About this place
What to expect
Sovereign Hill is a living museum presenting the story of Ballarat as a gold rush boomtown. Gold was discovered here in 1851, triggering the greatest alluvial gold rush the world has ever known. But this isn't the history lesson you got at school. Sovereign Hill puts you at the heart of the action. Explore underground on a mine tour, cosplay as a gold rush character inside their 1850s photography studio, pan for gold on the diggings, hop onto a coach ride, see live rare trades demonstrations, try the iconic Raspberry Drops handcrafted only at Sovereign Hill, browse the shops, and meet some colourful costumed characters.