What's on in 2020

Become a blacksmith

Ever wanted to learn to build tools, forge metal and use an anvil? Join our talented blacksmiths as they take you through some of the basics of blacksmithing and give you a glimpse into life as a blacksmith on the Ballarat goldfields. Participants must be over 16 years.

Bookings essential

Leather belt making workshop

Back in the 1800s, everything was made by hand and even the simplest piece of clothing had a story to tell. Go back in time and join us to craft your own belt using traditional methods at Sovereign Hill’s leather harness workshop. Participants must be over 16 years.

Bookings essential

Build the perfect chair

Spend five days learning traditional woodworking techniques and hand tools to create your very own Sovereign Chair - designed specifically for this class at Sovereign Hill by Master Chairmaker Glen Rundell.

Participants will be taken through traditional woodworking and joinery processes, while learning to use traditional tools like draw knives, spokeshaves and travishers. The end result? Your very own handcrafted masterpiece, ready to be passed on for generations. Over 16 years only.

Bookings essential

Narmbool high tea

Enjoy the exquisite splendour of Narmbool with high tea! Relax with friends in the tranquil surrounds of the Garden Room, while indulging in a fine selection of savories and sweets from our specially created winter menu accompanied by sparkling wine and a selection of teas or freshly brewed coffee.

Pose

Now showing

Ballarat has a rich history of photography. By the early 1890s, the city boasted over a dozen photographic studios capturing the city’s landscape, events and people.

Pose captures the people of Ballarat through the lens of its talented studio photographers.

Narmbool Mother's Day Weekend

9 - 10 May | Narmbool

Treat Mum to brunch or high tea in the Garden Room. 

The Discovery of the Welcome Nugget

9 June
2.10pm

Tour the Red Hill Mine to witness the discovery of the Welcome Nugget. Unearthed on 9 June, by Cornish miner Richard Jeerey, this fabulous nugget weighed almost 69 kilograms. Containing 99.2% pure gold, it remains the second largest gold nugget ever found.

Winter Wonderlights 2020

At this stage, Winter Wonderlights is under consideration. We are currently working with our partners and contractors to assess the possibility of Winter Wonderlights’ return at a later date.

We still have all your other favourite activities, demonstrations and tours available. For more information, visit our daily activities page.

Tree planting at Narmbool

National Tree Day

2 August | Narmbool
10am - 1pm

National Tree Day started in 1996 and has grown into Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event.

It’s a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the community. ​​​This day sits right at the heart of Narmbool’s ethos and is the perfect place to bring your family and make a connection with, and contribution to, our incredible natural environment. BYO morning tea and lunch.

Children & Adults: $10 (towards cost of trees, guards & stakes)

Toddlers (0-4): Free

Bookings:
03 5337 1199 or bookings@sovereignhill.com.au

School Holiday Spectacular

19 September - 4 October 

The School Holiday Spectacular never fails to delight. Don’t miss out on all the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter below for all your Spectacular program updates.

An Evening Heckle

16 October

Bring the whole family to hiss, boo and cheer your way through a night of silly, slapstick fun. Based on popular children’s stories and laced with a strong dose of poetic licence, Sovereign Hill pantomimes are guaranteed to amuse young and old alike.

History Month

Date TBC

Celebrate History Month at Sovereign Hill with a number of events, including the Weston Bate Memorial Lecture.

The Spirit of Lamplight

31 October

As if the goldfields were not spooky enough by night, this special Lamplight Tour will take on a Halloween twist, introducing you to some traditional Halloween beliefs and customs brought to Australia by our Scottish and Irish immigrants.

Narmbool Open Day

15 November | Narmbool

Narmbool welcomes you to explore the gardens, tour the education facilities and dine in the stunning Garden Room.

Christmas Shopping Night

26 November

Enjoy FREE ENTRY for stalls and shops selling Sovereign Hill jams, sauces, soaps, creams and other locally-made products for that special someone.

50th Anniversary Weekend

26 - 29 November

Sovereign Hill opened to the public on 29 November 1970. Fifty years later, Sovereign Hill is an international tourism icon and a winner of major tourism awards. Join us for a weekend of special celebrations to mark this historic milestone.

The Eureka Rebellion

3 December
2.10pm

‘Samuel Lazarus’ brings to life his diary of the Eureka Rebellion.

Annual Pass

Don't miss any of our events with an Annual Pass

Enjoy unlimited access to Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum, for less than the price of two visits.* That’s unlimited entry to Sovereign Hill, 364 days a year, including ‘Winter Wonderlights’. Other pass holder benefits include discount on Sovereign Hill accommodation, retail, mine tours, coach rides, night time experiences and more!

*Based on a Sovereign Hill Family Ticket.