About 110km west of Melbourne, and in my opinion one of Victoria’s best tourist attractions, you’ll find the world’s most authentic reconstruction of a 19^th century gold mining town, Sovereign Hill in Ballarat.

Gold was discovered in Ballarat in 1851 and a major gold rush ensued.  Due to the huge influx of immigrants seeking their fortune, many towns sprung up, the major ones being Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Clunes, Daylesford, Creswick and Maldon where you can find some fine examples of 19^th century architecture.

You need to set aside an entire day to explore Sovereign Hill which is set over 25 hectares on one of the world’s richest alluvial goldfields.  Step back in time and with every corner you take,  you’ll feel as though you’re truly in the era of the gold rush days as you mingle with costumed business owners, diggers and ladies in their crinolines and bonnets.  Be entertained by the realistic street theatre performances and watch out for that stagecoach when you’re crossing the dusty streets!

The faithfully re-created shops and businesses of the 1851-1861 period are a real treat and sell goods which were available during the gold rush era.  Many of the craftsmen use traditional methods in producing their wares and you can watch them at their work.  Go to www.sovereignhill.com.au  to find out what these shops and businesses of yesteryear have to offer.

You can pan for real gold in the Red Hill Gully Diggings and take an underground tour of the Red Hill Mine which will give you a realistic insight into the harrowing, day-to-day life of the miners.  This is where the second biggest nugget in the world was found – the 69kg Welcome Nugget.

Visit the replicated miners’ cottages and the Red Hill National School house where you can sit down and practice your ABC’s in the 1850’s style.  The Chinese Camp with its vegetable gardens and live pigs and chickens, will provide a history of the experience of the thousands of Chinese miners who were seeking their fortunes.

And if you’re feeling peckish, there’s plenty of tucker available.  Stop off at New York Bakery for a homemade meat pie or the United States Hotel where you can dine in Victorian splendour.  If you’re hankering for something sweet, call in at Charles Spencer Confectionery where you’ll salivate at an array of colourful boiled lollies and lollipops made from original recipes.

In the evening, experience the spectacular “Blood on the Southern Cross” sound and light show which tells the story of the Eureka rebellion, Australia’s only armed uprising, and viewed as the birthplace of Australia’s political system.  It was one of the greatest victories for equity and fairness in Australia’s history and stemmed as a result of the grievances of the miners relating to the licensing of mining permits and lack of political representation.

To finish off, you could visit the Gold Museum which is opposite the entrance to Sovereign Hill. Here you’ll discover all about the gold rush days and gold mining industry in Australia.  The exhibitions, displays and artifacts are impressive.

You can take a day tour to Sovereign Hill from Melbourne, but I’d recommend spending the night at Sovereign Hill Lodge which is a replica of Ballarat’s Government Camp.   

Tags: Ballarat, Eureka, gold rush, Sovereign Hill, Welcome Nugget

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