Built alongside the iconic Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, the yard has more than doubled the size of the centre and offers an even more comprehensive experience of recent mining history.

The development is expected to be a major coup for the region, following the closure of the Beaconsfield Mine in 2012.

The facility's ownership has been given to the West Tamar Council and funding for the landmark was provided by the state and federal government's, along with the council.

Lyons Liberal MHA Mark Shelton said the facility's opening marked a significant tourism push for the West Tamar region.

``The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is an important local attraction for the West Tamar community, drawing more than 40,000 visitors a year and receiving a Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2014,'' he said.

``The Hodgman Liberal government has a vision of attracting 1.5 million visitors a year to the state by 2020 and we are committed to helping regional Tasmania share in the benefits.''

Mr Shelton said the facility was a hands-on experience.

``Visitors will be able to get close to mining equipment, try on some of the miners’ safety gear and “tag on” when they go through the mine yard.''

West Tamar Mayor Christina Holmdahl said the region's tourism future was looking bright.

``I think the fact that the museum before the extension was attracting 40,000 a year is a great sign of the number of visitors that are visiting the northern Tamar Valley,'' she said.

``We hope this extension will bring even more visitors.''