As part of a recent raffle held by Ballarat Goldfields during their open day, several weeks ago two families were invited to tour active parts of the mine.
Ballarat Goldfields mine manager Chris Finch said the mine now stretched about 3km under Ballarat's surface and was continuing to grow as the company inched its way closer to valuable gold deposits
still buried in rock.
Mr Finch said the company used tunnels, instead of shafts, to reach the deposits and concrete was sprayed and securely bolted to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the mine. For every cubic
metre of rock, exists more than two tons of pressure Mr Finch said.
For the Wynack family entering the dark tunnel amid the noise and traffic of heavy machinery was an experience they said was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"We had an experience back in the 1970s where three or four of us had a small goldmine, but nothing on this scale. It's just going to be interesting to see what a modern day mine looks like," David Wynack
said.
"I'm just interested in seeing how it's done today all the high-tech machinery and all the safety features. As well as being an investor I've been looking forward to seeing something like this for many
many years."
For Marie Wynack entering the mine was something she hadn't done before.
"I'ver excited and nervous in a nutshell," she said.
"I have never been down in a mine before, but it's the sort of thing that is unique to Ballarat."
As part of the Ballarat Goldfields open day $760 was raised for the KIDS Foundation.