Denniston is steeped in coal mining history. You can follow the same tracks that residents and miners did over a hundred years ago and explore the many relics still there.
Interpretation panels bring to life the history of Denniston.
Tracks
Denniston Bridle Path
Time: 3 hrs up, 2 hrs 30 min down
Distance: 4.2 km each way
Signposted from Conns Creek Road behind Waimangaroa at the bottom end and Denniston township at the top, a bridle track makes a pleasant if steep bush walk. A short branch track near the top leads to the incline that carried coal down(and occasional cool-nerved passengers up). A lower branch to the Waimangaroa-Denniston road offers a shorter walking option.
Aside from the incline, which was used for the transportation of coal, the bridle path, completed in 1884, was the only means of access to Denniston. Travel along this route was either by horse, or on foot.
This track is maintained as a tramping track with users requiring high levels of fitness and experience.
Sections of the track involve creeks crossings, slippery rocks and a narrow track on a steep slope. Creeks are subject to sudden high flows. Suitable footwear, experience and care is required.
Brakehead Walk
Time: 40 min loop
Distance: 1.1 km
Starting at the Brakehead, this 40 minute walk leads past 'The camp' Denniston's first settlement, and on to the Banbury Arch viewpoint, returning via the historic mine workshop site. Many relics from Denniston's past can be seen on this walk.
Town Walk
Time: 40 min return
Distance: 1.3 km
Starting at the 'school site' by the Friends of the Hill Museum, this 40 minute walk takes you through the old streets of Denniston township. Passing by the bowling green and beside old residential sections, brick chimneys are still evident in various stages of decay. The walk crosses the main highway and runs alongside the old Denniston-Burnetts Face rope road, before emerging again at the 'school site'.
Coalbrookdale Walk
Time: 1 hr return
Distance: 2 km
A good shingle road behind Denniston (still used by coal trucks) leads to the start of the walkway. This follows part of a roperoad that carried coal from the mines to the top of the Denniston Incline. Relics include tunnels, foundations, a haulage winch and the country's best remaining example of a mine fanhouse.