The fun starts under the ground in Wonthaggi

VICTORIA'S only tourist coal mine has reopened after a $4 million Government revamp.

coalmine

VICTORIA'S only tourist coal mine has reopened after a $4 million Government revamp.

The State Coal Mine in Wonthaggi has a new trolley taking tourists as deep as 60m below ground.

Riding the trolley last week were primary schoolers Mia, 6, Manny, 7, and Cuga, 6.

Refurbished with a new visitor centre and cafe, the heritage area volunteers hope the additions will bring even more tourists than the 10,000 who visited last year.

The revamp was funded by separate $1.5 million Federal and State government donations, plus financial backing from Parks Victoria and other groups.

State Coal Mine manager Braxton Laine says the additions are part of a campaign to attract more visitors.

"We've upgraded with today's technological advancements," Mr Laine said.

"If we can get 20,000 people this year we've done very well."

Tour guide Lou Storti started in the mine in 1949 and is still part of the crew.

"I've never done anything else," Mr Storti said.