Quartz Mine Tours

45 minute duration

Experience the stories of 19^th century mining and see how Ballarat’s miners worked as they searched for gold. There are three separate guided tours to choose from, each includes underground access via our inclined railway tram, and a fully guided mine tour – the content of which varies subject to which tour you choose! Don’t miss this opportunity to step back in time and discover what it would have been like to be a 19^th century miner.

Availability of each tour varies every day and may fill quickly, so we recommend heading there early to avoid disappointment. Please book at the Mine Hut at map reference 35.

Please note: This experience is an additional cost. 

Which tour should I choose?

• Labyrinth of Gold
  Gain an insight into the daily life of Ballarat’s miners as they sought their fortunes deep below ground. See original 19^th century workings and demonstrations of early mining equipment.

• Secret Chamber
  Explore the immigration side of the goldrush story as you experience the tale of two Chines brothers, and discover the fortune they found, and lost.

• Trapped
  The dramatic and true story of one of Australia’s worst underground mining disasters – an event that unfolded in the late 1800s not too far from Ballarat. (Please note: Trapped includes several seconds of darkness. There are realistic sound, wind and water effects interpreting an underground flood, and there is some strong emotional content. Parental discretion is advised for your children.)

Information to note:

• Plan your day carefully – we may not be able to swap your tour to a different time due to a schedule clash.
• Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to the Poppet Head, the big tower with the yellow flag with “Sovereign QMC” on it at map 35. There is a sign that says “Mine Tours Start Here” – wait at this sign for your guide.
• Missed tours cannot be exchanged or refunded.
• Check in at the Mine Hut
• Tour content may vary depending on group composition.
• All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Toddlers are free but must have a ticket booked for them. We need to account for every person going into the Mine regardless of age.
• If you have any mobility or accessibility requirements please do not book your tour online, please speak to our Tour Guide team at the Mine Hut on arrival at Sovereign Hill regarding your booking and accessibility.
• All instructions and safety information delivered by the Tour Guide must be adhered to at all times, for the safety and enjoyment of all participants in the tour. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the visitor(s) being refused access to the tour or the tour being cancelled.
• There is no food or drink permitted underground apart from water.