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Sovereign Hill is a living museum presenting the story of Ballarat as a gold rush boomtown. Gold was discovered here in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known.

But this isn’t the history lesson you got at school. Sovereign Hill puts you at the heart of the action.

Explore underground on a mine tour, cosplay as a gold rush character inside their 1850s photography studio, pan for gold on the diggings, hop onto a coach ride, see live rare trades demonstrations, try the iconic Raspberry Drops handcrafted only at Sovereign Hill, browse the shops, and meet some colourful costumed characters.

Content: Sovereign Hill

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Bradshaw Street, Ballarat, VIC 3350 Get directions

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225 sturt street ballarat vic 3350, 1800 44 66 33 | email us.

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities.

These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years.

As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.

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1 Day Sovereign Hill & Ballarat

Great value family tour

Includes Sovereign Hill ticket

1 Day Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Tour

This historic and cultural 1 Day Ballarat Tour with Sovereign Hill will expose you to the fascinating gold rush history of Australia. In the 1850s, Victoria was well-known for its gold-mining community and there are still plenty of little towns that pay homage to this past. Throughout the day, you’ll learn more about the incredible history of the region and visit picturesque towns along what’s now dubbed as the Golden Trail.

Operates: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Departs: 8:15am

Returns: 5:30pm

Child prices are available for children aged 4 - 14 years. Infants under the age of 4 years travel free on the lap of a parent. 

1 Day Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Tour Itinerary

The tour begins in Melbourne, where we’ll quickly make our way to the Goldfields. During the gold rush in the mid-19 th century, a number of small towns popped up in the goldfields to cash in on the rush, and on this tour you’ll get to sample a couple of them.

Firstly, we’ll head to Ballarat, a perfect example of an old town that prospered during the gold rush. It’s a charming city filled with 19 th century buildings, manicured gardens, and a whole host of history. We’ll take a complete town tour here, taking you through the impressive streets, past notable churches, and the Eureka Stockade Centre.

We’ll also visit Lake Wendouree while we’re in the area before we move on to Sovereign Hill.

Sovereign Hill is a well-known heritage park that sits on the site of the richest gold rush in the entire world. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most pivotal parts of history, including the Red Hill Gully diggings, the Gold Museum, and Main Street. To get the full historic experience, you can also ride a stagecoach, check out the blacksmith, and tuck into some Devonshire tea at the New York Bakery (own expense).

We’ll then take you back to Melbourne where you’re foray into the past sadly comes to an end.

Related article:  Mining for Gold at Sovereign Hill

• Admission to Sovereign Hill
• Admission to Gold Museum
• Red Hill Mine tour
• Comfortable coach transport with wifi onboard
• Melbourne and St Kilda pick-up & drop-off
• Friendly and informative local guide

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Attractions in melbourne.

• Ballarat & Goldfields
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• The Great Ocean Road
• The Nobbies
• The Penguin Parade
• Urquhart Bluff
• Victorian High Country
• Woolamai Surf Beach
• Yarra Valley

Things to Do near Melbourne

• Great Ocean Road Tours
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• Ballarat & Goldfields Tours
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Sovereign Hill & Ballarat Tour

Home > Melbourne Private Tours > Sovereign Hill & Ballarat Tour

“Our tour guide was very friendly and the trip was in good pace. Both the elderly and my kid enjoy the trip a lot. Highly recommended!.” – William Ho

Tour Highlights

One of the oldest cities in Australia, Ballarat is rich in history and in culture. Rich, both literally and figuratively: the discovery of gold in the area in 1851 attracted miners from all over, boosting the town’s fame and helping it grow to eventually become the third largest city in Victoria. The area of Sovereign Hill and Ballarat is a must-see for both international and domestic travellers.

With well-preserved architecture from the 19 th century and beautiful places to visit including Lake Wendouree, art galleries, markets an old refurbished Gold Mine and more, Read more about the attractions on our Sovereign Hill and Ballarat tour below.

Lake Wendouree /  Botanical Garden

Ballarat old city centre

Art Gallery of Ballarat

Sovereign Hill + Gold Museum

• Ballarat Wildlife Park (Optional)

Fruit picking (Seasonal)

Finish time

• Hotel Transfers
• Friendly Guide
• Bottled Water
• Child Safety Chair (if required)
• Heaps of Fun

Hotel Transfer

Our guide will greet you at the hotel on the morning of your tour. Upon return to Melbourne, you can choose to be transferred to either hotel or any restaurant within CBD

for 8 Seater Mercedes

(Suitable for 1 to 7 passengers)

for 12 Seater Vehicle

(Suitable for 8 to 11 passengers)

For a group booking of more than 11 people, please contact us for a quote.

Have more questions?

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions .

Tour Itinerary

Ballarat, here we come.

Ballarat is both Victoria’s third-largest city and the third-largest inland city in Australia, currently with a population of more than 100,000. It became well-known in 1850s as large deposits of gold were discovered here, the discovery had attracted an influx of miners all around the world. The gold rush lasted for more than 50 years and played a significant historical role in establishing Ballarat and Melbourne. The city offers visitors a wide range of activities to choose from, from Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Botanical Gardens to the Wildlife Park, Ballarat will impress you with its charming heritage.

Lake Wendouree

Lake Wendouree is located right next door to the Ballarat CBD. It is a gorgeous lake surrounded by a 6km trail, perfect for a walk or cycle with the family. Visit the local farmers market on a Saturday or take your kids to the fun-filled playground. A popular attraction with locals, due to an abundance of wildlife and the nearby botanical garden, you may spot some black swans, ducks and other native birds on your visit. Another point of note about this magnificent lake is that the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games rowing and canoeing events were held here. The name of the lake is derived from an old tale about William Cross Yuille, the founder of Ballarat, and a local Aboriginal woman. It is said that William asked the woman about the name of the swamp where Lake Wendouree is now located. The woman’s answer was “wendaaree” which means “go away” in the native Aboriginal language. This tale speaks volumes of the history between European settlers and the native people of this land.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Located nearby Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens first opened in 1857, making it the oldest inland botanical garden in Victoria. Sprawled over 40 beautiful hectares and divided into four distinct areas, these gardens are a must-see on any Ballarat tour. The central garden area houses a modern conservatory which is open to the public and popular with lovers of flowers from all over. The north and south garden areas are vast, open parklands and the area along Lake Wendouree is known as the lake foreshore precinct. The gardens feature Prime Ministers Avenue where bronze portraits of the 28 prime ministers of Australia are displayed. In addition, you’ll find a number of intricate marble statutes scattered throughout the garden, notably The Stoddard Collection and The Statuary Pavilion, both installed at the generous bequest of affluent Ballarat citizens. Every year in March, the garden comes to life with the famous Ballarat Begonia (Flower) Festival. It is a brilliantly floral sight to behold!

Ballarat City

Located 120 kilometers from Melbourne, Ballarat is the third largest inland city in Australia. Initially established in 1838 as a small sheep station, nobody was to know that it would grow exponentially with the discovery of gold in the area in 1851. Ballarat quickly shot to fame with its lucrative goldfields attracting an influx of European, American and Asian migrants within a very short time frame. You’ve heard of the Gold Rush, right? Well, Ballarat was the town that started it all. As the population boomed to over 60,000 people, Ballarat quickly expanded from a simple sheep station to a sizeable city. The region continued to produce a high output of gold over the next five decades until the gold deposit was significantly depleted. The meaning of “Ballarat” in local aboriginal language is “a place to rest”. This is quite fitting as anyone who has visited Ballarat can attest to the sense of utter serenity. The city has preserved many historic buildings dating back to the mid-19 th century gold rush era. With a significant cultural and historical heritage, this tranquil inland city attracts more than two million tourists annually.

The Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia’s oldest regional arts gallery and is a must-see for anyone planning a Ballarat tour. Founded in 1884, the art gallery displays not only elegant paintings, but also speaks to the history of Ballarat and the whole of Australia. Many of the art pieces date back to the 19th-century and the historic gallery itself is listed as an Australian Heritage building. A notable feature of the gallery, the Eureka Flag, symbolises the beginning of Australia as a democratic nation. The art gallery has two floors, with the upstairs featuring art collections ranging from the mid-1800s to artistic modern art sculptures. After touring the beautiful artwork, you can find lovely souvenirs in the art gallery’s gift shop downstairs or take a moment to recharge in the in-house coffee shop.

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is a large open-air museum and a staple attraction of the Ballarat area. Awarded the lucrative title of best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ four times, this is one stop on your tour of Ballarat that you don’t want to miss. The entire aesthetic of Sovereign Hill is based upon the first 10 years after gold was discovered in Ballarat. Vividly reproducing scenes of everyday life from the famous gold rush era, you’ll find staff dressed in colonial attire from a range of different countries, true to life machinery and decorative pieces as well as gorgeous antiques. You can interact with the staff members, take photos with them and enjoy performances from street artists with accordions and harmonicas.

Experience performances throughout the day such as musket firing and candle and sweet making (with a free tasting at the end of the sweet making session). There is an AUD$160,000 gold pour and red coat parade to really help you get a feel for the gold rush era. Families can experience the thrill of gold panning in the creek. Roll up your sleeves, pick up a shovel and test your luck! Plus, you get to take home all the gold you find! Make your way down the Red Hill Mine to learn about the difficult working conditions gold miners had to endure, or travel around the town on an old-fashioned coach. With a themed bakery and hotel on site, you won’t find another comparable gold rush experience anywhere in the world!

Find a map of  Sovereign Hill here .

General Entry (includes Gold Museum ticket):

Adult: $ 58.20 AUD / (5-15 years old) Child: $ 29 AUD

Fruit or Berries Picking (Seasonal)

Naturipe Fruits orchard is located bewteen Ballarat and Melbourne. With a huge variety of fruits to choose from in November to May each year, you can pick your fruit and eat it too! Available fruits include deliciously sweet Victorian cherries, juicy strawberries, crisp, crunchy apples, delectable peaches and absolutely divine nectarines. To pick strawberries, apples, peaches and nectarines you don’t have to pay a cent. Cherry picking will set you back a measly $7 for adults and $4 for kids. Who could say no to a sweet deal like that?

ADDITIONAL TOUR OPTIONS:

Australian ex-prisoners of war memorial, ballarat tramway museum, ballarat wildlife park, gold museum, saturday farmers market, kryal castle, eureka democracy museum.

It’s important to take some time out to reflect on the heroes who fought for our freedom in past Wars. The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial honours and commemorates all the Australian soldiers captured in World War I, World War II, the Boer War and the Korean War. Established in 2004, the memorial is located on the southern side of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. A 130-meter-long marble monument both proudly and sadly displays the names of the 35,000 Australians taken as Prisoners of War in past battles.

On the western bank of Lake Wendouree you’ll find the Ballarat Tramway Museum. The museum is not-for-profit and predominantly relies on volunteers from all walks of life to maintain and operate the old trams. At its peak, Ballarat tramway network had 7 principal routes spanning more than 20 kilometres of track, the largest such network outside of any major capital city in Australia. Despite most of the networks later being replaced by buses in 1971, there is still one operational tram track next to Lake Wendouree for visitors and tourists. The tram depot is open to the public daily from 12pm onward.

This family-run wildlife park was originally built in 1985, stemming from the owner’s passion for wildlife protection and conservation. The wildlife park spans 32 acres and is home to a wide range of animals including Australian birds, koalas, alpacas, wombats, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, emus, reptiles and more.   Over 100 kangaroos roam freely around the park. If you’re lucky they might let you feed or even pat them! There are plenty of opportunities for you to interact with other native Australian animals, plus exciting daily animal shows. 

Ballarat Wildlife Park Entry:

Adult: $ 40 AUD / (5-15 years old) Child: AUD $ 20

Adjacent to Sovereign Hill, the Gold Museum is the best place in the world to learn about Ballarat’s gold rush era and the fame and fortune it made for itself soon after the first precious gold nugget was discovered. The best part? You get free admission to the museum with your ticket to Sovereign Hill!

The Ballarat Weekend Farmers Markets are open from 9am to 1pm every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. That might sound like a lot to keep track of but if you’re anywhere near Lake Wendouree when the markets are on, you’ll notice them from a mile away. The markets are super popular with the Ballarat locals due to an abundance of organic vegetables and fruits, uniquely brewed local wine, olive oil, freshly baked bread and cakes, gorgeous flowers and many more quality local products. Seasonal shops often pop up throughout the year, accompanied by melodious tunes from local street artists, it is a fantastic place to spend your Saturday morning as you tour Ballarat.

Another Saturday market option, Bridge Mall Fresh Produce Market, is open from 9am to 1pm every 1st Saturday of the month. It’s similar to the Farmers Market and is located conveniently within Ballarat CBD. It offers a mixture of fresh local produce, prepared food, and fun family activities.

Built in 1972, Kryal Castle is the only medieval adventure park and resort in Australia! This medieval castle replica features a drawbridge, maze and armoury. It offers thrilling daily live action shows that include jousting, jesters, jugglers, and fire eating. The castle-themed hotel rooms available to stay in allow guests to really envelop themselves in all the delights this medieval fortress has to offer.

Kryal Castle Entry:

Adult: AUD $ 36 / (4-16 years old) Child: AUD $ 24

The Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka allows visitors the chance to learn about the establishment of democracy in Australia and throughout the world. The construction of the democracy museum took two years and it rests upon the site where the historical Eureka Rebellion took place. The Rebellion is widely considered to have been the initial onset of Australian democracy and bears historical importance in shaping Australia’s democratic system as it is today.

Additional Tour Description

Sovereign Hill is an award-winning open-air museum, located in the Golden Point suburb in Ballarat, approx.150 km northwest of Melbourne. Sovereign Hill showcases Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851 when thousands of foreign adventurers rushed to the Australian goldfields in search of fortune. It is linked to the richest alluvial gold rush in the world and it’s also here that the second largest gold nugget in the world (Welcome Nugget) was unearthed. Sovereign Hill recreates the old lively gold mining town where costumed ladies and gents stroll the streets, complemented by buildings and stores which re-establish the gold rush era. Try your luck in panning for real gold at the creek and keep all that you can find!

Sweet & Personal

A Petite Tour creates fun and memorable travel experience by providing quality tour services! Every trip is bespoke to what you would like to see and do. With flexible itinerary and attention for detail, we want to create happy moments for more families, a trip that is right for everyone!

Travel Experts

Our guides are friendly and fun, tap into our expansive knowledge about Australia and travel, tailor an unforgettable travel experience. English, Mandarin & Cantonese tour service are available.

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Travel in comfort and style, Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles , free hotel & airport transfers on full-day tour. Ticket pre-booking to secure your spot in advance, restaurant recommendations and more!

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Organise a holiday for a big group is hard-work, we do our best to help, no overtime surcharge or compulsory tips,  bottled water, child safety chairs/wheelchair, umbrellas and more. You can count on us!

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Sovereign Hill

• Guided underground mine tours
• Gold panning in the creek
• Shops, theatres, restaurants
• Demonstrations
• Street performances
• Gold nugget collection
• Parade and musket firing
• Horse and coach tours

What is Sovereign Hill famous for?

Is there still gold at Sovereign Hill?

What attractions are at Sovereign Hill?

• Trooper musket firing
• Diggings tour
• Vintage photography experience
• Horse-drawn coach rides
• Gold panning at the diggings
• Old fashioned games
• Confectionery making demonstrations
• Blacksmith demonstrations
• Printing demonstrations
• Pill rolling demonstrations
• Wheel-making demonstrations
• Self guided underground mine tour
• Gold pour demonstration
• School experience
• Fantastic children's playspace
• Dine at the gorgeous old-fashioned eateries
• Explore the cottages on Speedwell Street
• Discover the man and horse powered machinery at the diggings

Was Sovereign Hill a real town? 

Where to eat at sovereign hill, how far is sovereign hill from ballarat station, geological map of the ballarat gold field, 1917.

Geological map of the Ballarat gold field which shows historical features in superb detail, including mine shafts/companies, reefs, leads, gullies/flats, and gold nugget discovery sites. High quality, durable A1 print in a satin finish. Large, 594 x 891 mm. Go to online shop .

DID YOU KNOW...

• There are several places in the Goldfields where you can take guided tours of underground gold mines - Central Deborah in Bendigo, Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, and Carman's Tunnel in Maldon.

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A GOLDEN HISTORY IN THE HEART OF THE BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS

PRODUCING OVER 40,000 OUNCES OF GOLD PER YEAR

Ballarat Gold Mine is owned and operated by Victory Minerals and is a successful gold explorer and producer with four significant goldfields in Central Victoria.

Our vision is to be a profitable and industry-leading gold producer, our strategy.

• Successfully commercialise the Ballarat Gold Mine.
• Conduct targeted exploration within the Ballarat Gold Mine to identify further mineral resources which will add production capacity and extend mine life.
• Exploration applied across the Company's four Central Victorian tenement packages to identify future potential production opportunities.
• Convert more of the Company's highly prospective tenements into commercial gold production.
• Utilise cash flow generated from Ballarat Gold Mine to pursue other business growth opportunities.

Victory Minerals Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Victory Minerals  Holdings Pty Ltd

• Courts & Law

Ballarat gold mine operator admits company failed to lodge $4m rehabilitation bond with government

An Australian gold mine where a miner was killed in a partial collapse last month has admitted it failed to lodge a $4m bond for environmental rehabilitation.

An Australian gold mine where a worker died last month has admitted it failed to pay more than $4m in bonds for environmental rehabilitation.

Balmaine Gold, which owns the Ballarat Gold Mine at Mount Clear, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to failing to lodge the bond in mid-2022.

Complicating the matter, the court was told the company had been owned by Golden Point Group since 2011 but went into voluntary administration amid financial difficulties in March last year.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action prosecutor Laura Krumins said a revised liability assessment was conducted in late 2021 to re-evaluate the cost of rehabilitating the land.

She said it was a regulatory requirement for bonds to be held by the government to ensure the taxpayer would not have to foot the bill if the mine failed.

The assessment found the mine’s liability for its “extensive” operations was $8.4m, necessitating a top-up guarantee of $4.624m since it was last assessed.

The department issued a requirement for a bank guarantee within 28 days of May 5, 2022, however the company failed to act on this.

Three directors of Golden Point were charged with the same offence — Jiajia Yao, Liang Yao and Xu Li — however, only Mr Li appeared in court and pleaded guilty.

Ms Krumins requested the allegations against Jiajia Yao and Liang Yao be decided “ex parte”, as they had not appeared on the past two occasions, but Magistrate Abigail Burchill adjourned their cases to a later date.

Ms Krumins told the court this was the first ever prosecution of it’s kind in Victoria, and called for the company to be fined to deter others.

Tanya Skvortsova, representing Balmaine Gold, said the company’s “difficult financial circumstances” meant it was unable to find a bank willing to guarantee a bond.

She told the court Golden Point deposited the full amount into the department’s bank account in February 2023 before entering voluntary administration weeks later.

The company was sold by administrators by the end of the year to Victory Mineral Holdings, who took control in early March.

Within weeks, tragedy struck as Kurt Hourigan, 37, was killed and another worker, 21, was trapped underground following a partial mine collapse on March 13.

There is no connection between the death and the circumstances relating to the charge.

Twenty-eight other miners made it to a safety pod and were eventually brought to the surface uninjured.

Ms Skvortsova told the court Victory Mineral Holdings had worked hard since taking control of the company to ensure it complied with the rehabilitation bond requirement.

“We are now probably weeks away from obtaining the guarantee in full,” she said.

Magistrate Burchill adjourned the case for two months to allow the company time to lodge the rehabilitation bond before sentencing.

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Gold mine tour - Sovereign Hill

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• Sovereign Hill

Gold mine tour

Although a wet and very cold day the experience here was wonderful. One highlight was the gold mine tour which was wonderful. The theatre performances were excellent, too. The Chinese village demonstrated the extreme conditions people lived in. The evening light show was another highlight of day. This place is well a visit.

Hi Seaside56210011144, Thank-you for your review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to Sovereign Hill, including the gold mine tour. We hope to see you again soon. The Sovereign Hill Team

My family and I spent a wonderful day here in July. We took the gold rush express from Melbourne’s Southern Cross station (leaving at 9:16, returning at 5:15, 90 minutes or so each way), which was about the right amount of time unless we wanted to extend the stay into the evening, which we didn’t for personal travel reasons (but kind of wish we had time!). It was so fun to wander around. We started off by watching a blacksmith forge iron, then we panned for gold, where the Scottish guy running it was incredibly nice to my son and helped him a lot. Then we had a quick and good lunch of a delicious pies, followed by the ”Trapped” mine tour. That was truly terrific. It was led by an ancestor of one of the men who died in the terrible mine accident back during the gold rush. It was probably the most poignant such presentation I’ve ever seen, and I was quite moved by it, as was my family. It was also just neat to be down in a mine and do the whole tour. We couldn’t have had a nicer time.

Hi johnfalstaff, Thank-you for your review and for visiting Sovereign Hill recently. We are so glad to hear you, and your family, enjoyed your visit, including the gold mine tour. We hope to see you again soon. The Sovereign Hill Team

Like many Victorians i went to Sovereign Hill in School and never returned. I was loured back with the winter wonderland exhibit. I took my wife and 5yr old son and we arrived a bit after lunch during school holidays. It was busy, but not unbearable. Lots to do and see, and obviously lots of improvements since my school days. I was very disappointed that despite the very expensive entry tickets (general admissions as well as winter wonderland) once inside you had to keep dipping into your pocket to do things. There was enough basic things to do for free, but everything else was pay as you go. Horse and cart ride, an actual mine tour, etc etc. I expected that there exhibits would be free and you would only have to pay for food, special photos or behind the scene's extras. Panning for gold was a bit of fun, for those who have never done it i think they would be frustrated by no staff present to give a demonstration. The winter wonderland experience was set in the evening and was basically the main street all lit up with special projectors. They had bubble machines making it 'snow'. This was actually pretty cool. My family enjoyed it and there was also the back streets all decorated with fairy lights. Im glad i didnt go just for the lights as it wasnt worth admission on its own, but tied together with a full day its a good experience. Overall i enjoyed my visit, and if you go expecting to pay out some more money to do the activities then it could be a great day out. Warmer weather would be the preferred time of year to visit as it is mostly an outdoor experience.

Hi AmatureTourist, Thank-you for your review and for visiting Sovereign Hill during our Winter Wonderlights event. We are glad to hear that you, and your family, enjoyed your visit. The Sovereign Hill Team

We had a 2 day ticket but were denied entry on the second day because of one of the staff made the conclusion that we breached the conditions of the ticket. The website states the following conditions for a 2 day ticket: *The free second day must be used over two consecutive days *Offer is not transferable *Photo ID required We could not prove that the ticket was not transferred to us because on the first day we were not asked for a photo ID. We were asked if we had pictures from our visit the day before but did not have any, for various reasons. Our ticket was torn right before us and we were denied entry. Emotions and reactions aside, our complaint is based on the conditions set but have not been followed through with a thorough implementation. Instead, have relied on other forms of questions and reasoning, and requesting for other forms of proofs to arrive at a conclusion which we believe is unjustified. Dare we say the approach was even considered rude or intimidating by some. Needless to say, never again, and not just because of the price of the ticket!

Hi wheezywin, Thank-you for your review and for visiting Sovereign Hill recently. Please be assured that we take all reviews very seriously, and work with them to ensure that we can provide the best customer service possible. We are sorry to hear that you did not have an enjoyable visit to Sovereign Hill. Please know that your experience has been sent to management for appropriate action. If you had any other concerns or feedback please feel free to email [email protected] The Sovereign Hill Team

Great for kids and families with activities that are fun and educational. Winter wonder lights and the X mas decor gave a sense of cheer to cold rainy day. Loved the gold mine tour, and the candle shop.

Hi SavJ, Thank-you for your review and for visiting Sovereign Hill during Winter Wonderlights. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again, soon. The Sovereign Hill Team

It was a chilly night but we managed to keep dry and have some fun. We panned for gold and found a couple of specks. There were many people in the ten pin bowling saloon seeking shelter from the rain so we went to the candle decorating. After buying candles the children were able to decorate them by dipping them in dyes. A visit to Clarke’s to buy boiled lollies before the Winter Wonderlights began in the Main Street. It looked quite magical with the “snow” falling and the buildings transformed with colour. The brass band was playing in the Main Street to welcome the lights. There were also free craft activities for the kids, a light tunnel and a European street market. There were plenty of places to buy snacks and warm drinks. It is essential to wear warm, waterproof clothes and rubber boots would be great to keep feet dry. Sovereign Hill is a fabulous historic tourist attraction and certainly worthwhile visiting.

Hi Karen551115, Thank-you for your review and for visiting Sovereign Hill during Winter Wonderlights. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again, soon. The Sovereign Hill Team

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The hottest Aussie coolcation destination for 2024 is in Victoria

By Emily Power | 2 days ago

Coolcationing is a hot travel trend for 2024... and there is an Aussie city perfectly set up for a crisp getaway .

A coolcation - named by Conde Nast - is all about travelling during autumn and winter to a destination where you revel in the low mercury, rather than seeking out a beach , and enjoying all the warmth and romance this encourages.

Enter: enchanting Ballarat .

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Ballarat has long been affectionately regarded as old, cold and gold.

The handsome gold rush city was founded in 1870 and has a chillier average temperature than any Aussie capital city, although proud locals will tell you the sunshine has as much sting as anywhere.

The train is a great way to get there from Melbourne, and the V-Line station is at the door of Itinerant Spirit , just 90 minutes away.

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The Vansetter Vodka and Gallivanter Gin masterclass in the historic Goods Shed eatery, bar and distillery is a walk through the western district grains that go into this proudly regional Australian achievement. Stay for the pizza crowned with vodka nduja sauce, pecorino and hot honey.

For the heartiest welcome, a mansion inspired by a doting grandmother could just be the chicest and most amiable little hotel in Victoria. 

Vera is the creation of couple David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew, who named the intimate hotel after Cook-Doulton's grandmother. The former doctor's surgery retains heritage features, including a charming sitting room with an open fire.

Seven intimate and individually styled suites are named after local landmarks and decorated to reflect the natural environment of those beautiful locations.

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The terracotta pink in Ercildoune, a popular room for the deep bath on a plinth, speaks to the musk-toned sunset over the namesake homestead. Lonarch is the pet-friendly courtyard suite.

The generational affection and respect for Vera informs the space but there is no crochet in sight - this is a modern art hotel.

Babae is the in-house restaurant (breakfast for guests but anyone can join for lunch and dinner). It is like sitting down at a loved one's table, with only 26 chairs. The kitchen is open plan, so diners are in the dress circle to watch the fun and theatre.

Cocktail hour is best spent at Grainery Lane , an Aussie speakeasy, with two handsome imported Chicago bars. You'll want to set aside a few hours to try drinks from the imagination of bartenders from as far as Dubai. 

For an autumn and winter warmer, you'll feel the Maple and Bacon-Washed Old Fashioned going down the right way. It's bourbon, maple syrup, muscovado sugar and bitters, flourished with a slip of dehydrated bacon. It's not a food group but you will wish it was.

A bacon-garnished cocktail could be the coolcation drink of 2024.

Pasta is the ultimate cool weather comfort food, so book a table at Ragazzone . They are masterful at pasta but the starters are as richly satisfying as the main event, like the Arancini Milanese of osso bucco and gremolata. Sink a knife through the pillowy lasagna.

For another fine example of a small-scale experience, pop into Mr Jones for the banquet menu. It is elegant contemporary Thai and the skill of Michelin-anointed international chef (and local) Damien Jones is evident.

His flavours are isolated in delicate dishes - like the jellied sour tomato soup, smoked eel, sea spray, which is petite in presentation and yet deeply resonate in flavour. Dining under Damien's hand is unforgettable.

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For a lively experience, nip to Pancho - the tip is to lunch here before a visit to the nearby art gallery. The Latin American fare and spirited atmosphere is a great marriage. Share plates of generously-packed tacos, buttery-soft lamb skewers and oysters splashed in zingy salsa verde.

Join a free tour at the Art Gallery of Ballarat to get rich context. First Nations works and classical European pieces, from the first days of brutal mining to perspectives on today's issues, offer a look at the city then and now.

Then rug up and walk around Lake Wendouree, which hosted the Olympic rowing in 1956, next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Boating, cycling, sailing, or a coffee by the water are options depending on the pace you fancy.

Eclectic Tastes Cafe and Pantry and Webster's Market and Cafe should be on the list for excellent coffee and brunch fare that lovingly plates what the local farmers best deliver.

The Sunday market in the gardens is where to stock up on locally-made goodies, but on the journey out of town, Carboni's Italian Kitchen is drive-up style delicatessen, where imported pantry staples will ignite your at-home culinary game.

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Standard Tickets

Here's all the info you need when you're ready to purchase your everyday tickets outside our special events.

Outside of school holiday periods and public holidays we are open to the general public 6 days a week, Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Scroll down to view general prices and concession types below.

Daily entry to Sovereign Hill

Booking a ticket gets you access to Sovereign Hill and a range of activities – however there are some additional activities that require additional booking when you arrive on site at their locations. These include the Red Hill Photographic studios, coach rides, candle dipping and underground mine tours.

Accepted Concession Sovereign Hill accepts Australian Concession cards only. Cards must be valid and presented to staff upon the time of booking and entry. Valid concession cards are:

• Australian Pension, Disability, Health Care and Sole Parent Cards.
• Australian Veteran’ Affairs Cards.
• Australian Student Cards.
• ISIC International Student Cards.
• Australian Seniors Cards.
• Australian Companion Cards

Companion Cards Sovereign Hill accepts Companion Cards for those that require a companion to support and assist them on site. One adult guest can accompany a companion card holder free of charge. The Companion Card must be presented upon your arrival and is only valid for one adult guest per card holder.

Gift Vouchers

Unwrap the magic of Sovereign Hill with gift vouchers to spark curiosity, wonder, and joy. Includes Sovereign Hill tickets, AURA Sound and Light Show, and annual passes for year-round access to unforgettable events and activities.