Badly damaged by fire in 2016, the Mittagong Maltings is no longer accessible by the public. We discovered this when we visited and found it surrounded by a security fence with “Danger Keep Out Signs”. Now dangerous inside and containing asbestos, the owners have wisely taken site security seriously.
Despite the damage, the owners intend to refurbish the buildings into a multi-use facility, which will be a great use of the historic buildings.
Originally built in 1899 and operated by Tooth and Co. from 1901, the Maltings operated until 1980.
This was a very quick stop, as there is not much to see apart from the burnt out ruins.
The Maltings RuinsThe Burnt Shell of the Building
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Originally a coal mining area dating from the 1840s, little remains to remind you of its past. Following its closure in the 1980s, rehabilitation and dedicated work by the Minmi Heritage Landcare Group have removed many of the scars. Plantings of native trees, the eradication of invasive plants and the installation of barbecues and picnic facilities have produced a beautiful community park. The Heritage Walking Track winds through the regenerated bushland.
Located near the outer western Newcastle suburb of Minmi, the park has plenty of parking and a small toilet block. The walking tracks are shown on an information board near the car park.
The Track
We chose the Heritage Walk because it includes the brick tower of an old ventilation shaft from the coal mine. Starting at the end of the car park, the track immediately splits into two paths. There are no signs to show which way to go, but the correct direction is to the right of the large white tyre. Not far from here, a track leads off to the left. Fortunately, there are two signs here showing that this is the way to go.
From the left turn, the well-maintained path follows a shady route through regenerated Australian bushland. We didn’t see any wildlife but could here plenty of cicadas.
The trail intersects another track, where you will find the brick tower. This remnant of the old coal mine used to provide ventilation to the mine’s underground workings. Turn right at the intersection, where another well-formed track takes you back to the car park.
Only a few minutes’ walk from the car park is the old Minmi Cemetery, where you can see the graves of many of the mine workers and their families.
What Did We Think?
A simple easy walk, it only took us 45 minutes, including stops for photos. The well-maintained path and shady trees made the walk enjoyable.
Blue Gum Hills Regional Park Info BoardDecorated Toilet BlockPlayground Mine EntranceMazeTake the path to the right of the big tyreSign to the Heritage WalkSign to the Heritage WalkThe Heritage WalkBrick Tower Ventilation ShaftHeritage Walking Track
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
The Aberdare South Colliery operated from 1913 to 1927, making it long abandoned. All that remains of the old mine are the winder house and chimney, but these make the trip worthwhile, so that you can see some of the original industry of the Hunter Valley.
Getting There
Located in the village of Abernethy, the best place to start the walk is from Abernethy House, an old pub now operating as a guest house. Cars can park in a small cleared area opposite the house. This is convenient, because it is at the start of the walking track. The track is not suitable for two wheel drive vehicles, as the road is not well maintained. When we were there, it was badly rutted and eroded by heavy rain, making four wheel drive vehicle access impossible as well.
Abernethy House From the Car Park
The Track
Follow the track until you pass an intersection to the left. At this point, keep walking along the main track until you come to a second track to the left, which you take. This track, will lead you to a dam on the left hand side at which point you will also see a large chimney.
After rain the tack is muddy and rutted by previous traffic, which makes is rough in places. Be careful how you walk as some places are slippery and covered in water. Even if the weather is dry, the road will be badly rutted.
Access Track After Rain
Access Track After Rain
The Old Winder House at the Aberdare South Abandoned Mine
Once an impressive building, the old winder house is now a ruin with the roof and floor collapsed. Even in this state it is fun to look around and take pictures, as long as you are careful.
The interior was overgrown with grass and the collapsed floor and old basement were full of water, so we didn’t go inside. We were also wary of the surrounding area as the grass was very long and we were concerned about snakes.
Inside the Winder House
Outside the Winder House
The Old Ruined Winder House
The Chimney
Still standing after 100 year, the chimney is starting to look old, as the brickwork has cracks making it look unstable. Standing in the middle of the bush, it looks out of place, making it a unique and interesting photo opportunity.
Old Chimney at the Mine Site
The Dam and Returning to The Start
Once we had looked around the chimney and winder house, we followed the track down to the dam, which was full of water and surrounded by eucalyptus trees. From here, we walked around the dam until we found the track which took us back to our car. This track is the first one we passed on the way in, allowing us to do the walk as a circuit.
View Over the Dam
Things to be Aware Of
We aware that snakes are common in the area, so be careful around long grass. The old buildings are not maintained, so are unstable, particularly inside the winder house.
What Did We Think?
This was a great place to visit, because of the unusual sight of abandoned mine buildings. The walk was short and quite easy, despite the wet ground.
