While journeying on the Great Inland Way, come and explore the lands of the Djungan people, the Traditional Owners of Ngarrabullgan (Mt Mulligan).
Since 2011 Ngarrabullgan has been a National Heritage listed site due to the extraordinary cultural values with archaeological surveys and radio-carbon dating techniques indicating that the site has been occupied by people for over 37,000 years.
At 18 kms in circumference and 400 metres high Mt Mulligan is larger than Uluru and as you drive closer this spectacular sandstone mountain range dominates the landscape.
The Mt Mulligan mine supplied coal for other mines and railways in the district such as the copper mine in Chillagoe. 100 years ago, at 9.25am on the 19th September 1921 a massive coal dust explosion killed all 75 miners who were working in the mine; one third of the community at the time. The event sparked a Royal Commission and relegated the name Mt Mulligan to history as the site of Queensland’s worst mining disaster.
The road to Mt Mulligan is suitable for 4WD or high-clearance vehicles only. The mine and township ruins are unmanaged and therefore people enter these sites at their own risk. Please stay on the public access road and do not cross over fences or pass through closed gates at any time. Closed in shoes must be worn as there is old barbed wire, broken glass and metals on the ground. While you are welcome to get up close and take photos, please do not climb or walk onto any of the structures or these heritage-listed sites.
But if you are interested in mining history, this trip is a must do!