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Sovereign Hill acknowledges the Wadawurrung people as the Traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to all of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live and work on Wadawurrung Country. We acknowledge their unceded sovereignty over Wadawurrung Country, and the ongoing hardship and trauma as a result of colonisation. The history and continuous culture of the Wadawurrung people is an important part of our shared story.

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Gold Panning

We're open daily during Winter Wonderlights, 4–27 July 10am–7pm (10am-9pm Saturdays only) Gold Rush Centre &amp; Rare Trades Centre: Open for pre-booked workshops &amp; tours only.

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Step into the glow and experience a glittering wonderland!

Winter Wonderlights 2025

Summer Gold Panning Friends

Your everyday tickets outside our special events.

Standard Tickets

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12 months entry plus great discounts, all for less than the price of three visits.

Annual Pass

Candle Dipping

Exclusively for Ballarat locals. Buy a ticket to Winter Wonderlights and unlock unlimited visits all year long.

Adult: $69.50 | Concession $56.50 | Child (5 - 15 years): $35.50

Locals Pass

There’s a lot to do at Sovereign Hill so make sure you check out all the amazing activities we have on and coming up.

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Step off the beaten track on a VIP experience for those who dare to do things differently.

School holidays, weekends and public holidays only.

VIP Rebellion Pass

SH AURA GP THEATRE

From a place you know comes a story you don’t — AURA explores the creation, discovery and impact of gold, the precious metal then and now.

Available 5 nights a week (subject to availability) | 7 nights a week during Victorian School Holidays

Purchase separate tickets using the link below.

AURA

AURA is an immersive 90-minute theatre experience using amazing projection technology, that follows gold from its creation through to its 
colonial discovery, right up until the current day. 

 Visitors will be taken through three different theatres to explore the science of gold, the local Wadawurrung link to gold, and the impact of the gold 
rush on our town and the present day. This includes the stories of Bunjil and the Eureka Rebellion, among others. 
 
 Transporters are used to move betweent the theatres, partly outdoors as well as indoors. Short distances of walking are required. 
 
 Arrive at least 15 minutes before your show time to check in and be seated in the first theatre. 
 
 Please note that Aura is a completely separate experience to the Winter Wonderlights school holiday special program.

There are a range of immersive activities happening all the time at Sovereign Hill, most
of which are included in your ticket to the Outdoor Museum.

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Confectionery Demonstration

REDCOATS

(Victoria Theatre Balcony, map no. 26 on weekends and school holidays)

Redcoat Soldiers

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Bowling

Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct

Explore the rich history and culture of the Wadawurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the Ballarat region. The Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct is an opportunity to connect with Wadawurrung traditions and stories that have shaped Ballarat through generations

Rare Trades Centre Wadawurrung 2 2

The Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades is a place to learn and preserve Australia’s rare trades through a series of workshops and masterclasses.

Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades

Collections

We care for objects of significance related to Australia's gold rush story and its legacy.  Our vast collection of more than 150,000 objects is brought to life through research, programs and provocation. All year round we have something for you to engage with, explore, touch and understand more deeply.

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Make the most of your Sovereign Hill visit by staying at our on-site hotel. With the gold rush just metres from your modern hotel room, the Sovereign Hill Hotel is the perfect base to explore the outdoor museum, Ballarat and beyond.

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Sovereign Hill Hotel

Unwrap the magic of Sovereign Hill with gift vouchers to spark curiosity, wonder, and joy. Includes Sovereign Hill tickets, AURA Sound and Light Show, and annual passes for year-round access to unforgettable events and activities.

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View our interactive visitor map or itineraries to start planning your Sovereign Hill adventure.

SH Map

Visit our online store to stock up on all your Sovereign Hill favourites.

Grocers

Consider supporting us as we maintain our buildings, animals, gardens, and mines. If you can help, we'd love you to chip in.

Support Us

Consider supporting us as we maintain our buildings, animals, gardens, and mines. If you can help, we'd love you to chip in.

Step into the glow, 4–27 July! Sovereign Hill transforms into a glittering winter wonderland with faux snow, lights & winter treats.

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Experience the magic and adventure of the Gold Rush era at Sovereign Hill. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the 1850s at one of…

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Home | Sovereign Hill

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Open Hours

Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct

Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Sovereign Hill Hotel