Ballarat , Australia

Sovereign Hill General Entry Ticket

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(138 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. There’s coach rides, gold panning, a spectacular gold pour, underground mine adventures, theatre shows, sweet making, costume characters and musket firing demonstrations to name a few.

Available options

General Entry Ticket

What's included

Admission to Sovereign Hill

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Sovereign Hill is a living museum that presents the story of Ballarat during the gold rush era. Purchase your general admission tickets to Sovereign Hill online here to step back in time and wander the streets and laneways that represent an era gone by. Back in 1851 when Gold was first discovered here, a 'gold rush' was triggered and Ballarat suddenly grew from a tranquil pastoral town to a provincial city attracting dreamers searching for a piece of gold.

Sovereign Hill's Outdoor Museum covers 15 hectares of a former gold mining site bringing this historic time period to life through a living township. With over 18 scheduled activities taking place throughout the day, you can find yourself panning for real gold, witnessing musket firing, and seeing boiled lollies, wheels, and candles being made right in front of your eyes. Sovereign Hill is a great family friendly activity for all ages and no doubt you'll walk away with a better sense of Australian history and life in the 1800's.

What's not included

Guided mine tours

Coach rides

Food and drinks

Transportation to/from attractions

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

136 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Sovereign Hill is located in Bradshaw Street and can be easily accessed by car, train, or coach services that operate daily from Melbourne. Sovereign Hill is a comfortable 90-minute drive from Melbourne along the Western Highway (or only an hour from Melbourne Airport). Once in Ballarat, just follow the brown and white tourist signs to Sovereign Hill.

Free parking

Important notes

This ticket must be exchanged for a direct entry ticket at the starting point of the attraction.

About Ballarat

Ballarat is a historic gold-rush city in Victoria, Australia, known for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum that recreates the gold rush era of Ballarat. Visitors can experience gold panning, historic trades, and live performances.

Historical 3-4 hours Approximately $45 for adults, $25 for children

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens feature a variety of plant species, including a stunning collection of roses.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest regional gallery in Australia and houses a significant collection of Australian and international art.

Museum 1-2 hours Approximately $10 for adults, $5 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Golden Grill Pie

A traditional Australian meat pie with a golden, flaky crust, often filled with beef and gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Ballarat Cheese

Locally produced cheeses, including cheddar, brie, and blue cheese.

Snack Vegetarian

Lake Wendouree Fish

Freshly caught fish from Lake Wendouree, often served with local vegetables and herbs.

Dinner Gluten-free and dairy-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Gold panning Spa treatments Picnicking Scenic drives Art gallery visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

GMT+10

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ballarat is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Avalon Airport • 50 km from Ballarat
Melbourne Airport • 120 km from Ballarat

By train

Ballarat Station

By bus

Ballarat Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and user-friendly, with regular services throughout the day.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ballarat Central Brown Hill Skipton

Day trips

Hepburn Springs

30 km from Ballarat • Half day to full day

Hepburn Springs is a picturesque town known for its natural mineral springs and spa retreats. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at one of the many spas or explore the surrounding countryside.

Daylesford

40 km from Ballarat • Full day

Daylesford is a charming town known for its natural beauty, art galleries, and gourmet dining. Visitors can explore the town's many attractions or enjoy a day trip to nearby Wombat State Forest.

Pyrenees Wine Region

50 km from Ballarat • Full day

The Pyrenees Wine Region is a beautiful and historic wine-growing area with a variety of wineries and vineyards. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, gourmet dining, and scenic drives through the countryside.

Festivals

Ballarat Heritage Festival • September Ballarat International Foto Biennale • August Ballarat Begonia Festival • March

Pro tips

Visit Sovereign Hill in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more immersive experience
Explore the city's historic architecture on a self-guided walking tour
Try a golden grill pie, a local specialty
Visit the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in the spring or autumn for the most beautiful displays
Check the schedules for local events and festivals, as Ballarat has a vibrant arts and culture scene