Sovereign Hill
An open-air history museum in Ballarat that recreates a gold rush town of the 1850s. Visitors can pan for gold by hand, go down a mine and watch carriage rides and gold-pouring demonstrations.
The town has been rebuilt exactly as it was during the gold rush era. 'Residents' in period costume run the bakery, blacksmith and sweet shop on the streets. Visitors can pan for gold in the stream, join a guided tour of an underground gold mine, and watch gold ingots being cast. Tickets cost about AU$60 and include entry to the Gold Museum opposite. At night, the light and sound show AURA takes place. Ballarat is about 115 km from Melbourne. It takes about 1.5 hours by car or V/Line train, making it a good day trip.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Daylesford & Hepburn Springs
- Melbourne Zoo
- Queen Victoria Market
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- South Melbourne Market
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- State Library Victoria
- Block Arcade & Royal Arcade