Sovereign Hill Tours and Activities

Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill featuring shopping and interior views
Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill showing heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a large group of people


Strike gold at this open-air museum, which tells the story of Ballarat’s first decade as a gold rush town with recreated buildings, goldmine tours and workshops.

Sovereign Hill is an interactive heritage landmark that brings Ballarat’s gold rush to life. Walk through history and discover a city built on gold when you explore Sovereign Hill’s recreated 19th-century village and delve into its underground mines. Like the thousands of prospectors who flocked here after the 1851 discovery of gold, you can pan in the complex’s meandering creek and the glittering minerals you unearth will be yours to keep.

Stroll down Sovereign Hill’s Main Street and chat with costumed goldfields villagers and workers plying their trades. See blacksmiths, candle makers, confectioners and coach-builders working in recreated shops and buildings from the 19th century. Join them for a hands-on workshop and learn about the restored steam-driven machinery. Stop by the theater to experience period entertainment or find out about the Victorian-era classroom at Sovereign Hill’s school.

The Sovereign Quartz Mine can be explored with a guided tour, which follows a trail through fascinating underground displays. Check out the Red Hill Mine and learn the story of the Welcome Nugget, the second-largest gold nugget ever found.

Make your way to the creek’s edge to see the lines of tents that depict what the fledgling settlement of Ballarat looked like when the rich alluvial gold was first found. Grab a pan and try your luck searching for flecks of the precious metal. Don’t miss seeing molten gold being transferred into a bullion bar at the Gold Pour.

Sovereign Hill’s Gold Museum showcases gold displays and Ballarat’s fascinating history. In the evening, be sure to experience a presentation of Blood on the Southern Cross, a magnificent sound-and-light show that tells the story of the Eureka Uprising in 1854.

Sovereign Hill is located in Golden Point, southeastern Ballarat. Reach the open-air complex via car or direct coach service from Ballarat’s train station. Children under 15 years of age receive half-price admission and family ticket deals are available. Entry to the Gold Museum is included in the price of admission. The museum is open daily, except for Christmas Day. Free parking is available on site.

Plan a trip to see Sovereign Hill

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower
YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD
Serenity Home 9 by Hiverooms

Reviews of Sovereign Hill

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
133
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
49
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Try to avoid really hot days as there is not much shade

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Such an amazing experience. I love this this has been recreated in such an authentic way. I went 35 years ago and have great memories and now i have been able to share this with my children .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The opportunity to go there over two days means that you can focus on different things and get the most out of the tickets. We loved the lamplight dinner and tour. Well worth the money and time spent there.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill in Ballarat offers a range of activities, from immersive museum experiences to outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy special events throughout the year, take guided tours to explore the rich history of gold mining, and engage in popular activities like rowing and kayaking nearby. Don't miss the chance to experience this iconic attraction that brings the past to life.

Shopping

Sovereign Hill offers a unique shopping experience with its charming boutiques and artisan shops. If you're up for a drive, check out Mill Markets and Daylesford Sunday Market, both about 35.4km away, for an eclectic mix of vintage treasures and local crafts.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at the Ballarat Golf Club, just 6.4km from Sovereign Hill, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. For family-friendly fun, visit the Eureka Aquatic Centre, 1.6km away, featuring pools and waterslides. Alternatively, catch a game at the nearby Eureka Stadium, 4.8km from the site.

Adventure

At The Tangled Maze, navigate through a captivating labyrinth that’s perfect for family fun, located 19.3km from Sovereign Hill. For stunning scenery, hike the Werribee River Walk Trailhead, 27.4km away, or explore the picturesque Three Lost Children Walk Trailhead, 33.8km away, both offering adventurous outdoor experiences.

Nightlife

Catch a show at Her Majesty's Theatre, just 1.6km from Sovereign Hill, where you can soak in a mix of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a romantic night out with family-friendly performances in a charming atmosphere that captures the essence of Ballarat's vibrant arts scene.

Find the best attractions near Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill in Ballarat offers a rich blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike. Explore the historic Sovereign Hill site, enjoy the nearby lakes and reserves, and visit local museums. For a seamless visit, consider looking into tickets and nearby attractions to make the most of your trip to this iconic gold rush town.

  • Lake Wendouree: A picturesque lake perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics, Lake Wendouree offers stunning scenery and a tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy romantic boat rides or relax on the sandy beach, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and couples alike.
  • Ballarat Town Hall: A magnificent example of Victorian architecture, Ballarat Town Hall is a cultural hub that showcases the city’s rich history. Explore its grand interiors and learn about the heritage of Ballarat through various cultural events held throughout the year.
  • Kryal Castle: Step into a medieval fantasy at Kryal Castle, where you can explore the castle grounds, attend themed events, and experience the magic of knights and dragons. This unique venue offers an engaging atmosphere for both history buffs and families.

Best time to go to Sovereign Hill

The best time to visit Sovereign Hill can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sovereign Hill falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sovereign Hill falls in July, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.0°F (12.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
May49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
June45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
July44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
September48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sovereign Hill

To save money on your trip to Sovereign Hill, visit during the cheaper months of February, May, or August, and aim to stay on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare accommodation prices, filter for eco-certified options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look for deals with free cancellation and updated pricing to ensure you're getting the best value. Lastly, make use of public transport to keep travel costs down, or enjoy the area on foot, as it’s easily navigable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sovereign Hill are February, May and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sovereign Hill is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sovereign Hill is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, preferred location, and additional options. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Sovereign Hill hotel stay with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.

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