Brant Webb, 37, and Todd Russell, 35, emerged into the cold, dark morning dutifully clocking out just before 6am local time, hugging waiting family and colleagues before being whisked away by ambulance to Launceston hospital.
A friend at the scene, who asked not to be named, says he heard Mr Webb asking paramedics to take him home, instead of the hospital.
Hospital tests
The two men arrived at the hospital smiling, waving and giving the thumbs up to the welcoming crowd; the pair was then wheeled into the emergency department, doctors say the two are in remarkably good health.
Both have now been released from hospital. Mr Russell went straight from his checkup to the funeral of his colleague Larry Knight. Mr Webb is also expected to attend the proceedings in Launceston.
Mr Knight died in the rockfall on April the 25th that trapped Mr Russell and Mr Webb. The funeral was initially held off by Mr Knight's family, until the men could be released from the steel ‘cherry picker’ in which they were working at the time.
Although the cage was unroofed, a massive rock that fell on top of it acted as a cover and kept them from being crushed by other rocks.
Found alive five days after the rockfall the men had survived by drinking water dripping down the rock face. A slim PVC pipe reached the men last week, allowing them to get food, water and personal items.
Communicating through the pipe the pair joked constantly with rescuers, asking for beer and chips rather than the high-protein biscuits and drinks being pushed through to them and bantering about football.
Celebrations
“I can see your light,” screamed a rescuer as he broke through the earth separating them from freedom.
Mr Russell and Mr Webb shouted back, “I can see your light too,” later joking with paramedics about drinking beer – and finding better jobs.
Soon after reaching the surface Mr Webb and Mr Russell handed out printed business cards, to express their delight and thanks at being freed.
A co-worker who helped in the rescue says the cards read "The Great Escape" and "To all who have helped and supported us and our families, we cannot wait to shake your hand. And shout you a Sustagen,” a reference to the protein drink which helped keep the men alive. “Thanks is not enough” it added.
Joyous locals and rescuers have already packed into the town's Club Hotel, a favourite with the miners, spilling out onto the street, shouting and hugging each other.
Publican Chris Rundle says the pub's already gone through a barrel and a half of beer, adding that his customers are the happiest he's ever seen.
The church was also celebrating the men’s good fortune, announcing Mr Webb and Mr Russell’s release by ringing the buildings bell with such gusto that it broke.
The Uniting Church bell’s clanger, which had not been tolled since the end of World War II, broke off as the joyful Minister Frances Seen and others rang it.