Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
At Sovereign Hill, the story of an important time and place in Australian History, and the people who lived it, lives on. An internationally acclaimed tourist attraction, Sovereign Hill prides itself on its close attention to detail found in every aspect of this living, outdoor museum. Sovereign Hill is a glimpse of the vigour and excitement of life on Australia’s 1850s goldfields. Visitors can find real gold in the creek – gold pans are provided and it’s ‘finders keepers’, see $150,000 worth of molten gold poured into a gleaming bar, and take in the rich program of activities, shows and demonstrations. On Main Street there are working shops, hotels and a theatre – all based on original Ballarat businesses. Visitors are able to watch goldfields tradespeople in action and take a ride around the township in a horse-drawn coach. For the brave hearted, journey underground on a gold mine tour.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- joy23Sydney, Australia43 contributionsGreat fun for teen, tween and little kidsHad a great time visiting outside of school holidays. Some talks werenaenlightening for young children but teens enjoyed them. Pick of the day was the gold smelting demonstration. Make sure you book early if you want a photo, they booked out quickly with school classes taking the majority of spots in advance. We enjoyed ours but it was a bit rushed as staff had another school class coming.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 October 2023
- Keeley W4 contributionsA must do when visiting Ballarat!My partner & I spent the day here & very much enjoyed all it had to offer. The demonstrations were great, staff were amazing, the town is fascinating & it was a great part of history to learn about & experience. We highly recommend spending a full day here to experience all it has to offer & especially recommend spending the extra few dollars to do the quartz mine tour, it was absolutely our favourite part of the trip!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- Kule DudeBromsgrove, United Kingdom930 contributionsA trip back in timeWhile staying in Melbourne we decided to venture a little further from base and headed north to Ballarat. Having left our base in reasonable temperature of high teens, it soon became clear we hadn't brought enough warm clothing! On arrival the temperature was only 7 degrees! We have several similar recreated open air industrial villages in the UK (beamish/Blists Hill/Black Country etc) - and Sovereign Hill was as good as any of these. The guides in the various areas were all in character and well dressed. There were several school parties enjoying the facilities - and the panning for gold seemed to be the most popular. We didn't have chance to sample the catering outlets and I feel we would have stayed longer had we been in warmer clothing - but that was our problem. Perhaps a return visit is needed.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 December 2023
- DrunkenhammieSingapore, Singapore45 contributionsWish I had more time to see everything!Turned out to be way better than I expected - was in for a real surprise and treat. We were only there for 2.5 hours but were able to catch a sweet making workshop (and taste them afterwards), wheel making demonstration and gold pouring demonstration, try gold panning and bowling, watched a show in the theatre. So much more to do but pity we didn’t have time!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 December 2023
- N0rmaleeBossier City, Louisiana1,020 contributionsGreat educational experience, especially for children.What an interesting,unique experience! Hubby was really excited to watch the gold pour and it was amazing. Had no idea that gold didn’t conduct heat or that it could cool off so quickly when placed in water. All set up like an old west town with storefronts, tents, panning for gold, water wells, etc. we were disappointed that the Chinese temple was shut down for renovations.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 December 2023
- Simon N22 contributionsSo much to learnA really great place to visit - so much to learn and see. Allow a full day. The gold pouring and mine tours were great to do as was the food in the cafe. Nice to have a teapot and leaf tea.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
- MorroyceSydney, Australia67 contributionsOnly thing worth visiting in BallaratWe went to Sovereign Hill on a week day with a toddler and had the best time. We expected to be done after 3hours max but ended up staying for longer. Everyone is so lovely and we had the best tour guide for the mine tour. My toddler loved panning for gold and the playground. The only think I would say is, would be great to be able to book experiences at the start rather than having to run through to book everything for early in the day. I was also a bit overwhelmed with everything we could watch and didn't plan that out very well, so we missed a heap of demos.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 March 2024
- Rowena B9 contributionsWell worth the visitYou need a full day to really make the most of this place. It is so immersive. The moment you step outside you are transported into the 1850s. Most activities are free but if you want to do the ride on the horse and carriage it is $6 and the old time photos start from $64 for two people. You can also do a tour of a gold mine but there are lots of steps and has a fee of about $8. The gold pouring and confectionery making demonstrations are definitely worth watching (free samples!) And if you have good knees and patience I definitely suggest trying your hand at gold panning. Food was good and staff were very friendly. I would recommend coming here just after it opens and also there will be school groups if you come during term time.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 4 May 2024
- Kirsty M78 contributionsGreat theme park - the bestAwesome place. Was awesome 30 years ago and still well worth a visit. Horse rides, historical recreations and historical acts, including old school magic and theatre.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 July 2024
- 1418TeamCoxBerwick, Australia15 contributionsGet away with friends to Ballarat!Went to Ballarat for a few days with Tour Local from Pakenham, with 10 other friends. We had a fantastic time. Lots of food, drink and laughs! Winter wonderland at Soverign hill was everything I was expecting and more. Our tour guide Joanne, amazing! Will certainly be doing further trips with her!Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 21 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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Stuart
Dartmouth, UK67 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We first went and watched the AURA light show the night before we went to Sovereign Hill and wow, what an experience - a great 3D film about the creation of the universe and gold, a stunning outside light show about the indigenous history of the area and finally an outside theatre show about the more recent history of the gold mine and Ballarat - well worth the money.
The next day we went to Sovereign Hill proper and had a great day out - watched the gold pour, sweet making, paid a little extra to go down the gold mine, went gold panning and loads loads more. Only slight niggle was that we found the food choice somewhat limited, but what we did have was delicious. Ended the day with a quick walk around the Gold Museum, spent about 45 minutes there which was plenty of time.
The standout though were the staff, an absolute credit to Sovereign Hill.
The next day we went to Sovereign Hill proper and had a great day out - watched the gold pour, sweet making, paid a little extra to go down the gold mine, went gold panning and loads loads more. Only slight niggle was that we found the food choice somewhat limited, but what we did have was delicious. Ended the day with a quick walk around the Gold Museum, spent about 45 minutes there which was plenty of time.
The standout though were the staff, an absolute credit to Sovereign Hill.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole C
Mentone, Australia22 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Arrived and queued at 10am opening. Staff were efficient getting everyone through. Due to covid, entry was limited to 1,000, but it was certainly busy enough for our liking. There was quite a long line for mine tours and a few other things including the carriage ride, so we will need to make another trip to do the things we missed out on. Pantomime was a highlight and kids enjoyed watching the gold pouring demonstration. Panning was fun, although unsuccessful. Definitely pack coats, beanies and boots if the weather is looking a little chilly - it gets very cold and wet/muddy underfoot. Worth having a rough itinerary mapped out so you can book activities when you arrive, if needed.
Written 12 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IJayKay
Melbourne, Australia35 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Due to Covid, there is a daily limit of 1000 visitors. We purchased our ticket online. $99 for family of 2A2C. It wasn’t very crowded, however due to social distancing rule, we still need to queue up for some attractions/tour.
We spend about 4 hours and kids enjoy it very much.
We spend about 4 hours and kids enjoy it very much.
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie W
Melbourne, Australia117 contributions
Jun 2021
We attended Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill after a search for "Christmas in July, Victoria", on their opening day, June 25th.
Sovereign Hill, for those who don't know, is several acres built just outside the town of Ballarat, as a reproduction of a village that may have existed around the late 1800's, and as such, it's a lovely spot, beautifully done.
But there was so little 'Christmas' in this experience, it was disappointing to say the least. Know this comes from 3 Canadians who have enjoyed the real thing for many years, so we're going to be picky in our review.
The cost seems extravagant to walk through this area to find a few stores in which to spend more money. Like spending money to spend money.
The Xmas decorations were minimal. During our 4 hours there, there were no carolers, no Christmas choir, no elves, and worst, no Santa Claus!
We spent additional money for the 'Christmas Dinner' in the big bakery space. It was nicely decorated, but we waited 30 minutes for our set food. The turkey was cut thickly so it was very tough, and the stuffing was a puck of something that didn't remotely taste like stuffing. The space was playing some classical music, and we requested they play Christmas music and were told they can't, so we played some on our I-Phone's Spotify at our table. It would have been a perfect time to have some carolers in the room!
The light show consisted of projections on the front of the central buildings and that, coupled with the 'snow'(detergent flakes) did have a lovely magic about it.
Again, this is a fussy review, (excluding the food mentions), by people who've experienced a typical 'cold' Canadian Christmas. But these folks could do so much better!
Sovereign Hill, for those who don't know, is several acres built just outside the town of Ballarat, as a reproduction of a village that may have existed around the late 1800's, and as such, it's a lovely spot, beautifully done.
But there was so little 'Christmas' in this experience, it was disappointing to say the least. Know this comes from 3 Canadians who have enjoyed the real thing for many years, so we're going to be picky in our review.
The cost seems extravagant to walk through this area to find a few stores in which to spend more money. Like spending money to spend money.
The Xmas decorations were minimal. During our 4 hours there, there were no carolers, no Christmas choir, no elves, and worst, no Santa Claus!
We spent additional money for the 'Christmas Dinner' in the big bakery space. It was nicely decorated, but we waited 30 minutes for our set food. The turkey was cut thickly so it was very tough, and the stuffing was a puck of something that didn't remotely taste like stuffing. The space was playing some classical music, and we requested they play Christmas music and were told they can't, so we played some on our I-Phone's Spotify at our table. It would have been a perfect time to have some carolers in the room!
The light show consisted of projections on the front of the central buildings and that, coupled with the 'snow'(detergent flakes) did have a lovely magic about it.
Again, this is a fussy review, (excluding the food mentions), by people who've experienced a typical 'cold' Canadian Christmas. But these folks could do so much better!
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheza-Brad
Drouin, Australia333 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This was my 50th birthday celebration. We had a group off 30 people and boy we had a great day. A big thank you to Keeley for helping make my day fantastic by helping me organise a private luncheon with in the Sovereign Hill buildings, if you have a celebration thus is a very unique way to have a party. Thank you to The Kooks and the servers and everybody who helped organise my lunch. My family had a photo taken so thank you very very much for the photos thank you to the lady in the photography rooms he squeeze me in knowing it was my birthday and I really appreciate the photographers and everything they did. We did the winter wonderland night-time show as well and it is spectacular the kids loved it the adults loved it we had ages from six-month-old all the way to a 78 year old and everybody loved it. Would recommend a day at Sovereign Hill for anyone it is a fantastic place to visit and we need to keep our Australian history alive. If you go in winter rug up it gets cold very very cold.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flyer66
Australia45 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
A great day out for the family. Kids from 2-8yrs thoroughly enjoyed the experience & the characters along the way. Disappointing that all tours & photo dress up opportunities were booked.
The children’s playground offered a great break in the shade & the toilets were very clean.
The cafe was extremely overpriced paying $7 for a litre of water. The water bubbler sites were not working.
The children’s playground offered a great break in the shade & the toilets were very clean.
The cafe was extremely overpriced paying $7 for a litre of water. The water bubbler sites were not working.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kemiel
Sydney, Australia78 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Tickets are not cheap, especially when there are no complimentary guided tours. I found that there was no communication regarding the events of the day, paid tours, shows, parades what shops were open and which were closed- were a mystery! Would have been great to know so as to plan our day! The Website was not updated, couldn’t pay for additional tours with the tickets eg, the gold mine tour! Missed most of the demonstrations like the wagon wheel making as it clashed with the lollie making demonstration. By happenstance I stumbled across these demonstrations. Frustratingly, The Stage coach ride was $6 per person ( kid and adult same price) and lasted all but 5 minutes!!!! The bakery had tasty homemade pies and tarts...recommended! The deveonshire tea was good but expensive. Sadly the tea was served in takeaway cups not the traditional teapot and cosie to suit the atmosphere! The staff were friendly and accommodating with photos. Staff displayed Limited knowledge on the actual historical facts regarding the Hills history when my teenage posed questions ! The weapons display was information and interesting. The ‘gold pour’ demonstration was worthwhile. The authenticity of the building was very commendable. Great step back in time. There should be sheltered seating areas as the weather is unpredictable! It rained and many were having to abandon their food or having to huddle together under limited shelter in times of COVID!!!!
Written 8 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosey55
Wantirna, Australia75 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We visited as a family group of 3 young children, their parents and us, the grandparents. A first outing since the fourth lockdown. The place was busy (school holidays).
There were some short queues except for the confectionery which had lengthy queues all day and the carriage rides later in the day.
It is probably 15 years since we last visited and there had been some changes to some attractions.
The Winter Wonderland with the snow is fantastic and well worth the visit just for that.
Although I did enjoy the attractions food is an issue. We had lunch at the Cafe near the large kids playground. Food was inferior to that that you get at the football or cricket at the MCG. And more expensive. A pack of lukewarm crumbed fish fillets and shoestring chips $10. Really poor. Cup of coffee $4.60.
There were some short queues except for the confectionery which had lengthy queues all day and the carriage rides later in the day.
It is probably 15 years since we last visited and there had been some changes to some attractions.
The Winter Wonderland with the snow is fantastic and well worth the visit just for that.
Although I did enjoy the attractions food is an issue. We had lunch at the Cafe near the large kids playground. Food was inferior to that that you get at the football or cricket at the MCG. And more expensive. A pack of lukewarm crumbed fish fillets and shoestring chips $10. Really poor. Cup of coffee $4.60.
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rusty2112
Geelong, Australia134 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We attended our first ever Winter Wonderland at Sovereign Hill and what a remarkable experience it was! Sovereign Hill on its own is special but when coupled with the activities of Winter Wonderland it goes to another level. The light shows, the artificial ‘snow’, the theatre shows, the demonstrations and performances all combine to make for a most enjoyable time. We took advantage of the 2 days for the price of 1 and were entertained for the whole time. The weather was cold, icy cold, but this only heightened the experience. Loved it!
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi tothesea1960,
Thank-you for your review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit during our Winter Wonderlight event and took advantage of your two day tickets. We hope to see you attend again at this years event.
The Sovereign Hill Team
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
skjones1908
Ballarat, Australia2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We decided this year we would buy a family pass as we are local and thought it might be worthwhile as we visited in 2019 (I hadn’t been since 1993 prior to this) when our children were 2 & 4 and they loved it, we missed out last year (as did everyone) so we have jumped on it this year and I am so pleased we did. Our son truly believes that sovereign hill is a town that cowboys live in. He tries to explain TVs and how he lives differently and the staff play the part so well, acting confused, asking him to explain etc, never skipping a beat and always entertaining. We can spend all day and our children never get bored. It is understandably busy during the weeks of the winter wonderlights so we prioritise some things as there can be some wait times. I imagine people should be very tolerant of this given it’s sovereign hills busiest time of the year. The winter wonderlights are absolutely MAGICAL!!! I cannot put into words just how wonderful and enchanting this is! To my horror our children laid on the ground and did snow angels - this is fake snow, detergent like bubbles settling on the dirt so….mud from from heel to head!!! We had to laugh, what else could you do! We are booked again for Sunday and can’t wait! I imagine we will be buying a family pass for next year too. I can’t believe we ignored our neighbour sovereign hill for all those years prior.Absolutely 5 stars from me!
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prices
Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum
Entry
Adult
$39.00
Concession
$32.00
Child (5-15 years) - only available when purchased with an Adult, Family or Single Family Ticket/Pass. Children under 5 years are free.
$20.00
Family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children)
$99.00
Single Parent Family (1 Adult and up to 3 Children)
$71.00
*Australian cards only. Cards must be presented. Valid concession cards: Australian Pension, Disability/Carer, Health Care, Sole Parent, Unemployed, Veterans’ Affairs, Australian Student, Companion Card (FOC), ISIC International Student, Australian Seniors Card.
Written 29 January 2022
Hi are we able to dress up in costume there for the day? Do you provide this service?
Written 1 July 2021
Hi- there’s no rule against dressing up (if you have a costume), but there are only costumes for visitor use if you do a photo shoot (only for the shoot)
Written 3 July 2021
Does anyone know if the costumed photographers can cater for a pregnant woman in their costumes?
Can you book before the date of attendance, or just on the day?
Written 26 June 2021
You can book your session in advance by calling the studio directly on 03 5337 1128. They can definitely accommodate pregnant visitors with the costumes - they even have costumes for babies or can work with wheelchairs in photos as well.
Written 18 October 2021
What time does the courtesy coach run from Ballarat Station to Sovereign Hill? Is there only one trip a day? How about in May 2020?
For the return trip, what time the coach leave Sovereign Hill back to Ballarat Station?
Written 17 January 2020
Hi Vipak V,
Currently, we do not have a courtesy bus running from the Ballarat station to Sovereign Hill. There are a number of public buses which will take you direct to Sovereign Hill. Their timings can be found on the PTV website, just search route to Sovereign Hill - The Sovereign Hill Team
Written 20 January 2020
Are you open on January 1, New Year's? And are there generally more people coming to visit, or less since it is on actual New Year's Day?
Written 30 September 2019
Hi,
Yes, we are open on New Year's Day. Sovereign Hill is open everyday of the year, except Christmas Day - The Sovereign Hill Team
Written 30 September 2019
We are booked to visit this Saturday 29/6/19.
It’s going to pour can we cancel for another day or will it still be fun given it’s the winter wonderland?
Kind regards
Christian
Written 24 June 2019
Hi Christian, Tickets to Winter Wonderlights are not transferable to another date. There are a number of indoor activities on offer for you to enjoy if it is raining heavily. Your ticket is also valid for two consecutive days so you can come back the next day to enjoy what you may have missed on the first. If you have any other questions please feel free to visit the FAQ question on the Winter Wonderlights website. We hope this helps - The Sovereign Hill Team
Written 26 June 2019
Hi JaneC1919,
Thank-you for your question. Dogs are not allowed into the museum, unless they are assistance animals for example guide dogs. We hope that helps - The Sovereign Hill Team
Written 13 March 2019
Hi can I use my RACV card at the gate for discount or if I buy the tickets on line can I just show them on my phone. We are travelling and have no printer
Written 20 January 2019
Hi KazzyG123,
Your RACV ticket does need to be purchased through their website. You can show your tickets on your phone when you arrive at the Sovereign Hill entrance. Enjoy - The Sovereign Hill Team
Written 20 January 2019
We are visiting Sovereign Hill next week and we are considering taking our nephews who are 10 & 12yrs old to the Night Lamp Tour. The 10yr old is sensitive to violence and worries about things. Can anyone who has been advise me on exactly how the show runs. Is it that scary? Thanks.
Written 9 January 2019
Hi Sally P,
Our Lamplight tours are recommended for ages 10 and above, at parental discretion. Younger children are welcome, again at parental discretion. Content includes illness, accident, death and the supernatural. If you have any more questions on this please don't hesitate to contact us.
The Sovereign Hill Team
Written 14 January 2019
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