Skills worth saving, stories worth telling

If you've ever visited Sovereign Hill, you've likely paused to watch the talented team of heritage craftspeople at work.

Whether it’s the rhythmic hammering inside the blacksmith workshop, the delicate precision of traditional printing, the artistry of coach building, the diggers gold panning in the creek, or the intricate sewing in costume production, their skills are nothing short of captivating.

These demonstrations aren’t just a nod to history—they go far beyond nostalgia. They’re a living, breathing celebration of rare trades in a fast-paced, consumer-driven world, where handcrafted skills are at risk of being lost to time.

Every strike at the forge, every perfectly aligned letterpress print, every expertly constructed coach, and every beautifully crafted costume represents centuries of knowledge, passed down through generations.

Sovereign Hill’s dedication to preserving these trades isn’t just about honouring the past—it’s about securing their future.

This passion for heritage and craftsmanship gave rise to the Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades—better known as the Rare Trades Centre. Opened in 2022 as part of Sovereign Hill’s 20-year masterplan, the Centre takes the outdoor museum’s work to a whole new level.

While Sovereign Hill showcases historical demonstrations of trades like blacksmithing and printing, the Rare Trades Centre invites you to roll up your sleeves and get involved.

Housed in the former Gold Museum building across from Sovereign Hill, the Rare Trades Centre is a multidisciplinary venue dedicated to preserving and passing on rare trades through hands-on workshops and special events.

In just two years, the Centre has become a haven for anyone curious about these traditional crafts. Nearly 70 artisans have taught 185 workshops, delivering over 1,600 hours of hands-on learning across textiles, decorative arts, metal, leather, heritage building trades, wood, and fibre.

The Rare Trades Centre isn't just about learning techniques - it's about connecting with stories, traditions, and a community of creative souls who share a passion for keeping these heritage crafts alive.

Beyond workshops, the Rare Trades Centre collaborates with other creative experiences and organisations including the City of Ballarat's Craft Lab and Sovereign Hill's other facility, the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections (located next door). With the Gold Rush Centre, the Rare Trades Centre hosts the popular Pecha Kucha spoken word evenings that weave cultural heritage, creativity, and skills with a dynamic mix of speakers, thinkers, and makers.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned maker, the Rare Trades Centre offers an invitation to be part of something bigger - a movement to keep rare trades thriving in Australia.

Every experience at the Rare Trades Centre is a chance to step back from the rush of modern life and rediscover the joy of making something with your own hands. It's also an opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives, makers, and culture seekers.

It's no surprise that some participants keep coming back for more - like Lizzie Tongway, who's found her tribe at the Rare Trades Centre workshops, completing over a dozen workshops and still counting. 

As the Rare Trades Centre enters its third year, it's gearing up for its most exciting program yet. The 2025 calendar alone features over 150 workshops led by more than 60 artisans, making it the largest offering since the Centre opened its doors.

We’re incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in just two years. Our mission is to keep Australia’s rare trades accessible and thriving. With the 2025 program, we’re not just offering workshops—we’re creating a legacy of heritage skills and knowledge that might otherwise be lost. Every participant becomes part of this journey, helping to carry forward these traditions that are vital to our nation’s cultural fabric.
Erin Santamaria, General Manager Rare Trades Centre

Step into the world of rare trades and leave with skills, and stories, you'll treasure forever. To explore the full range of workshops and get involved, visit the Rare Trades Centre website.