Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  Australia  /  Victoria  /  Ballarat  /  Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

4.4
Must see · Historic Site · History Museum
Create an itinerary including Sovereign Hill
Ever wondered what it's like to be a miner in a gold rush? Sovereign Hill recreates the experience for you. This open-air museum in Golden Point presents the area as it was after prospectors discovered gold there in 1851. As you stroll down Main Street, stop into the historically rendered metal workshops, schools, apothecary, bank, saloon, and post office and speak with historical interpreters dressed as townsfolk and prospectors from long ago. Tents and buildings invoking this past era surround the creek, where you can pan for real gold. See how to melt gold into bullion bars at the Gold Pour. You might even strike it rich, paying for your entire vacation! Put Sovereign Hill and other Ballarat attractions into our Ballarat trip planner, and watch your holiday take shape.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Sovereign Hill reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,788 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • My husband I visited here while in Ballarat, our first time here. It was well set out, staff very friendly and helpful. Lots to see and do including gold panning. It was also nice to see the coach... 
    My husband I visited here while in Ballarat, our first time here. It was well set out, staff very friendly and helpful. Lots to see and do including gold panning. It was also nice to see the coach...  more »
  • Really enjoyed the short demos & talks. Got most out of those. They were very informative, engaging and entertaining 
    Really enjoyed the short demos & talks. Got most out of those. They were very informative, engaging and entertaining  more »
  • The whole place was amazing! There were so many people that it really had a fantastic vibe as the streets came alive (possibly due to school holidays). There was so much to see and do. We spent... 
    The whole place was amazing! There were so many people that it really had a fantastic vibe as the streets came alive (possibly due to school holidays). There was so much to see and do. We spent...  more »
Google
  • Sovereign Hill was an amazing outdoor museum experience. It helped me to better understand the history of Australia and how gold played and important part. We were lucky 🍀 with the weather. It was amazing to walk through the big museum, trying to find gold with the kids. The staff members were all dressed in traditional clothing and they were all very welcoming and kind. We very much enjoyed the tour to the big gold nugget. Yet, the kids enjoyed also to see the animals and waking through the old houses 🏡. A fantastic weekend trip from Melbourne, definitely worth it.
  • Although the buildings were made in the 1970s, they are all well looked after. The staff dressed up in that era and responded like they were still in the era made the experience realistic. I agreed with earlier comment that the comment from the diggers tour guide felt a bit political but she maybe doing what she was told to do and say. After reading someone else's comment about New York bakery, we went to Hope Bakery. Their pies and desserts were very nice. Their apple crumble was the best we had ever had. We decided to pay extra for the "Trapped" guides tour. We really enjoyed the experience going under ground as it made it felt realistic. The tour guide was the descendent of one of the victims and it made the tour felt extra special as he had the real connection to the story. The shops were also reasonably priced. The activities such as gold panning, bowling and candle decorating were also enjoyable. Lots of free demonstrations throughout the day, which made the whole day went by so fast. We really enjoyed our first experience at Sovereign Hill. Highly recommended for everyone.
  • Great family day out! Weather was perfect, plenty to see do and learn. The cafe was affordable and an ideal place to relax from a day of tours and activities next to the dam with the ducks! It is easy to miss but worth it as the food prices are a lot lower than the traditional style stores on the themed main street. Amenities were clean and suitable.
  • i haven't been back since i was 11yo and coming back with my kids was a treat. we enjoyed the mine tour, had to grab some hard boiled lollies, candle making was fun and despite being such a hot Summer's day; we had to try our luck and pan for gold. it was an enjoyable experience otherwise.👍
  • Lots of fun with many things to do and see. We loved finding some gold dust specks while panning and the kids loves the candle dipping at only $5 to do. The night show was amazing! We went with grandparents and children ages 4, 7 and 10. Only improvement would be better signage for toilets as we found them a bit hard to find quickly with little kids.

Plan your trip to Ballarat

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.