Over 100 years of history is on display - since gold was discovered at Lucknow just two months after it was discovered at Ophir in 1851.

Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour around the site to view the equipment store, blacksmith shop, stamper battery, secondary shaft and the mine manager’s cottage among other things.

Orange City Council museum and heritage co-ordinator Alison Russell said it is a unique opportunity to view local heritage.

“It was the first gold mine to be floated on the Australian Stock Exchange,” she said.

“At the time Lucknow was a very rich goldfield.”

Ms Russell said much of the site is well preserved and it is a great opportunity to view the 1930s infrastructure.

Since 2004, Orange City Council begun a conservation program at the site which includes restoration, creation of pathways and the development of new ways to tell the mine’s story.

Councillor Chris Gryllis said there are great stories to hear at the historic site.

“When a visitor steps into the mine’s wash-house they’ll be able to hear the  voice of a miner telling the story of what it was like to work in an underground mine,” he said.

“These were brave men doing tough and dangerous work every day.”

Ms Russell said anyone interested in the gold mining industry or local history should come along.

“There are interpretive panels and an audio presentation,” she said.

Following the weekend, the mine will be open to the public on the first weekend of the month until April.

The mine will be open from 10am to 2.30pm.

Entry is $2 adults, with free entry for children, students and pensioners.

nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au