Coniston Copper Mines — Attraction in Coniston

We had been on the NT gondola at the lakes and our itinerary had changed so I was looking for somewhere to go. I noticed the copper mines on Google so off we went. You have to park in the village and walk up only people staying at a property at the mines are allowed to drive up. So off we went , thank fully it wasn’t too hot but you are best have water and snacks. It’s quite an easy walk few gradients but they are short and manageable and it’s an actual road way so it’s not slippy. It’s 40 mins each way to the mine and back longer as you keep stopping to take it all in. You see some beautiful sights on the way and can hear the water gushing through the rocks.

On arrival to the mines its like another world. A moochers delight , you have so many photo Opportunities if you like old machinery etc and just recapturing history in your mind and heart . Such a stunning place. You have to see it to believe it really. It’s a wedding venue location too. Obviously be very careful if you have children as there are sharp items about and sudden drops.

The gentlemen that owns the area spoke with my partner and is doing all he can to save the area as it is he planted trees and keeps the area tidy but not ruining its authenticity. It’s a tribute to those that worked there as far as I am concerned. There has been some heritage funding in the passed. There are lots more walk around the area but I think they require a bit more fitness and pre planning . Our walk was just fine. The sheep check you out but don’t stop chewing if you are not that interesting they like to show off their balancing skills on the cliffs.

It’s a truly fascinating place to go. Somewhere I will...

Warning this is NOT a 15 minute walk from Holly How YHA. Maybe a 45 to 75 minute stroll up, depending on how fast you stroll. To get here, once your on the track up to the Coppermines YHA just keep walking up it. Don't go on other paths or over bridges. Just keep walking. It's a place to look at the history with a few signs explaining a bit how it all worked. No evidence of access to mines. Massive event Tipis in the middle of it all very odd and incongruous. The biggest fake "rock of copper" at the entrance gates. A yard with lots of old pieces of machinery. You can't actually participate in anything, like finding copper, like you can at other mines. You can move a hammer and a wheel on one of the signs. Spectacular views all the way to the lake and an odd atmosphere. It says "The Coppermines Heritage Centre" but there's no humans so don't get your hopes up for a cuppa, toilet or human interaction. It is literally ruins of old buildings and old machinery but what else do you expect of Coppermines in the...

Where to start? Coniston displays beautiful metaphoric rock formations dated around 550 million to 400 million years old. Small streams and little waterfalls are features along the path. Looking at the plants, they haven't changed since the jurassic period. The trees near the stream are knobbly and spindly with beautiful leaves depending on the season. I spent most of my time with my partner along the small streams and waterfalls where we set up a picnic area to marvel at nature's creation around sunset. My god, it's a memorable day and evening. I brought back home a couple of small calcite and quartz specimans from the waters at the hidden waterfall. A beautiful reminder of coniston. It would be a dream to be a resident here, but I won't ever be so lucky to...