The Australian Gold Rush.
You dreamed of living in Australia at the beginning of the century? Ballarat - Sovereign Hill will make this dream come true.
Only a hour away from Melbourne by car, you will learn what it took to be a gold miner.
It's certainly the most realistic and mind-blowing reconstitution of the life of Australian's pioneers. You will discover there the rough lifestyle of thousands of men and women who tried to make Gold their salute.
Real inhabitants of Ballarat are wearing period costumes. You will really feel like entering a new world.
Spend a day in this reconstituted village and your vision of the gold rush will change forever.
Visit the Gold mines.
When you talk about gold rush, you can't miss to talk about the Gold mines.
Experience the initiatory path to become rich at this period thanks to the gold deep underground.
Visit a secured mine and discover the dangers for a miner of this period. A guided tour is organised and it's really worth to do it.
This type of activity is not to miss. Australia has a long history of gold mining and you will learn more about the pioneers' life and also the Australian history.
Sounds and Lights Show
Experience the riots and the fights during the repression against the miners. A great show not to miss.
The show last for about 1.30h to 2h, it takes place at dawn and it tells the story of the "Blood on the Southern Cross".
The southern cross was the flag erected by the minors during the rebellion against the government raising more and more the taxes on the miners.
This flag was at the origin of the Australian flag.
Tour in chariot
Sovereign Hill allows you to make a tour in an authentic chariot from the gold rush period. Enjoy a ride in the city and all holes of the road.
Gold Jewels
Don't miss out on a great opportunity to buy a beautiful gold jewel (at affordable price) made with the gold from the actual mines.
Sovereign Hill has its own workshop / shop where you will have a lot to choose from.