We enjoyed the train trip (about 90 minutes on the V-Line Gold Rush special) between Melbourne and Ballarat, one of the first and largest gold strikes in Australia. The scenery became greener with the altitude; we were surprised to learn that here near the top of these hills the high water table was a big problem to the miners. If... more

Well after not visiting Sovereign Hill for at least 7 years, I thought what perfect time to do so with my own growing family. That was the first mistake Don't get me wrong I love the old history stuff but as was suggested in a old post this is all about sucking money out of the un-expecting visitor. My jaw... more

My most recent visit to Sovereign Hill was disappointing. Visiting without children, I felt bored after an hour and a half. As a previous reviewer remarked, there are some attractive and interesting historical buildings but what few activities there are seem to be largely aimed at children. Sovereign Hill is expensive for what tourists receive. It was exciting and innovative... more

We spent a day (we being two people in their mid 20s) at Sovereign Hill in April 08 and had a cracking experience! It really does make you appreciate what life was like during the gold rushes and the fact that it has been maintained so well is great testament to the owners. There is plenty to keep people of... more

My husband and I went to this place expecting it to be like a theme park with lots to do. Instead we found ourselves back in time with few activities suited to adults. We were looking forward to panning for gold, and did that, finding little speckles which you would need a magnifying glass to see. Otherwise besides admiring the... more

This was a last minute decision on our trip back to Melbourne Airport to leave Australia. Ballarat is an hours drive Northwest on motorway from airport and Soveriegn Hill is a gold town come to life. Large site and very well done. Even though we visited during school holidays and there were 9 tour buses, there was no feeling of... more

We went on an excursion to Sovereign Hill and it was great!! It was very educational and fun at the same time!! You get to experience what it was like in the olden days from how the people that lived in those tiny houses with little pots and candles to what they dressed like and what they would buy. Theres... more

My husband and I were really looking forward to seeing Sovereign Hill in March 07. We spent a few hours here in the afternoon and were both really quite disappointed. The place was absolutely swarming with children, and okay, it's a great learning place for kids, but it really did seem as if every child of school-learning age from Ballarat... more

We had a great time at Sovereign Hill with the family. We spent nearly 6 hours there and didn't get to see everything there was to see. Anyone who has the slightest interest in early Australian history or the history of the goldfields would find it fascinating. The attention to detail is very impressive. There is no theme park like... more