Surprisingly Cool Summer
From misty escapes to underground adventures, icy treats, and evening shows, enjoy a surprisingly cool lineup of activities to keep you chilled and thrilled this summer. Discover hidden corners and shady spots, and uncover new adventures that will refresh and inspire you.
Dig deep, stay cool
Wander through the diggings and enjoy the refreshing mist as you pan for gold. It’s like a mini adventure with a cool twist.
Time: 10am-5pm
Where: The Diggings (map no.8)
Cost: Included in your ticket
Free icy treats
Kids under 16 can grab a frozen treat on us. Because summer’s better with a sweet surprise in hand. Get your token at the front entrance and head to the bowling saloon to claim your icy reward.
Time: Throughout the day
Where: Empire Bowling Saloon (map no.40)
Cost: Included in your ticket
Underground adventures
Escape the sun and head twenty metres below Sovereign Hill on a guided tour through a labyrinth of mine shafts recreating the drama of the gold-mining era.
Time: Tours run throughout the day. There are three separate 45 minute guided tours to choose from.
Where: Book at the Quartz Mine Hut (map no.35)
Cost: Additional costs apply
The Goldfields Trail
Jump on the the Goldfields Trail and explore some of the lesser-known spots at Sovereign Hill. At each stop, you'll discover fascinating insights related to the mining trade. After answering a series of questions, you will have the chance to enter a draw to win a prize!
AURA sound and light show
As day cools into night, experience the epic story of gold and rebellion under the stars as Sovereign Hill transforms into a moving theatre of outdoor projections.
Time: 9.15pm every night
Where: Sovereign Hill
Cost: Additional ticket costs apply
Rebellion Pass
For those after a gold-plaited VIP treatment this summer, the Rebellion Pass is your golden ticket to a private gold-panning spot with an expert guide and an exclusive gold pour demonstration where molten gold is transformed into a $400,000 bar.
Time: Two sessions a day
Where: Near the Chinese Temple (map no.5) and Gold Smelting Works (map no.28)
Cost: Additional costs apply
Makers Series
During the gold rush rare trades, skills and practices flourished to keep the booming township alive. Enhance your memorable Sovereign Hill experience and become a maker.
Time: 11am-4pm
Where: Tinsmiths (map no. 33)
Cost: Additional costs apply
Wizard Jacobs Magic Show
Kick back in air-conditioned comfort with a magic show filled with mischievous charm as the Wizard Jacobs and their trusted side-kick Goblin Sprightly deliver plenty of belly laughs, whimsical antics, and spells.
Time: 11.45am, 2.15pm, 3.30pm – Times may vary.
Where: Victoria Theatre (map no. 26)
Cost: Included in your ticket
Gold crafts
Bring your creativity and craft your very own masterpiece from a mix of materials that represents the excitement of the goldfields. From glittering gold hues to rustic textures, create something that you will be happy to take home that will remind you of your visit.
Time: 11am-4pm
Where: Carver & Dalton Auction Rooms (map no.10)
Cost: Included in your ticket
The Great Dandy Horse Race
Have you heard? The horse is about to be replaced as the main mode of transport. The Crosby family (United States Hotel) and the Gibb family (Charlie Napier Hotel) have commissioned the dandy horse — a pedal-powered innovation set to propel the township into the future. See what the future of travel looks like.
Time: 4.15pm
Where: Main Street
Cost: Included in your ticket
Chinese Protectorate Camp tour
Ballarat's goldfields was home to thousands of Chinese migrants who brought with them rich traditions and culture. Explore the historic huts and tents that bring to life the daily lives, traditions, and challenges they faced as they built new lives.
Time: 12.15pm
Where: Chinese Temple (map no.5)
Cost: Included in your ticket
Chinese Temple tour
Chinese temples are symbols of the powerful connection Chinese immigrants and their descendants had to their history and culture. With our guide learn about this recreation of a Chinese temple located in the Gold Point Chinese camp.
Time: 1pm
Where: Chinese Temple (map no.5)
Cost: Included in your ticket
Sovereign Hill Hotel
Make the most out 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.
Where: Sovereign Hill Hotel, 39 Magpie Street.
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