Sovereign Hill Ticket | Melbourne

— What You Can Expect —

【Sovereign Hill】

Sovereign Hill is a living museum presenting the story of Ballarat as a gold rush boomtown. Gold was discovered here in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known. The sleepy pastoral settlement of Ballarat grew rapidly into a fine provincial city built on the wealth derived from its gold. 

Covering 15 hectares of a former gold mining site, Sovereign Hill's Outdoor Museum brings the gold rush to life through a living township with over 18 scheduled activities happening throughout the day, you can find yourself panning for real gold, witnessing musket firing, seeing boiled lollies, wheels, and candles being made all before your very eyes. 

The Outdoor Museum enjoys international renown as a living museum featuring rare trades, working machinery, exhibits, and costumed interpreters.

Daily activities in Sovereign Hill

- The Diggings Tour

Explore Life on the early Goldfields hosted by a costumed interpreter.

- The Red Hill Mine Tour

Discover the dark, dangerous world of deep lead mining and witness the discovery of the famous “Welcome Nugget”.

- Gold panning

There’s real gold to be found in The Diggings and it’s yours to keep! Make sure you stop by the Waterloo store and purchase a gold bottle to protect your precious find.

- Musket Firing

Our Troopers will tell you about law and order on the goldfields and demonstrate to you how to load and fire a musket.

- Sweet Making

Discover how boiled lollies are made in the traditional way and enjoy a sample at the end of the demonstration.

- Gold Pour

Pure gold is melted to 1,000 degrees Celsius and poured into a mould to create a pure Gold Ingot.

- Candlemaking

Be mesmerised by the enticing scents of our 19th-century candle factory and watch our candle makers in action.

- Bowling

Set up the skittles and try your hand at 9-pin bowling.

- Wheelwrighting

Watch our skilled craftsmen create hubs, and spokes and assemble coach wheels using traditional 19th-century methods.

【Mine Tour】

Experience the stories of 19th 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 19th 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.

— Three tour to choose from for Mine Tour —

• Labyrinth of Gold

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

• Secret Chamber

Explore the immigration side of the gold rush story as you experience the tale of two Chinese 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.)

【Winter Wonderlights 2025】

• Snowfalls

Look towards the sky and marvel as Sovereign Hill turns into a snowy winter wonderland. Please note that we use make-believe snow.

• Brass Band
  

Hear classic Christmas carols played by a good old-fashioned brass ensemble.

Time: 4.40pm-5.30pm

Where: Main Street

• Arts & Craft
  

Get inspired by the sights and sounds of Sovereign Hill with a hands-on art and craft session. Get creative and make your own keepsake to take home.

Time: 11.00am-6.00pm

• Theatre Performances
  

Experience the magic of live entertainment at the stunning Victoria Theatre! From captivating magic shows to interactive tours with special effects, there's something for everyone. Even pantomimes promise laughter for the whole family.

Time: Check the blackboard in the Victoria Theatre foyer for times.

Where: Victoria Theatre (map no.26)

• St Nicholas' Grotto
  

St Nick has changed address, swapping his Arctic abode for a cosy winter hut at Sovereign Hill during Winter Wonderlights. Drop into St Nicholas’ Grotto for a photo and, while you’re here, put in your Christmas wish list!

Times: 2.00pm-4.00pm | 5.00pm-7.00pm

Where: Parade Showground (map no.34)

• Explore the Diggings after dark
  

By day, our diggings are bustling with gold-seekers panning in the creeks. Come night-time, it’s a whole new experience. Grab some food and warm yourself around the fire as our soundscape transports you back to a typical night on the diggings, complete with sing-a-longs, police raids and evening sounds.

Time: 5.30pm-7.00pm

Where: The Diggings (map no.8)

• Fairylight Fun
  

With over 18 kilometres of fairy lights weave your way around Sovereign Hill taking in scenic views along the way. Start from the top end of Main Street and meander through our picturesque Speedwell Street and Brightview Gardens.

Time: 4.30pm-7.00pm

Where: Brightview garden & Speedwell Street

• Shining Streetscapes

Main Street is illuminated with dazzling, vibrant projections accompanied by a rousing musical score, telling a story of celebration and togetherness.

Time: 5.45pm-7.00pm

Where: Main Street

• Winter Wonderlights Dinner

A hearty winter meal of roast turkey and glazed ham served with roasted rosemary potatoes, winter vegetables, steamed greens, gravy and cranberry sauce. Dessert will be served alternately along with tea and coffee. Pre-booking is essential. Add on your meal when purchasing a ticket online.

— Important Info —

• Admission is valid from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy a full day at Sovereign Hill
• Winter Wonderlights display begins at 5:45 PM, once the sun sets
• Kindly note the time above is provided for reference only and the actual operation time may subject to change base on tour day situation