Master Plan Stage 1a Complete
A New Era Begins
We're proud to announce the completion of Stage 1a of our 20-year Master Plan, a major milestone in the 54-year history of Sovereign Hill.
The milestone delivers nine new and upgraded experiences, valued at over $16 million in state and federal government funding.
Each development has been designed to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, create contemporary spaces and experiences, and support in-depth storytelling, cementing Sovereign Hill’s reputation as a world-class cultural and tourism destination, and significant driver of regional visitation.
Project highlights of Stage 1a
1. Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades (opened November 2022)
The Rare Trades Centre is Australia’s only multidisciplinary venue dedicated exclusively to preserving, promoting, and teaching rare trades and traditional crafts. Since its inception, the Centre has hosted 185 workshops by nearly 70 artisans from across Australia delivering 1,600 hours of workshops.
2. Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections (opened May 2023)
Centre for deep learning offering unprecedented access to some of the museum’s 150,000 heritage objects through behind-the-scenes tours, public talks, and workshops.
3. New York Bakery upgrades (opened December 2023)
Sovereign Hill's heritage restaurant receives the ultimate glow-up with updated interiors and menu options
4. Prospectors Table cafe (opened May 2024)
Newly furnished interiors with bright, natural lighting and updated menu options offering an enhanced dining experience for visitors.
5. Government Camp enhancements (opened June 2024)
Improved displays recreating the goldfields’ government headquarters of the 1850s.
6. Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct (opened October 2024)
Outdoor space featuring artworks of celebrated Wadawurrung artists Aunty Marlene Gilson OAM, Tammy Gilson, Dr Deanne Gilson, Kait James, and Lynette Fagan.
7. Events Precinct (opened October 2024)
A 7,500-capacity versatile space designed to accommodate a year-round calendar of festivals, events, and corporate functions delivered by Sovereign Hill or external event organisers.
8. Chinese Protectorate Camp (opened December 2024)
For the first time in Sovereign Hill’s history, the Chinese Protectorate Camp has been completely re-built with 11 brand-new buildings, larger gathering spaces to enable events and education in the zone, enhanced displays, and the addition of a Chinese circus tent.
9. Accessible panning (opened December 2024)
Newly designed area offers visitors of all abilities access to one of Sovereign Hill’s iconic experiences with an elevated panning water channel and accessible pathway.
If you have any questions please contact enquiries@sovereignhill.com.au
The Sovereign Hill Museum Enhancement Master Plan project has been made possible by funding provided by the Australian Government through the National Tourism Icons Program.
