In this paper, detailed laboratory investigations were conducted on coal wash produced at coal mine, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. Geotechnical tests were conducted to determine the particle size distribution, compaction characteristics, shear resistance and collapse potential. The compaction tests were conducted under dry and submerged condition to examine the compactability and the strength of the coal wash. The test shows that compacted coal wash has good potential as effective fill for embankments, and land reclamation. Although when coal wash is compacted under submerged condition, increased level of compaction has minimal effect.