Lithgow State Mine Museum

28/08/2026

This morning we continued clearing works for placement of a new water tank. We also continued clearing plant growth. A big thanks to Gordon, Peter, Phil. Ray & Tim for your hard work.

20/08/2026

Misty morning

18/08/2026

Media attention on State Mine Gully

15/08/2026

This morning Michael, Peter. Phil & Ray continued the cleanup of our “scrap area”. Steel was relocated ready for disposal and pathways at the northern end of the building complex were cleared of leaves and dirt. We also commenced the creation of a compost bin to handle the leaf litter in this area.

11/08/2026

Great news for our museum

27/07/2026

Lithgow’s coal story began in 1838, when settler Andrew Brown recorded “getting coal” from a working in the valley.

The railway’s arrival in 1869 changed everything. Coal could move east toward Sydney, drawing investment into collieries at Eskbank, Vale of Clwydd and Oakey Park. Mines fed locomotives, factories, power stations and Lithgow’s iron industry.

By the early twentieth century, the valley became a major industrial centre. The Lithgow blast furnace opened in 1907 and remained Australia’s sole iron producer for seven years. Coal also supported brickworks, copper refining, railway workshops and the Small Arms Factory.

The government-owned State Mine opened in 1916 and became one of the Western Coalfield’s largest employers. Generations worked underground, building a culture shaped by pit whistles, union meetings, hard shifts and mining families.

Lithgow’s industrial peak faded. Iron and steel production moved to Port Kembla, railways changed from steam to diesel, older pits became uneconomic and the State Mine closed after severe flooding in 1964.

Coal never disappeared completely.

Springvale and Clarence remain active underground operations near Lithgow, together supporting hundreds of workers. Springvale supplies Mount Piper Power Station, while Clarence serves export and specialist domestic customers.

Today, Lithgow is balancing its mining inheritance with manufacturing, public services, tourism and plans for an energy transition. Blast Furnace Park, Eskbank House and the State Mine Heritage Park preserve the machinery, dangers and communities of the old coal era.

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Photo: Rattle111 / WikiCommons
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06/06/2026

Unfortunately the museum will be closed on Sunday 7th June as our volunteer guide is unavailable.

01/06/2026

Some may be interested in this event.

Join us for a special screening of Pike River, the true story of families fighting for justice following the fatal 2010 NZ disaster.

28/05/2026

A misty State Mine morning. We’ll be open from Noon to 4:00pm this Saturday & Sunday. Just like every weekend!

28/04/2026