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.
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Sovereign Hill Ticket
Ticket Validity : Ticket is valid only on the departure date.The Highlight
Sovereign Hill Museum, located in Ballarat, Victoria, is a world-renowned open-air museum that provides visitors with a captivating journey into Australia's gold rush past. The museum is set on an original gold mining site and is home to over 60 historically accurate buildings, streets, and businesses that have been painstakingly reconstructed to transport visitors back to the 1850s.
As visitors explore the museum, they can witness and interact with costumed characters, such as gold miners, blacksmiths, and candlemakers, who demonstrate the skills and lifestyles of the era.
Additionally, the museum also features underground mine tours, where visitors can experience the conditions of a real gold mine and learn about the dangers and challenges faced by miners during that time.
The Experience
Activities includes:
- Gold panning: visitors can try their hand at panning for gold, a popular activity at Sovereign Hill
- Self-guided Red Hill mine tour: explore the deep lead mine and see the famous "Welcome Nugget"
- Street shows and demonstrations: enjoy live performances and demonstrations of historical trades like confectionery and blacksmithing
- Bowling: experience the fun of bowling in a historical setting
- Exploring shops and cottages: browse the shops and cottages of Sovereign Hill, which are replicas of the original buildings from the gold rush era
- Wadawurrung cultural precinct: learn about the history and culture of the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of Ballarat region
Additional activities may require booking and extra payments:
- Guided mine tours (Sovereign Quartz Mine): take a guided tour underground to explore the mine shafts and tunnels
- 1850s photography experience: get your photo taken in a vintage photography studio, dressed in periods costumes
- Coach rides: enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn coach around the township
- Candle dipping: dip candles in historical wax for a unique experience
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- Opening from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Close every Monday and Christmas Day
- Children age 5-15 year old.
- Smoking is not permitted in Sovereign Hill or the Gold Museum
- To avoid being mistaken for staff and volunteers, visitors do not wear period costumes unless participating in Sovereign Hill activities