Sovereign Hill Tours and Activities
Get a taste of life during Australia’s gold rush era with a visit to Sovereign Hill. A reproduction of an 1850s mining town, this outdoor museum is perched on the site of the Red Hill Mine. The mine shaft you see—as well as much of the equipment—is original.
The Basics
Stroll along the main street—where staff are dressed in period costume—and pop in and out of carefully recreated buildings, such as a blacksmith’s workshop, photography studio, apothecary, and bakery. Look for the replica of the 152-pound (69-kilogram) Welcome Nugget, which was found in the Red Hill Mine and was almost 99 percent pure gold. You can also experience the thrill of panning for gold—or catch a live theater performance, musket-firing show, or horse-harnessing demonstration.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sovereign Hill is suitable for all ages and a must for history buffs.
- Most visitors spend about half a day at Sovereign Hill.
- The site is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and free wheelchair rentals are available.
- There are on-site dining and accommodation options.
- Smoking isn’t permitted.
- Many shops sell replica items from the gold rush era.
How to Get There
Sovereign Hill is located in Ballarat, Victoria, about a 90-minute drive west of Melbourne. Free parking is available on-site. Alternatively, take the V/Line train from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station to Ballarat Railway Station, then hop on bus route 21.
When to Get There
Sovereign Hill is typically open every day except Christmas.
The Gold Museum
Your ticket to Sovereign Hill includes entry to the Gold Museum, which displays gold nuggets, coins, and samples from the old mining areas, as well as exhibits on Ballarat history. And in case you don’t get lucky panning for gold, the museum also has an excellent gift shop specializing in nuggets and Australian-made gold jewelry.
Address: Bradshaw St, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)
Sovereign Hill General Entry Ticket
103
Experience the excitement of Australia's Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s mining camp and town brought to life by costumed characters and 18 historically inspired activities. Try your luck with gold panning, catch a coach ride, explore an underground mine, and watch town residents like blacksmiths and candlemakers ply their trades. The whole family will love time traveling back to the era of fortune seekers and wild frontiers.
…More
From
$40.96
From
$40.96
1 Tours and Activities to Experience Sovereign Hill
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Sovereign Hill General Entry Ticket
103
Experience the excitement of Australia's Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s mining camp and town brought to life by costumed characters and 18 historically inspired activities. Try your luck with gold panning, catch a coach ride, explore an underground mine, and watch town residents like blacksmiths and candlemakers ply their trades. The whole family will love time traveling back to the era of fortune seekers and wild frontiers.
…More
From
$40.96
From
$40.96
AURA at Sovereign Hill
13
Immerse yourself in history with this unique experience in Ballarat. A four-dimensional cinematic event, Aura Gold features projections on lakes, historical sets, music, and vibrations that bring history to life. Transport yourself to another time - when the world was being created, when gold was discovered in Ballarat.
Ticket includes entrance to Sovereign Hill Museum and show
Family-friendly--wheelchair and pram access, hearing loops provided
All parts of history: includes Wadawurrang (Aboriginal) creation story
Stories get physical: engrossing, surrounding storytelling
…More
From
$51.41
From
$51.41
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