top spot to visit and well worth including in your itinerary. Also, it's best to call ahead and book in. We didn't, but we were given a private tour on this occasion. If you buy your tickets in advance, you'll save a few $$$'s."

Jennifer Ryder

What People Like

Authentic mine experience
Historical insights
Delicious scones

What People Dislike

Tight underground spaces
Guide accents
Rough access road

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Daydream Mine is located about a 20-minute drive from Broken Hill, on the way to Silverton. Be aware that the road can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Apple Maps has been reported to send visitors to the wrong location, so double-check your navigation. Reddit+1

The road leading to Daydream Mine is generally unpaved and can be rough, especially after periods of rain. It's advisable to check local conditions before you travel. Reddit

While many vehicles can make the journey, a car with higher clearance is often recommended due to the rough nature of the road. Reddit

The closest major town is Broken Hill, which offers amenities and accommodation. The mine is situated on the route towards Silverton. Reddit

GPS can be helpful, but be cautious as some users have reported issues with navigation apps like Apple Maps sending them to incorrect locations. It's wise to confirm directions with local information if possible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Booking your tickets in advance can save you money. While specific prices aren't listed here, it's generally recommended to book ahead for potential discounts. Reddit

Yes, booking your entry tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially save money. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check directly with the mine or their booking platform for the most up-to-date information on tour times. Reddit

It's advised to bring cash as mobile reception is limited, and card payment systems can sometimes fail. Reddit

Yes, group tours are available. If you arrive without a booking, you might be able to join a tour if space permits, as some visitors have received private tours when not part of a group. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The underground tour offers a real, hands-on experience of a historic mine from the 1880s. It's not modified for tourists and can be tight in places, requiring sure footing. It may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or larger frames. Reddit+1

The tour provides a real-life look at mining history, which can be educational. However, the tight spaces might be a consideration for younger children or those who are easily spooked. TikTok

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended due to the uneven terrain within the mine. Dress in layers as underground temperatures can be cooler. Reddit

No, there is very little mobile reception at Daydream Mine, so it's best to download any necessary information or maps beforehand. Reddit

Besides the insightful mine tour, visitors can view historical memorabilia and enjoy freshly made Cornish scones at the cafe. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, visitors can enjoy delicious, freshly made Cornish scones with jam and cream, along with a cup of tea, at the mine's cafe after their tour. Reddit+1

The primary offering is freshly baked Cornish scones, a popular treat enjoyed by visitors after their mine exploration. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check with the venue regarding their policy on outside food. The cafe offers a specific local treat. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is not readily available. The main offering is scones, which typically contain dairy and eggs. Reddit

Operating hours for the cafe likely align with the mine's tour schedule. It's advisable to confirm their opening times, especially outside of peak tourist seasons. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide for permission before taking photos inside the mine, especially in sensitive areas. TikTok

The historic mining equipment, the entrance to the mine, and the surrounding landscape offer great photo opportunities. The memorabilia inside also makes for interesting shots. TikTok

Yes, the underground environment is naturally dark. You may need a camera with good low-light capabilities or a flash, but always check with your guide about flash photography. TikTok

Always respect any 'no photography' signs or requests from your guide, particularly in areas with fragile artifacts or safety concerns. TikTok

A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a capable night mode would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for capturing the confined spaces. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Daydream Mine offers an educational and unique experience for families. The underground tour provides a real-life look at mining history, which can be fascinating for children interested in how things work and historical adventures. TikTok+1 While the mine is not modified for tourists, the guides are often engaging and can make the history come alive. TikTok

It's important to consider that the underground tour can be tight in places. If your children are prone to feeling anxious in enclosed spaces, this might be a factor. However, for families looking for an authentic historical adventure, Daydream Mine is a memorable stop. The opportunity to try gold panning (if offered) or see historical artifacts can be a big hit. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Booking your tickets for Daydream Mine in advance is a great way to save money. Reddit While the cost of entry is an investment, the experience offers significant historical insight that many find well worth the price. Reddit

Since mobile reception is poor and card machines can fail, having cash on hand is essential. This also helps avoid potential transaction issues. Reddit Consider packing your own snacks and water, though the opportunity to try the famous Cornish scones is a worthwhile splurge. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Adventurers

Daydream Mine provides a rich historical experience that's perfect for solo exploration. The guided tours offer plenty of information, and you can often join a group even if you haven't booked ahead, though booking is recommended. Reddit The intimate nature of the underground tour allows for a personal connection with the history. Reddit

Be prepared for the limited connectivity by downloading any maps or information you might need beforehand. Bringing cash is also a good idea for any on-site purchases. Reddit The rough road to get there adds to the sense of adventure, making it a rewarding destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mining Experience

Daydream Mine offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the harsh realities of 19th-century mining. Unlike many tourist mines, this is a non-working mine, meaning you get an authentic glimpse into how it was operated. The underground tour is designed to be as real as possible, showcasing the cramped conditions and the sheer physical labor involved. Visitors often express a newfound appreciation for the difficult lives miners led. Reddit+1

During the tour, you'll navigate through narrow tunnels and see original mining equipment. Guides are typically very knowledgeable about the history of the mine and the area, sharing fascinating anecdotes and historical facts. However, it's important to note that the underground environment can be tight, and some sections may be challenging for individuals with claustrophobia or those who are of a larger stature. Railings are available for support, and the most confined parts are usually brief. Reddit

Beyond the underground exploration, the site often features historical memorabilia that further illustrates the mining era. This collection provides context and visual aids to the stories told during the tour, making the experience more immersive and educational. Reddit

Navigating the Journey and On-Site Practicalities

Reaching Daydream Mine involves a drive that can be a bit of an adventure in itself. The road leading to the mine is often described as rough, so it's advisable to have a vehicle with decent clearance. Some visitors have encountered issues with navigation apps, with Apple Maps reportedly directing them to the wrong spot, so it's wise to confirm your route. Reddit

Once you arrive, be prepared for limited mobile reception. This means that relying solely on your phone for payment or communication might be problematic. It's strongly recommended to bring cash for your entry tickets and any other purchases, as card payment systems can be unreliable due to connectivity issues. Reddit

For those planning their visit, booking your tour in advance is a key tip. Not only does this help secure your spot, especially during busy periods, but it can also lead to cost savings. Reddit The friendly staff are generally helpful, though some reviews mention that communication with guides can occasionally be challenging due to accents. TikTokReddit

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