This was really an absolute favourite of ours to visit. Going in a real sapphire mine was high on the list of things to do while in the gemfields and I highly recommend if you're visiting the area.
I'm a bit claustrophobic (read super claustrophobic) so I was a little worried about going underground to visit this mine. However it was awesome and I'm so glad we did.
It was interesting seeing the different layers on the walls as we went down, little miss was super excited to hear about the layer of ochre. The shape of the tunnels make them extremely safe (they have a curved top) and the tunnels run underground a fair distance. When we were at the deepest part we were about 15m underground. I could see how it would be easy to get lost underground or have tunnels go past your allocated space.
We got to a point and our guide asked us where we thought we were. I guess the carpark. I was shocked to find out we were near the big yellow truck. I was close but still surprised just how far the tunnels underground went.
We got to watch a video while on our tour, as well as walk along the ancient river beds that make up the floor of the mine. They had sections of the wall where you could see the sapphires still in the wall of the mine. The emergency exit was a yellow ladder, and I have to say I was pleased we didn't have to use it. It was interesting to see the up and over, which took the wash to the surface to find the sapphires.
We also got to have a good look up close at some bent wing bats. We heard the bent wing bats when we went for a tour in the CAPRICORN CAVES but being able to see them so clearly was incredible.
They had a little room near to the top set up like a museum. They have a show room with sapphire you can buy and other little treasures. They have FOSSICKING on site and you can buy a bucket of wash. They also have a little cafe on site, which is always good when you have kids.
- Going underground in a real sapphire mine
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