TitleSite of Tongarra Coal MinePhoto Number000966DescriptionWilliam Brownlee discovered coal on his property at Tongarra in the 1880s. By 1893 he had excavated an horizontal tunnel 800 feet above sea level. The coal at Tongarra was regarded as high quality and on a par with Newcastle which was considered the best. William Brownlee died in 1931. The mine was acquired by Excellsior Collieries of Thirroul in 1943 and provided steady employment for the men of Albion Park and surrounding areas. The mine closed in January 1965.LocationTongarra
