For several years volunteer tour guides have been escorting visitors to Copeland through the old workings of the Mountain Maid gold mine.

Gloucester tourism manager Wendy Hughes said tour guides were provided with specialist training and support by the local Visitor Information Centre and National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for anyone interested in nature and sharing local history,” Mrs Hughes said.

“Tour guiding is very rewarding and is a great way to help visitors discover the hidden treasures of this special part of the world and get the most out of their stay.”

The innovative tour guide program aims to enhance the experience of visitors to the historic mine as well as provide rewarding opportunities for volunteers.

“The Mountain Maid gold mine site was reopened a few years ago following a major re-development to visitor facilities and the personal touch of a guided tour provides the icing on the cake for this unique site,” NPWS Barrington Tops area manager Anthony Signor said.

“It is great to see the number of people taking up a guided tour is increasing all the time, with volunteer guides delivering tours for almost 200 people in the past six months.”   

Volunteers interested in becoming a tour guide will need to complete a short application form by July 28.  For an information package, contact Wendy Hughes on 6558 1408 or the NPWS Barrington Tops area office on 6538 5300.

The volunteer tour guide program is a partnership between the Gloucester Visitor Information Centre and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.