Sovereign Hill, Melbourne

 Sovereign Hill is a really fun and educational day out with the family. 

Rest-assured, you are not going to run out of things to do at Sovereign Hill. We were pretty-much going full-speed ahead all day, right up until 5pm closing time, because there is just so much to see and do.

Sovereign Hill is a gold-fields Outdoor Museum – an adventure theme park located in the historic gold mining city of Ballarat.

This gold-rush town that is so cleverly recreated that it really does capture the atmosphere of the mid-1800′s, and make you feel as though you have stepped back in time!

The shops that line the town streets are real shops selling old-fashioned wares and authentic souvenirs, such as metal worked in the workshop. There are real horses in the stables, turkeys in the yards and period-dressed folk strolling about interacting with the visitors - you’ll get many a “Good day Madam!”, with a tip of the top-hat!

There is building after building of replica hotels, banks, a theatre, shops, foundry’s, bakeries (great for a quick, family-friendly snack!). Don’t worry about cash currency to buy souvenirs at the shops - all of them accept modern-day plastic (There’s something quite surreal about a lady with a bonnet and hoop-skirts accepting a credit card)!

Of course some of the main attractions at Sovereign Hill are the replica gold mines – 60 metres down, and accessible by a carriage-train that goes – well, straight down, really!

Tip – You do need to book a gold mine tour like we did via train, and there are three to choose from that only run once a day, so go early to plan and book the one that interests you!

Sovereign Hill is located on Main Road, Ballarat, Victoria. For information and bookings you cango to the official Sovereign Hill website here

Admission prices

Adult - $49.50
Concession - $39.60
Child (5-15) - $22.00
Family (2 adults & up to 4 children) - $122.00
Single Parent Family (1 adult & up to 3 children) - $88.00