Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine (Tours Daily) — Attraction in Walhalla

Today I attended the mine tour and was questioned on what constituted my family and I was quite taken aback and offended.

I don’t what to start a whole debate here but not everything is what you perceive it to be.

'Family' is a single word, with many different meanings. People have many ways of defining a family and what being a part of a family means to them. Families differ in terms of economic, cultural, social, and many other facets, but what every family has in common is that the people who call it a family are making clear that those people are important in some way to the person calling them his family.

Friends as Family Many people consider friends to be as close or even closer than extended (or immediate) family. People who have lost close family members may create a family unit of friends with similar interests and goals to become replacements or enhancements to a lacking family structure. This type of family unit, while untraditional, can be just as close, if not closer, than a traditional structure. Friends are chosen by an individual; at times, these people may be more special or important than the family a person was born with. In addition, some people who have supportive families also have an extensive network of friends who they consider to be a second family or as additions to their blood or legal relatives.

I have purchased many family tickets for two adults and two children and never been questioned and even been recommend to buy a family ticket for the four of us.

Tour was great, first impression was disturbing.

—————————————/—————————— 20th January 2020

Response from the owner 3 days ago Sorry to hear you were offended but I make no apology for our terminology - for ticketing purposes, a family is two adults and a reasonable number of children. Common sense actualy. Geoff Anderson, Mine Manager.

RESPONSE TO GEOFF ANDERSON’S COMMENT.

Geoff, I was purchasing tickets for two adults and two children. So where is the problem?

Your reply is lacking common sense and the lack of understanding of your behaviour on this forum is even more disturbing than your behaviour...

Visiting the old gold mine was an unforgettable experience that combined adventure, history, and a touch of romance. The tour provided a fascinating glimpse into the past, allowing us to walk through tunnels where miners once toiled in search of precious metals. It was heartening to see how well-maintained and safe the mine was, making it suitable for the entire family, including children and even fur babies.

From the moment we stepped into the mine, the attention to safety was evident. Our guide provided helmets and made sure we were aware of the safety protocols. The mine's lighting was excellent, and the pathways were well-marked, ensuring that even the youngest members of our group felt secure. The guide's engaging storytelling brought the mine's history to life, sharing tales of the hardships and triumphs of the miners who once worked there.

One of the highlights of the tour was the main chamber, a vast underground space with an almost cathedral-like atmosphere. The guide shared a particularly touching story about a wedding that took place in this very chamber. It was a tale that could bring a tear to anyone's eye. A couple with a deep connection to the mine decided to exchange their vows in the chamber, surrounded by the echoes of the past. We all feel silent as Richard (the mine interpreter) shared why the wedding took place in the chamber.

The mine tour was not just a trip back in time but also a testament to the enduring human spirit and the connections we make to the places we visit. It was a perfect blend of education, safety, and emotional depth, making it an ideal outing for families and pet lovers alike. If you have the chance to visit, don't miss asking about the wedding in the main chamber – it's a story that truly captures the heart. Don't forget to ask about...

Would normally have given 5 stars, - but the other review left two weeks ago has concerned me a bit. I hope the owner responds and clears the air because people shouldn't attack others on differing views of family.

However when I went, the staff were really nice. My girlfriend and I camped in North Gardens at Walhalla for a few days on the start of our Road Trip from Melbourne to Sydney. Walhalla is picturesque and a great place to go to disconnect from the Modern World. (No Phone Signal up here!)

With the Gold Mine being so ingrained in Walhalla History, you have to go.

We opted for the midday tour, which was taken by Ben. Ben was awesome - he was really knowledgeable on the Mine and answered all of the questions we had. There was someone else on our tour that seemed to know a lot about the mines, so had some difficult questions but Ben was on top of it and knew exactly what was being asked.

I was able to take part in a demonstration of what the miners used to do - and I really could not do it 8 hours a day, I'll tell you that!

Learning about the time taken to open this mine, why it was opened and how it took months, years to get anyway, was really interesting and opened my eyes to a whole area of Australian history I had no idea about.

Must see if you are passing through the town, check out their little Museum as well!

Again - I really hope the owner sorts the issue member of staff out from the review...