Peak Hill Open Cut Experience

The historic gold mine at Peak Hill operated between 1893 and 1917, producing about 60,000 ounces from 500,000 tonnes of rock. Alkane excavated for gold on the site between 1996 and 2002, retrieving 145,000 ounces from 4.9 million tonnes. While much of the historic operations were consumed by the recent mining activity, Alkane has managed to preserve some of the old workings. The Open Cut Experience includes both the historical works and the more recent mines, with self-guided walking paths constructed. The Open Cut Experience offers a rich tourism experience, with visitors able to access viewing areas over five open cuts, spectacular views from the hilltop, walking trails, rest areas, and a bridge walk over historic mine workings.

Located just 400 metres from the main street of Peak Hill, Caswell Street, this open cut gold mine provides a great example of mining techniques used historically and today.

The historic Peak Hill mine operated between 1893 and 1917 producing about 60,000 ounces from 500,000 tonnes of rock. Alkane re-excavated for gold on the site between 1996 and 2002 retrieving 145,000 ounces gold from 4.9 million tonnes of rock.

While most of the historic operations were consumed by the recent mining activity, some of the old workings have been preserved.

The Open Cut Experience includes both the 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 Peak Hill. In September 2007, Parkes Shire Council signed an agreement with lease-holder Alkane Exploration committing to keep the project running, through Council operating the tourist arm of the mine.

Located in an elevated and pleasant bush setting, just 400 metres from 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 of the trails but, for less active visitors, there is “easy access” to the main viewing platform and a pleasant, flat return walk along the “low wall” of the main open cut with spectacular views across to the “high wall”.

Please note that Festival Shuttle Buses run regularly to Peak Hill.

General Entry

Self-guided tours are now available daily (FREE ENTRY) between 9 am and 4 pm (closed Christmas Day & Good Friday).

General Entry gives visitors access to picnic areas, and walking trails.

Group Guided Tours

Group guided tours (more than 10 people) are offered all year round by appointment (subject to Guide availability). These guided tours allow visitors to gain a greater understanding of the mine, its history and methods used. Guided tour groups are also able to access gold panning facilities (at a small additional cost).

On the Digger Tour the guide will take you across fascinating historic gold mine workings, and around the rim of the open cut pits.

Group tours are available to groups of 10 or more people. Must be pre-booked by calling the Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6862 6000. Allow a minimum of 2 hours for guided tours. Cost: Adult $10 Concession/Student $8