Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill

Introduction

Take a few steps back in time at what is arguably Australia’s most popular outdoor museum – Sovereign Hill. The multi award-winning tourist attraction presents the story of Ballarat as a goldrush boomtown, offering a glimpse into what life was like when gold was discovered in 1851 – triggering the most significant alluvial goldrush the world has ever known. 

As intriguing for couples as it is for families, Sovereign Hill offers a unique alternative to the typical romantic adventures. Gardenside walks, candlelit dinners and art tours can wait – it’s time to sport your most comfortable walking boots, and get stuck in a time warp with your beloved.

Major attractions

Spanning 15 hectares of a former gold mining site, Sovereign Hill allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in 19th century life.

Experience the diggings of the 1850s and pan for your own piece (or two) of gold, explore the underground mines, interact with the costumed characters, enjoy the horse and carriage rides, fossick through the Victorian shops and savour some signature Raspberry Drops, witness rare trades in action, watch liquid gold as its poured and solidified, and admire the historic schools and dwelling places as you appreciate the spirit, hardship and heartache of a bygone era.

A brief history

First opening its doors on November 29 1970, Sovereign Hill was born from the desire of a number of community groups who sought to preserve the city’s vibrant goldrush heritage and the story of its impact across Australia.

Today, the attraction has transformed into a tourism icon and earned itself a whole manner of major tourism awards, attracting close to 450,000 visitors annually and enjoying acclaim worldwide.

Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades

Located in the Gold Museum building neighbouring Sovereign Hill, the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades invites visitors to further explore the world of rare and artisan trades through an active program of workshops. Harness your inner craftsperson at this world-class educational facility launched in a bid to preserve knowledge, encourage innovation, promote sustainability, and create an environment that champions traditional arts and trades. 

Try your hand at one of the regular workshops including silversmithing, locksmithing, chairmaking, cane rod making, knifemaking, leather plaiting, or basket weaving, and uncover the creativity you never knew existed as you uncover some of the most traditional trades, crafts and skills from around the world. Make it extra special, and take a class alongside your loved one, or create a keepsake especially for them.

Opening Hours and Tickets

Hours

Sovereign Hill is currently open 6 days a week to the general public.

 

Tuesday – Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Victorian school holidays

During the Victorian school holidays, the outdoor museum stays open everyday.

 

Monday – Sunday:10am and 5pmm

Tickets Price

Tickets cost $49 for adults, $29 for children, and $40 for concession.

Single adult families cost $93 and twin adult families cost $129. Children under 5 are free.

How to get to Sovereign Hill

Situated in Ballarat’s historic Golden Point, Sovereign Hill’s visitor entrance and car park is located in Bradshaw Street and is easily accessible by car, train and tour coach services which operate daily from Melbourne. A comfortable 90-minute drive from Melbourne along the Western Highway (or only an hour from Melbourne Airport), the attraction can be easily located once in Ballarat simply by following the brown and white tourist signs indicating Sovereign Hill.

By Car

Sovereign Hill is just an hour and 15 minutes west of Melbourne – 110km along the Western Freeway.

By train and bus

Hop on the V/Line train direct from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and arrive in less than 90 minutes at the Ballarat Railway Station in the city centre where you can catch bus route 21 towards the museum. Click here to plan your journey.

Where to Stay in Ballarat

A visit to Sovereign Hill and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades is certain to be filled with a rich dose of history and culture. A stay at Hotel Vera will perfectly round off your Ballarat cultural experience, with the Hotel’s celebration of the past and future acting as the ideal complement to your day’s musings.

Located in a 19th-century historic mansion in the heart of Ballarat’s thriving CBD, Hotel Vera merges modernity, sustainability and seclusion to offer its guests a stay that is characterised by contemporary luxury and historic wonder. Inspiring a change of pace, Vera is committed to ensuring its guests experience a specially tailored escape removed from the throes of reality.