Ever wondered what it's like to be a miner in a gold rush? Sovereign Hill recreates the experience for you. This open-air museum in Golden Point presents the area as it was after prospectors discovered gold there in 1851. As you stroll down Main Street, stop into the historically rendered metal workshops, schools, apothecary, bank, saloon, and post office and speak with historical interpreters dressed as townsfolk and prospectors from long ago. Tents and buildings invoking this past era surround the creek, where you can pan for real gold. See how to melt gold into bullion bars at the Gold Pour. You might even strike it rich, paying for your entire vacation! Put Sovereign Hill and other Ballarat attractions into our Ballarat trip planner, and watch your holiday take shape.
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Sovereign Hill reviews
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First time visited. Was amazed. Loved all the local stories and speaking with the different 'miners' in their tents. Wonderful attraction for children. Rode the Cobb & Co coach around and enjoyed.... more
First time visited. Was amazed. Loved all the local stories and speaking with the different 'miners' in their tents. Wonderful attraction for children. Rode the Cobb & Co coach around and enjoyed.... more »
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I've been here quite a few times and I'm never disappointed. The ticket purchase was quick and easy. Friendly helpful people. Instant buzz once in the park. So excited. Some of the talks were too.... more
I've been here quite a few times and I'm never disappointed. The ticket purchase was quick and easy. Friendly helpful people. Instant buzz once in the park. So excited. Some of the talks were too.... more »
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Sovereign Hill was an amazing outdoor museum experience. It helped me to better understand the history of Australia and how gold played and important part. We were lucky 🍀 with the weather. It was amazing to walk through the big museum, trying to find gold with the kids. The staff members were all dressed in traditional clothing and they were all very welcoming and kind. We very much enjoyed the tour to the big gold nugget. Yet, the kids enjoyed also to see the animals and waking through the old houses 🏡. A fantastic weekend trip from Melbourne, definitely worth it.
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Highly recommend this place as it’s a great family day out! Was a lot bigger than I thought and we spent easily the 10am-5pm opening time it was there and we didn’t even cover the whole thing! So much to do, look at and browse. The staff is amazing with their Dress up (awesome actors) and the whole place was bought alive in the gold mine era. Gold panning is so much fun for all ages, we found tiny gold specs and it was a great experience (even as 26y/o big kids!). It can be busy so prepare for the crowd if on weekends or public holiday. Plenty of parking and lots of toilets around.
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