Guided underground mine tours, workshops, demonstrations, restaurants, stores, and night shows are some of the main attractions at Sovereign Hill.
What is Sovereign Hill famous for?
The famous Welcome Nugget (second largest gold nugget in the world) was found at Ballarat's Red Hill Mine, which is recreated at Sovereign Hill.
Sovereign Hill is renowned for its authentic hand made lollies, which can be purchased from the lolly shop at Sovereign Hill as well as the gift shop.
The underground mine tours at Sovereign Hill are absolutely unmissable, with a range of options available.
Sovereign Hill is also remarkable for its range of man, horse, and steam powered mining technology on display.
Is there still gold at Sovereign Hill?
Yes! Visitors can try their luck panning for gold in the creek at Sovereign Hill. You'll find real gold in the creek which runs through the diggings!
Grab a gold pan and settle in by Sovereign Hill's creek to have a go searching for gold. Not sure how to go about it? No problem, there are costumed volunteers at the creek who are more than happy to show you their technique!
You can also have a try rocking a 'gold cradle', a man-powered machine used to clean up fine materials for gold.
An abundant supply of gold pans and shovels are freely available by the creek. You can also buy a little vial for a dollar so you can take your gold home with you!
What attractions are at Sovereign Hill?
Sovereign Hill has an outstanding collection of entertaining, interactive and educational activities to enjoy!
Watch the red coats firing their muskets every day at 3pm, play a game at the bowling alley, make your own beautiful candles, try your luck panning for gold, and more!
Here are just a few of the fantastic things to do at Sovereign Hill:
- Trooper musket firing
- Diggings tour
- Vintage photography experience
- Horse-drawn coach rides
- Gold panning at the diggings
- Old fashioned games
- Confectionery making demonstrations
- Blacksmith demonstrations
- Printing demonstrations
- Pill rolling demonstrations
- Wheel-making demonstrations
- Guided underground mine tours
- Self guided underground mine tour
- Gold pour demonstration
- School experience
- Fantastic children's playspace
- Dine at the gorgeous old-fashioned eateries
- Explore the cottages on Speedwell Street
- Discover the man and horse powered machinery at the diggings
Was Sovereign Hill a real town?
Sovereign Hill is not a real town, it was construction as a recreation of an 1850s Victorian gold mining town for the purpose of the Sovereign Hill living museum.
This replica goldfields town is amazing, with a brilliant attention to detail applied in its construction. Visitors to Sovereign Hill can get a real taste of what life was like back in Ballarat's booming gold rush days!
Where to eat at Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill has lots of tasty dining options available!
The New York Bakery is a fantastic dine-in option, with delicious meals available in a gorgeous heritage-style building.
Across the road you'll find the Hope Bakery where you can get all kinds of authentic baked treats to take away.
Drop by the United States Hotel for refreshments at the bar, and be sure to visit the confectionery shop to get yourself a range of Sovereign Hill's famous boiled lollies!
You'll also find a modern cafe alongside the fantastic children's playground.
How far is Sovereign Hill from Ballarat Station?
Sovereign Hill is 2.6 km from the Ballarat Railway Station, and can be reached by bus on route 21.
GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE BALLARAT GOLD FIELD, 1917
Geological map of the Ballarat gold field which shows historical features in superb detail, including mine shafts/companies, reefs, leads, gullies/flats, and gold nugget discovery sites. High quality, durable A1 print in a satin finish. Large, 594 x 891 mm. Go to online shop.
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