Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does the Blinman Mine tour cost?

Single Admission Adult tickets are $40. 

Concession Adult tickets are $33

Children under the age of 3 can accompany their parents at no extra cost. 

Group Bookings of 20 or more people cost $33 per adult.

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We offer a family discount, 2 adults and 2 children can book for $110, additional children are $15 each. Your pricing will update automatically when you book online. 

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For group bookings of more than 10 people, please email us directly to arrange. 

 

The tour includes your helmet, torch, and access to the above-ground heritage walk.

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Q: How long is the Blinman Mine Tour?

The underground tour takes 45-55 minutes. We recommend allowing 1.5 hours total for your visit to include browsing the mine office displays, souvenir shop, and taking photos at the iconic boiler photo spot above ground.​

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Q: What times do tours run at the Blinman Mine?

​From April 1 to October 31, tours depart daily at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.

 

From November to March, tours run by appointment only between 10am-4pm, you will need to contact the mine office directly at info@heritageblinmanmine.com.au to book tours in the hot season, we will do our best to accomodate but please note that we do occasionally close the mine for maintenance during the warmer months. 

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The Mine office is not always staffed while our guides are out on a tour, but you can access the live availability at any time from the QR code outside of the building or via our booking page. 

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Q: Is Blinman Mine open during school holidays?

Yes! We're open throughout school holidays with regular daily tours at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. However, tours fill up quickly during holiday periods, so advance booking is essential. We're a popular family activity, so book early to avoid disappointment.

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Q: Is Blinman Mine open on public holidays?

We're open every day including public holidays, except Christmas Day and when closed for essential maintenance (typically during summer). Our regular tour times apply on public holidays. We recommend calling ahead if visiting during the summer months (November-March) to confirm we're not closed for maintenance.

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Q: Do I need to book the Blinman Mine Tour in advance?

​Yes, advance booking is essential during school holiday periods and highly recommended at all other times. Tours are limited to 10 people maximum to ensure an intimate experience, so they can fill up quickly. You can book online through our website or by emailing info@heritageblinmanmine.com.au

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Q: How do I book a tour at the Blinman Mine?

​You can book online through our website's booking system, or email info@heritageblinmanmine.com.au. We recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially during peak tourism seasons.

 

For group bookings of 10+ people or school tours, please contact us directly to arrange a private tour time.

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Q: What is your cancellation policy?

​We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour time. For cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows, refunds are at our discretion. If we need to cancel due to weather, maintenance, or safety concerns, you'll receive a full refund or can reschedule to another date.

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Q: Can I buy gift vouchers for Blinman Mine Tours?

We don't currently offer gift vouchers, but if you would like to arrange a tour as a gift for a family member or friend, we are happy to help you achieve this. Please email us directly at info@heritageblinmanmine.com.au

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Q: Do you offer group rates or private tours?

​Yes, we welcome groups and offer special rates for parties of 20+ people. We also cater for school groups and educational tours with age-appropriate content. Private tours can be arranged outside regular hours for an additional fee. Please contact us at least one month in advance to arrange group bookings.​​​

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Q: Can Blinman Mine tours accommodate school groups?

Absolutely! We love hosting school groups and offer educational tours tailored to different age levels. The tour aligns with Australian Curriculum outcomes for History, Science (geology), and Geography. We can accommodate groups with advance booking and offer discounted rates for schools. Contact us at info@heritageblinmanmine.com.au to discuss your group's needs.

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Q: What will I see on the Blinman Mine underground tour?

You'll explore authentic underground tunnels from the 1860s, see the main shaft and mining chambers, experience our innovative sound and light installations that bring miners' stories to life, view original mining equipment, and learn about copper extraction techniques. Your guide will share stories of the Cornish miners, the Blinman family history, and what daily life was like during the boom years when 1,500 people lived in this remote outback town.​​

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Q: Is the Blinman Mine a real mine or a recreation?

​Heritage Blinman Mine is 100% authentic, not a recreation. This is the actual copper mine that operated from 1862 to 1907, producing 10,000 tonnes of copper. You'll walk through the real tunnels carved by hand, see the original shafts, and touch the same walls the miners did 150+ years ago. We've added modern lighting and safety features, but the mine structure itself is completely authentic.

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Q: What makes Blinman Mine different from other mine tours?

​Blinman Mine is unique because it's run entirely by local volunteers who are passionate about preserving their heritage. We use an award-winning sound and light system that creates an immersive theatrical experience underground. Plus, we're one of the few mines where you can combine underground access with extensive above-ground heritage walks around the original mine site.

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Q: Are tour guides knowledgeable about the mine's history?

​Absolutely! Our guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Blinman's heritage. Many are long-time community members with deep connections to the mine's history. They've been trained extensively and love sharing stories about the miners, copper mining techniques, and life in this remote outback settlement. Past visitors consistently rate our guides as excellent in their reviews.

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Q: Can I take children on the underground tour?

​Yes! The tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. We love having children and involve them with special "miner jobs" and interactive quizzes. However, all visitors must wear safety helmets (provided free), so very young children who find helmets uncomfortable may not enjoy the full experience. Babies and toddlers are welcome, but if they become upset, parents may be asked to step out temporarily.​

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Q: What's the above-ground heritage walk at Blinman Mine?

​Our free self-guided above-ground walk takes you around the historic mine site where you'll see the main shaft, walk along the slag heap, visit the iconic boiler photo spot, and see where mine buildings once stood. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes and provides a complete picture of how the mine operated. Purchase a detailed guidebook ($5) at the mine office for information about geology, points of interest, and historic photos.​​​​

Q: Is the Blinman Mine tour suitable for people with claustrophobia?

Many people with mild claustrophobia complete the tour without issues! We cover this during the safety briefing, and it helps to know: you're never locked in, there's no crawling, the tunnels are well-lit, and there's plenty of air flow. Most visitors become so engrossed in the stories that they forget any initial concerns. If you're over 180cm (5'11") tall, you'll need to duck in a few spots. Our experienced guides monitor everyone's comfort and can escort you out anytime if needed, though this rarely happens.

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Q: Is the Blinman Mine tour wheelchair accessible?

The underground tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and a moderate slope, so it's not wheelchair accessible. 

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Q: Are there stairs in the Blinman Mine?

​There are no stairs underground. There's one moderate slope with about a 1:6 gradient that most people manage easily. The tour moves at a leisurely walking pace with plenty of stops to look and listen. There's no lift, but the walking is manageable for anyone with average mobility.

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Q: What's the temperature inside Blinman Mine?

​The mine maintains a constant 22°C (72°F) year-round, which feels cool and comfortable. On cooler winter days, we recommend dressing warmly for the outside temperature before and after your tour, and bringing a light jacket for underground. In summer, the mine provides a refreshing escape from the heat!

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Q: What is the maximum tour group size?

​We limit tours to a maximum of 10 people to ensure everyone can hear the guide, ask questions, and have an intimate, personalised experience. This small group size is one of the things visitors love most about our tours. If you have larger groups, we can certainly accomodate - please email us to arrange this with our team. 

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Q: Do you allow service animals on the tour?

​Service animals are welcome on the above-ground heritage walk. However, for safety reasons, we cannot allow animals (including service animals) on the underground tour due to confined spaces, darkness, and potential stress to the animals. Please contact us in advance if you have specific needs so we can discuss alternatives.

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Q: Is the tour suitable for elderly visitors?

​Many elderly visitors thoroughly enjoy the tour! The key considerations are: it involves about 45 minutes of walking at a gentle pace, standing while listening to stories, and navigating one moderate slope. There are no stairs, but the ground can be uneven. If you have concerns about mobility, please email us to discuss, we're happy to provide more specific details to help you decide.

Q: What should I wear to Blinman Mine?

​Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are essential (no sandals or thongs/flip-flops). The mine stays 22°C year-round, so dress for the outside weather before and after your tour. Bring a light jacket or jumper for underground. We provide helmets and torches. If you have long hair, tie it back for comfort under the helmet.

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Q: What should I bring on the Blinman Mine tour?

We provide helmets and torches, so you just need to bring:

• Closed-toe walking shoes (essential)

• Light jacket or jumper

• Camera or phone (photos are encouraged!)

• Water bottle

• Sunscreen and hat for before/after (we're in the outback!)

• Please don't bring large backpacks or bags, there's no place to store them underground and they'll be cumbersome. 

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Q: Are there toilets and facilities at Blinman Mine?

​We have toilet facilities at the mine office, located in the township. The mine itself, located approximately 1km away from the mine office, does not have toilets.

 

The mine office also has a small souvenir shop, historic photo displays, and information about Blinman and the surrounding Flinders Ranges.

 

The mine office is located in Blinman, just across the road from an excellent local cafe, the Miners Crib, where you can experience a traditional, home-made Cornish pasty. If it's a watering hole you're after, the North Blinman Hotel is also directly across the road. We recommend checking both of these local establishments out while you're in Blinman!

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Q: Can I take photos in the mine?

Yes, please do! Photography is encouraged both underground and above ground. The sound and light displays make for dramatic photos, and the historic structures above ground are iconic.

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Q: Where is the Blinman Mine located?

The Heritage Blinman Mine is located at Mine Road, Blinman SA 5730, in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. Blinman is South Australia's highest town at 616 meters above sea level. We're approximately 485km north of Adelaide (5.5 hours drive via Wilpena Pound) and 235km from Port Augusta (2.5 hours drive).

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Q: How do I get to Blinman Mine from Adelaide?

From Adelaide, you can journey via Port Augusta, then towards Quorn and Hawker. Blinman is at the end of the sealed road north of Wilpena. Total drive time is approximately 5.5 hours. 

 

Important tip: Fill up with fuel in Port Augusta or Hawker, fuel is available near Blinman but you don't want to be caught short in the SA Outback!

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Q: What else is there to do near Blinman Mine?

Blinman is perfectly positioned for Flinders Ranges exploration! Wilpena Pound is just 60km south, Parachilna Gorge scenic drive is nearby, and you're central to the stunning Flinders Ranges National Park, Brachina Gorge and the Elder Range. 

 

The rich geology surrounding the area is fascinating, you're peering into a 600 million year window of the earth's evolution when you visit the Flinders. You can also attend local cultural tours and exhibitions, learn about the rich, long-standing culture of the Adnyamathanha people who are the traditional owners of the land. 

 

The historic Blinman Hotel (c.1869) offers meals and accommodation. Many visitors combine the mine tour with hiking, 4WD trails, aboriginal rock art sites, and photography of the stunning outback landscape. We're always happy to provide recommendations for your trip, and we've collated some local attractions and accomodation options here for you!​

Q: What is the history of Blinman Mine?

Blinman Mine (also called Wheal Blinman, 'wheal' being the Cornish word for 'workplace') operated as a copper mine from 1862 to 1907. It was discovered in 1859 by shepherd Robert "Pegleg" Blinman while working on Angorichina Station. At its peak, the township had approximately 1,500 residents. The mine produced 10,000 tonnes of copper from 200,000 tons of ore over its 45-year operation. Today, Blinman has just 27 permanent residents, making it one of Australia's smallest living towns. You can read our extensive write-up on the mine's history on our "About the Mine" page. 

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Q: Who was Robert "Pegleg" Blinman?

Robert Blinman was a one-legged shepherd (hence the nickname "Pegleg") who discovered copper deposits in 1859 while working on Angorichina Station. His discovery led to the establishment of the mine and township that bears his name. Despite discovering one of South Australia's significant copper deposits, Blinman himself didn't profit much from the find, a common story among prospectors of the era.

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Q: Why did Blinman Mine close?

The mine closed in 1907 when the copper ore ran out and became economically unviable to extract. After 45 years of operation, the easily accessible ore had been exhausted. The closure caused the town's population to decline from 1,500 at its peak to the 27 permanent residents who live here today. The mine was restored and reopened as a heritage tourist attraction in April 2011 by passionate local volunteers.