Event: Australia - Bendigo

Central Deborah Gold Mine

When:	Daily
Where:	Central Deborah Gold Mine
Costs:	A$12.90-A$53; concessions A$11.50-A$45; children A$9.90-A$23

The Central Deborah Gold Mine was the last commercial gold mine to operate in Bendigo. Today it offers underground tours, many led by former miners.

During the tour, visitors put on a miner's hat complete with light and journey underground to learn something about the history of the mining town. It's also possible to see gold in the quartz reef in the mine's tunnels.

Gold was first discovered here in 1951 and the Bendigo Gold Field soon extended over 3600 hectares, attracting miners from various ethnic backgrounds. From 1939-1954 around one ton of gold was mined here, worth around A$12 million at today's prices. After a period of closure, it reopened in 1986 for the underground tours and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The mine still operates and its equipment still works, but the miners have developed underground and surface displays. Some tours include a tram ride around the town or lunch as well.