Sovereign Hill, Experience the rush of gold fever

Bradshaw St, Ballarat Victoria 3350
This is a well-known gold rush site
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Introduction

Ballarat is a famous gold rush town in Victoria, Australia. Gold was discovered here in 1851, attracting a large number of miners and leading to the rapid growth of Ballarat and nearby Melbourne. At the beginning of the 20th century, the gold rush ended and became a part of history. Today, the abandoned gold mine has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction open to the public. There are 160 staff dressed in 19th-century clothing, creating a sense of time travel. Visitors can experience the working environment of the gold miners in the mine, visit the candle store to learn about 19th-century handmade methods, and even experience wooden bowling. The most attractive activity is screening gold sand by the river. If lucky enough to find gold particles, visitors can keep them. This gold mine, established in the mid-19th century, is one of Australia's most famous outdoor museums and an excellent place to experience the gold rush era.

Must-go rating

Worth going
80%
Generally
20%

Transportation

80%
Self-driving
There is a parking lot
Free parking
20%
Group travel
Address
Bradshaw St, Ballarat Victoria 3350
Opening hours
Gold mine opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (extended to 17:30 during daylight saving time), closed on Christmas.
The Gold Museum next to the gold mine is open from 9:30 to 17:30, closed on Christmas.
There is a "Blood of the Southern Cross" sound and light show in the evening, with two shows per night and including dinner. The start time varies depending on the sunset time, starting around 20:00 or 21:15 in summer and around 17:30 or 18:45 in winter.
Transportation
Train: V Line has launched a Goldrush Special line. It departs from Southern Cross Station at 9:17 on weekdays, 9:15 on Saturdays, and 9:35 on Sundays and arrives at Ballarat Station. After disembarking, passengers can transfer to a shuttle bus along the marked route. Tourists with Goldrush Special tickets can enjoy a 10% discount on admission tickets when purchased.