Hard Times Mine
Step back in time with an authentic underground mine tour led by experienced former miners, offering a deep dive into mining history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Start your day with adventure
Hard Times Mine
Best Time
Start your day with adventure
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time with an authentic underground mine tour led by experienced former miners, offering a deep dive into mining history.
"An awesome adventure underground with guides who are legends!"
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Essential for the 3-hour tour! Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety underground. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress in Layers
The mine stays cool year-round. Bring a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during your underground exploration. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Mine Tour
Inside the mine
Experience mining life firsthand in an authentic underground setting. See historical tools and learn about industry evolution.
Miner's Crib Room Lunch
69 meters underground
Enjoy a traditional homemade pasty in the historic crib room, a unique dining experience deep within the mine.
Machinery in Action
Mine site
Witness some of the mining machinery used historically and learn about its operational significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for an Underground Adventure
Meet Your Mining Expert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best mine placement ?
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Essential for the 3-hour tour! Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety underground. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress in Layers
The mine stays cool year-round. Bring a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during your underground exploration. :cloud:
Is an abandoned mine, a good place to escape to ?
Any ways can I get through this gap? (This is pre hard mode world)
🍽️ Eat Before You Go
Tours are long! While snacks are sometimes provided, it's best to have a full meal beforehand. :forkandknifewithplate:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of opportunities to capture the unique mining environment. A free hard copy photo is often provided! :camerawithflash:
Is anyone else having trouble in the mines? Any advice?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Essential for the 3-hour tour! Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety underground. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Dress in Layers
The mine stays cool year-round. Bring a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during your underground exploration. :cloud:
🍽️ Eat Before You Go
Tours are long! While snacks are sometimes provided, it's best to have a full meal beforehand. :forkandknifewithplate:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of opportunities to capture the unique mining environment. A free hard copy photo is often provided! :camerawithflash:
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Former miners share incredible stories. Ask questions and learn about the real mining experience! :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hard Times Mine for its authentic and immersive underground tour, led by incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining former miners. The personal stories, historical insights, and unique experience of dining underground are frequently highlighted as major draws. While the tour is long, most find it well worth the time for the educational value and memorable adventure.
"A fantastic tour with Allen who has previously worked as a miner since the late 1960’s. Has a lot of knowledge about how mining use to be done. From using the tools himself and watching the changes in the mining industry particularly with safety and the new improved equipment used. The underground mine itself was an awesome adventure! Definately worth doing the tour and I’d recommend it to anyone."
Rachael Marie
"This was a great tour to show how mining used to be in Mt Isa. Steve our guide was worth his weight in gold…what a character 😁 his knowledge and stories and his sense of humour were awesome.
Highly recommend you do this tour.
We also had a homemade pasty in the crib 🤪"
Karen Miles
"Steve is an absolute legend, can't recommend his tours enough. We learned so much about the mining industry and even got to see some of the machinery in action.
The tour is long (about 3hrs) so come prepped in comfy clothes and eat before hand"
Jemma Lang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hard Times Mine is located at the Mt Isa Visitor Centre. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available at the visitor centre. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
The underground mine tour involves walking and uneven surfaces. While the visitor centre is accessible, the underground portion may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. It's best to contact the visitor centre directly to discuss specific needs.
Mt Isa is accessible by road, and there are also flights into Mt Isa Airport. Many visitors combine a trip to the mine with exploring other attractions in the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's advisable to check the official Mt Isa Visitor Centre website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information. Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially as tours can fill up quickly. This ensures you don't miss out on this popular experience.
Tour times typically align with the Mt Isa Visitor Centre's operating hours. It's best to check their official schedule for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and timings.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or group bookings is usually available on the visitor centre's website. It's worth checking for any special offers or packages.
Refund policies can differ, so it's important to review the terms and conditions when booking. Typically, cancellations made within a certain timeframe may be eligible for a refund.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Hard Times Mine tour is quite comprehensive and typically lasts around 3 hours. This allows ample time for exploring the underground sections and hearing detailed stories from the guides.
Expect an immersive journey into mining history. You'll descend into the mine, learn about past mining techniques, see historical equipment, and hear engaging stories from experienced guides.
The Hard Times Mine tour is conducted with safety as a top priority. Guides are experienced, and the mine is maintained to ensure a secure visitor experience. However, it is an underground mine, so following all instructions is crucial.
Yes, photography is generally permitted in most areas of the mine tour, allowing you to capture the unique underground environment. You might even receive a complimentary photo as a souvenir.
The temperature inside the mine remains consistently cool, typically around 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), regardless of the outside weather. Dressing in layers is recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, a highlight of the tour is the opportunity to enjoy a homemade pasty in the crib room, located 69 meters underground. This offers a unique and authentic dining experience.
While the crib room offers a special meal, it's generally advisable to consume your own food and drinks before or after the tour to avoid potential issues with the underground environment.
The Mt Isa Visitor Centre is usually located in an area with nearby cafes or restaurants. You can inquire at the visitor centre for local recommendations for meals before or after your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire underground mine offers unique photographic opportunities, from the historical machinery to the cavernous tunnels. The crib room also provides a distinctive backdrop.
Generally, flash photography is permitted, but it's always a good idea to check with your guide on the day of your tour. Some areas might have specific restrictions to protect artifacts or for safety reasons.
Many visitors report receiving a free hard copy photo at the end of the tour, which is a lovely memento of your underground adventure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧑🤝🧑 Couples & History Buffs
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Mining History
Visitors often rave about the authenticity of the experience. The underground mine tour itself is an adventure, descending into the earth to explore the very spaces where so much hard work took place. You'll see historical tools, learn about the challenges faced by miners, and gain an appreciation for the sheer grit and determination required. The crib room, located 69 meters underground, offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect, often accompanied by a traditional homemade pasty. This immersive approach ensures that the history of mining isn't just told, but felt.
Beyond the historical context, the tour also highlights the significant changes in the mining industry, particularly concerning safety and improved equipment. Understanding this progression provides a broader perspective on industrial development and the ongoing efforts to protect workers. The guides' ability to weave personal experiences with factual information creates a compelling narrative that resonates with visitors, making the Hard Times Mine a must-visit for anyone interested in Australia's industrial past.
An Unforgettable Underground Experience
Beyond the storytelling, the tour offers a truly immersive experience. Descending into the mine, visitors get a real sense of the environment miners worked in daily. The underground mine itself is an 'awesome adventure,' and the opportunity to see some of the machinery in action further enhances the educational aspect. The inclusion of a traditional homemade pasty in the crib room adds a delightful culinary element to the historical journey, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable outing.
Many reviews emphasize the value of the tour, noting that it's 'definitely worth doing' and highly recommended. The guides make a conscious effort to connect with visitors, learning names and backgrounds, which contributes to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The provision of a free hard copy photo at the end is a thoughtful touch, providing a lasting memento of this unique underground exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit