Journey into the underground and join NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as a volunteer guide this summer.
The historic Mountain Maid gold mine is nestled within lush rainforest of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, and NPWS is looking now to train volunteers to share the mine’s rich gold rush history and magic of the surrounding rainforest.
Tours will take in the rainforest boardwalk, Copeland Creek and 250 metres inside the mine, sharing information about mysterious wildlife like microbats and fireflies that can be spotted after dark.
Become a volunteer guide to help others discover the natural beauty of this special place, with anyone aged from 18 to retirees in the Gloucester district invited to sign-up.
Volunteers who join the team will be trained and mentored, paired with experienced guides, and provided with an official NPWS volunteer uniform.
Located 20 minutes from Gloucester, Copeland Tops is home to stunning dry rainforest, featuring species such as shatterwood, Moreton Bay figs, orchids and towering red cedar, as well as native wildlife including lyrebirds.
A local goldrush in the area was sparked in the mid-1800s after gold was discovered by timber getters. Tours in the precinct currently operate at 10am every Wednesday and Saturday, with additional monthly twilight spotlight tours highlighting nocturnal wildlife such as possums, bats and reptiles.
Guides are asked to commit to at least one tour per month, with each tour running for around two hours. For younger people it can provide valuable work experience guiding with National Parks, and some may even go on to apply for a career with NPWS.
Underground tours inside the gold mine will start in December.
