Lunar New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Sovereign Hill – one ticket, endless experiences!
Unlock a weekend-long celebration of music, lion parades, food, and culture along with all your favourite activities – gold panning, live shows, and so much more!
More fun, more value
One pass, unlimited adventures: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a full day of family-friendly activities all in one iconic location.
Free Parking and easy access: No hidden parking costs, just seamless fun and exploration.
What's included in your ticket
Sovereign Hill experiences
Pan for real gold, wander our famous streets transporting you to another era, and see traditional trades and demonstrations (like confectionary making) live in action.
Time: Throughout the dayWhere: Various locations
Lion parades
A colourful feast for the senses as processional lions weave through our historic streets accompanied by music and dancing.
Time: 11am, 1pm and 3pm
Where: Main Street
Cultural performances
Traditional ribbon dancing, Tai Chi, fan dancing and other live performances take centre stage across Sovereign Hill.
Time: Throughout the day
Where: Various locations
Crafty fun
There’s plenty to keep creative minds busy in the Year of the Snake with our special craft activities.
Time: 11am - 4pm
Wish big, hang it high
What’s your wish for the New Year? Make it come true by hanging it outside our Chinese Temple.
Time: 10am – 5pm
Where: Chinese Temple, map no. 5
Tours
During the gold rush, Ballarat was home to thousands of Chinese migrants who brought with them rich traditions and culture. Tour the Chinese Protectorate Camp and discover the hopes, dreams, and private lives of early Chinese settlers
Time: 12.15pm & 1pm
Where: Chinese Protectorate Camp (map no. 4)
Meet Melony the python
Special meet-and-greet with Ballarat Wildlife Park’s gentle black-headed python, Melony.
Add more spark to your Lunar New Year
Can't get enough of the Lunar New Year fun? Upgrade with these special add-ons to take your celebrations to the next level.
AURA sound and light spectacular
Continue the Lunar New Year festivities into the evening. Discover life on the goldfields for Chinese migrants as Ballarat’s gold rush comes to life under the night sky.
Time: 9.15pm every night
Where: Sovereign Hill