Sovereign Hill Tours and Activities

Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill featuring shopping and interior views
Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill showing heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a large group of people


Strike gold at this open-air museum, which tells the story of Ballarat’s first decade as a gold rush town with recreated buildings, goldmine tours and workshops.

Sovereign Hill is an interactive heritage landmark that brings Ballarat’s gold rush to life. Walk through history and discover a city built on gold when you explore Sovereign Hill’s recreated 19th-century village and delve into its underground mines. Like the thousands of prospectors who flocked here after the 1851 discovery of gold, you can pan in the complex’s meandering creek and the glittering minerals you unearth will be yours to keep.

Stroll down Sovereign Hill’s Main Street and chat with costumed goldfields villagers and workers plying their trades. See blacksmiths, candle makers, confectioners and coach-builders working in recreated shops and buildings from the 19th century. Join them for a hands-on workshop and learn about the restored steam-driven machinery. Stop by the theater to experience period entertainment or find out about the Victorian-era classroom at Sovereign Hill’s school.

The Sovereign Quartz Mine can be explored with a guided tour, which follows a trail through fascinating underground displays. Check out the Red Hill Mine and learn the story of the Welcome Nugget, the second-largest gold nugget ever found.

Make your way to the creek’s edge to see the lines of tents that depict what the fledgling settlement of Ballarat looked like when the rich alluvial gold was first found. Grab a pan and try your luck searching for flecks of the precious metal. Don’t miss seeing molten gold being transferred into a bullion bar at the Gold Pour.

Sovereign Hill’s Gold Museum showcases gold displays and Ballarat’s fascinating history. In the evening, be sure to experience a presentation of Blood on the Southern Cross, a magnificent sound-and-light show that tells the story of the Eureka Uprising in 1854.

Sovereign Hill is located in Golden Point, southeastern Ballarat. Reach the open-air complex via car or direct coach service from Ballarat’s train station. Children under 15 years of age receive half-price admission and family ticket deals are available. Entry to the Gold Museum is included in the price of admission. The museum is open daily, except for Christmas Day. Free parking is available on site.

Plan a trip to see Sovereign Hill

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Tudor Cottages Mt Dandenong
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sovereign Hill

At Sovereign Hill, immerse yourself in gold mining tours that reveal the rich history of the region. Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the scenic areas, or explore local cultural sights. For those seeking recreation, there are activities like spa treatments, rowing, and kayaking nearby, ensuring a memorable visit filled with both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

Sovereign Hill offers unique shopping experiences with charming gift shops and artisan stores. If you're up for a drive, check out Mill Markets and Daylesford Sunday Market, both 35.4km away, for a vibrant atmosphere and eclectic finds.

Recreation

At the Ballarat Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by lush landscapes, perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Eureka Aquatic Centre offers family-friendly fun with pools and water activities, while Eureka Stadium hosts exciting sports events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.

Adventure

Explore The Tangled Maze, a fun and challenging maze perfect for families, located 19.3km from Sovereign Hill. For hiking enthusiasts, the Werribee River Walk Trailhead offers stunning outdoor scenery 27.4km away, while the Three Lost Children Walk Trailhead, 33.8km away, provides another adventurous hiking experience.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Her Majesty's Theatre, just 1.6km from Sovereign Hill, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a romantic setting. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with culture and entertainment, perfect for a delightful evening out with family or a special someone.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sovereign Hill

In and around Sovereign Hill, visitors can explore a variety of attractions including picturesque reserves, serene lakes, and fascinating museums. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, popular points of interest encompass Sovereign Hill itself, the historic township, and nearby attractions such as Sovereign Park. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the unique blend of outdoor experiences and local history during your stay in this charming gold rush era site.

  • Lake Wendouree: A picturesque lake perfect for outdoor activities, Lake Wendouree offers scenic views and a romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the beach, immersing yourself in the natural beauty just 4.8km from Sovereign Hill.
  • Ballarat Town Hall: Located 1.6km from Sovereign Hill, this historic civic building showcases Ballarat's rich culture and heritage. Admire its stunning architecture and take in the vibrant local arts scene, making it a cultural hub worth visiting.
  • Kryal Castle: Just 8.0km away, Kryal Castle is a unique conference venue that transports you to a medieval realm. Explore its enchanting attractions, including jousting shows and themed events, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Best time to go to Sovereign Hill

The best time to visit Sovereign Hill can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sovereign Hill falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sovereign Hill falls in July, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.0°F (12.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
May49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
June45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
July44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
September48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sovereign Hill

To save money on your trip to Sovereign Hill, visit during the cheaper months of February, May, or August, and aim to stay on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare accommodation prices, filter for eco-certified options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look for deals with free cancellation and updated pricing to ensure you're getting the best value. Lastly, make use of public transport to keep travel costs down, or enjoy the area on foot, as it’s easily navigable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sovereign Hill are February, May and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sovereign Hill is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sovereign Hill is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, preferred location, and additional options. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Sovereign Hill hotel stay with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.