Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Every building and object at Coal Creek has a story to tell. Coal Creek Community Park and Museum is a recreated coal mining village that depicts the history of Korumburra and its districts from 1870 to 1920. Our original and replica buildings tell the story of everyday life of our early migrants. Housing a collection of industrial, agricultural and social history. Please note: - Entry is free but tickets must be booked via our website - Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. - Please wear appropriate footwear as we are an outdoor venue. - Assistant Dogs permitted only.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
14 within 3 miles
Attractions
8 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
166 reviews
Excellent
97
Very good
56
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Shirley S
Sunshine Coast, Australia89 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Well presented heritage buildings saved from around the area. Good signage and information boards. Some buildings closed due to covid but we still enjoyed our visit. Good for all ages and surprisingly FREE. A donation box on the way out showed many people thought this worth a donation including us.
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dowrev
Melbourne, Australia45 contributions
Feb 2020
We stopped in not sure what to expect and were very pleasantly surprised, the site is much bigger than we expected, was well maintained and spotless clean. We spent a couple of hours exploring the village and meeting the volunteers who operate the park. As an added bonus entry is free. Well worth a visit, allow a couple of hours to take it all in.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thankyou so much for your great feedback. Hoping to see you again and I will pass on your compliments to the team and volunteers at Coal Creek
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vertikar
Melbourne17 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Quirky little coal mining village, needs a little more attention though. Quite enjoyable for a short wander around if you like history though.
Written November 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle C
Longwarry8 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Hoping for a really great night out with the kids - they get to dress up and go trick or treating in a controlled environment and enjoy the attractions that were on offer such as face painting, apple bobbing and disco. Didn't see any face painting or apple bobbing which was disappointing. Treats they received while trick or treating were okay - cheapish stuff that seemed to please the kids. There were a lot of people which is fantastic, but meant that the queues for drinks, attractions etc. were far too long. Staff were very pleasant. Band was great. Costume competition was really abysmal. It wasn't run at all properly and therefore very disappointing. Found that for a kids event, there were far too many woman with their wares on show. Time and place and all that. They one thing that really concerned me was the Snake Buster exhibit. They had about five snakes, two lizards, an alligator and a frog and I have absolutely no idea how those creatures survived the night. They were in a small room, completely shoulder to shoulder with people ALL night in 30 plus heat being shoved at one person to the next. Like them or not, they didn't deserve that kids of treatment.
Prices were good and very affordable for all families but all round a little disappointing.
Prices were good and very affordable for all families but all round a little disappointing.
Written November 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jordi A
Williams Landing, Australia9 contributions
We enjoyed the park, we would like to get back soon. The staff was very kind, the facilities are good, everything is in good condition
Written October 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aussiewithkids
Melbourne, Australia31 contributions
Trying to keep two teenagers amused is not always an easy task. We saw a sign that advertised Coal Creek having free entry so we figured we didn't have anything to lose... Best decision of the holidays! In many ways Coal Creek is a less commercial version of Sovereign Hill. There are lots of interesting, historical buildings to explore on a picturesque site. The general store sells well priced goods and the cafe, lovely food. Of course there are things that could be done to improve this attraction but I can't see how any of these would be possible without charging admission. This attraction survives on the hard work and generosity of volunteers to maintain and staff the site so not all buildings were open when we visited. Regardless of this, there was more than enough to keep our family entertained for the day.
Written January 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HI Aussie with kids
Thank you for taking the time to review Coal Creek Community Park & Museum. I will forward your wonderful comments on to our volunteers and staff.
Regards
Rowena Ashley
Written January 16, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jstosh
Melbourne, Australia61 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
We visited previously around 11 years ago. Although the park has 'downsized' from its former glory there is still so much to see. And now its free entry!
The tramway train ride is worth paying for (diesel engine only - the steam engine is apparently broken). You will get a good view of areas of the park that are otherwise difficult to walk to and may even spot emus chasing the train. You will also see some former attractions now idle and in disrepair eg. the water wheel and sawmill, and get a sense of what this park could be like if restored to its previous state.
Good shoes and all-weather gear are recommended in the cooler months. Lots of walking on hilly terrain and mostly unsealed surfaces (some of us actually prefer this type of walking). Most of the park is not particularly wheelchair or pram-friendly - check their website for details.
Some of the buildings were closed but you can still get a look at the historic displays through the windows.
There is a Tourist Information centre set up in the entry building so you can pick up brochures for other Gippsland and Wilsons Prom area attractions.
The entry building also contains a small shop where you can find diverse items ranging from energy meters and energy-saving power-boards to historic books and local products such as honey, preserves, cordials and wine.
Staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful. They even have a Coal Creek 'credit card' which you can use in place of cash at the little stores in the park (leave your credit card or drivers license as ID). Just pay the total at the entry hall on your way out.
For those arriving by car.. note to driver: Sections of the drive from Melbourne to Coal Creek are East-West aligned and if the weather is sunny then sunrise/sunset driving will be unpleasant due to maximum sun glare. Try to drive outside these times to avoid the problem.
Further note: The roads near Korumburra are a bit pot-holed and uneven, once you leave the major highways.
Yet another note: the signs could be better.. once you enter Korumburra follow the 'i' tourist info signs and they will lead you to the park (or use your GPS/Navigator).
On that topic, check mobile phone coverage on the internet before you start the trip. We found very patchy or no reception in the area. Ironically, there is a sign in the park to call an after-hours number if you get locked-in (eg if you didn't leave by closing time) but there is no public phone if your mobile doesn't work.
In spite of all this it is still worth the drive. Pick a dryish-weather day, pack a lunch, plan a relaxed drive with breaks in the little rural towns en-route, and allow plenty of time to explore the park and enjoy.
The tramway train ride is worth paying for (diesel engine only - the steam engine is apparently broken). You will get a good view of areas of the park that are otherwise difficult to walk to and may even spot emus chasing the train. You will also see some former attractions now idle and in disrepair eg. the water wheel and sawmill, and get a sense of what this park could be like if restored to its previous state.
Good shoes and all-weather gear are recommended in the cooler months. Lots of walking on hilly terrain and mostly unsealed surfaces (some of us actually prefer this type of walking). Most of the park is not particularly wheelchair or pram-friendly - check their website for details.
Some of the buildings were closed but you can still get a look at the historic displays through the windows.
There is a Tourist Information centre set up in the entry building so you can pick up brochures for other Gippsland and Wilsons Prom area attractions.
The entry building also contains a small shop where you can find diverse items ranging from energy meters and energy-saving power-boards to historic books and local products such as honey, preserves, cordials and wine.
Staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful. They even have a Coal Creek 'credit card' which you can use in place of cash at the little stores in the park (leave your credit card or drivers license as ID). Just pay the total at the entry hall on your way out.
For those arriving by car.. note to driver: Sections of the drive from Melbourne to Coal Creek are East-West aligned and if the weather is sunny then sunrise/sunset driving will be unpleasant due to maximum sun glare. Try to drive outside these times to avoid the problem.
Further note: The roads near Korumburra are a bit pot-holed and uneven, once you leave the major highways.
Yet another note: the signs could be better.. once you enter Korumburra follow the 'i' tourist info signs and they will lead you to the park (or use your GPS/Navigator).
On that topic, check mobile phone coverage on the internet before you start the trip. We found very patchy or no reception in the area. Ironically, there is a sign in the park to call an after-hours number if you get locked-in (eg if you didn't leave by closing time) but there is no public phone if your mobile doesn't work.
In spite of all this it is still worth the drive. Pick a dryish-weather day, pack a lunch, plan a relaxed drive with breaks in the little rural towns en-route, and allow plenty of time to explore the park and enjoy.
Written July 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
babyboomer58
melbourne55 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
If you, like me, remember Sovereign Hill when it was a smaller place and mostly about the history and the exhibits (35 years or so ago), then you will understand why I loved my recent visit to Coal Creek so much.
Coal Creek is a lovingly re-created small country town from days gone by, staffed by local volunteers from this community. The area infomation centre is the entry to Coal Creek. Amazingly there is NO entry fee to the park, yet inside are 20 or so recreated buildings with locally sourced artefacts and display pieces, in my opinion equal to any of the buildings you would find at Sovereign Hill. Local ladies and gents (some in their latter years) are there to answer questions and pass on interesting information about the way things were done many years ago. There are a few items for sale (eg: some lovely hand-made toys and items and lolly jars) and a tea room for light snacks and drinks, all at modest prices. There is even a working train and carrigages you can enjoy. You can buy a ticket on for a short ride around the park (operates several times a day), or just explore the carrigaes when it is not running. A duck pond in in the centre of the grounds with a gazebo completes the township perfectly.
There is a tangible spirit in this place and the volunteers offer the visitor a real sense of the way these communities were formed, how dependant they were upon other and willing to help each other when life was a very much slower pace and make-do was the norm.
Please take the time to visit and enjoy Coal Creek.
Coal Creek is a lovingly re-created small country town from days gone by, staffed by local volunteers from this community. The area infomation centre is the entry to Coal Creek. Amazingly there is NO entry fee to the park, yet inside are 20 or so recreated buildings with locally sourced artefacts and display pieces, in my opinion equal to any of the buildings you would find at Sovereign Hill. Local ladies and gents (some in their latter years) are there to answer questions and pass on interesting information about the way things were done many years ago. There are a few items for sale (eg: some lovely hand-made toys and items and lolly jars) and a tea room for light snacks and drinks, all at modest prices. There is even a working train and carrigages you can enjoy. You can buy a ticket on for a short ride around the park (operates several times a day), or just explore the carrigaes when it is not running. A duck pond in in the centre of the grounds with a gazebo completes the township perfectly.
There is a tangible spirit in this place and the volunteers offer the visitor a real sense of the way these communities were formed, how dependant they were upon other and willing to help each other when life was a very much slower pace and make-do was the norm.
Please take the time to visit and enjoy Coal Creek.
Written June 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
monikestar
Inverloch, Australia19 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
You don't get much for free these days AND can't believe Coal Creek is FREE! Beautiful surrounds, you wouldn't know you were just off the highway! The history from the buildings is mind blowing and the displays are unbelievable! The emu's are just such a treat and my daughter loves to feed the ducks in the lake, and try to spot an eel!! The general store has so much to look at and i was pleased to know you can still buy old bolied lollies. There really is something there for any age.
Written June 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sue C
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
May 2012 • Family
Coal creek is amazing and it's free entry. The volunteer are friendly and there's a great cafe by the lake for lunch. It's a must see when traveling through gippsland
Written May 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coal Creek Community Park and Museum (Korumburra) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Coal Creek Community Park and Museum
- Coal Creek Community Park and Museum is open:
- Fri - Mon 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Coal Creek Community Park and Museum:
- (0.26 mi) Budget Coal Creek Motel
- (0.34 mi) The Snug Premium 1BR Self Contained Apartment
- (0.66 mi) One Puggle Hill
- (1.22 mi) Korumburra Tourist Park
- (1.99 mi) Citrus Grove - private, dog-friendly eco modern, great views
- Restaurants near Coal Creek Community Park and Museum:
- (0.87 mi) Divas
- (1.02 mi) The Middle Korumburra Hotel
- (0.94 mi) Burra Brewing Co
- (0.85 mi) Austral Hotel - Restaurant
- (0.99 mi) The Borough Dept. Store