Sovereign Hill Entry Ticket

• The Diggings Tour
  - Explore Life on the early Goldfields hosted by a costumed interpreter.
• The Red Hill Mine Tour
  - Discover the dark, dangerous world of deep lead mining and witness the discovery of the famous “Welcome Nugget”.
• Gold panning
  - There’s real gold to be found in The Diggings and it’s yours to keep! Make sure you stop by the Waterloo store and purchase a gold bottle to protect your precious find.
• Musket Firing
  - Our Troopers will tell you about law and order on the goldfields and demonstrate to you how to load and fire a musket.
• Sweet Making
  - Discover how boiled lollies are made in the traditional way and enjoy a sample at the end of the demonstration.
• Gold Pour
  - Pure gold is melted to 1,000 degrees Celsius and poured into a mould to create a pure Gold Ingot.
• Candlemaking
  - Be mesmerised by the enticing scents of our 19th-century candle factory and watch our candle makers in action.
• Bowling
  - Set up the skittles and try your hand at 9-pin bowling.
• Wheelwrighting
  - Watch our skilled craftsmen create hubs, and spokes and assemble coach wheels using traditional 19th-century methods.

• Labyrinth of Gold
  - Gain an insight into the daily life of Ballarat’s miners as they sought their fortunes deep below ground. See original 19th century workings and demonstrations of early mining equipment.

• Secret Chamber
  - Explore the immigration side of the gold rush story as you experience the tale of two Chinese brothers, and discover the fortune they found, and lost.

• Trapped
  - The dramatic and true story of one of Australia’s worst underground mining disasters – an event that unfolded in the late 1800s not too far from Ballarat. (Please note: Trapped includes several seconds of darkness. There are realistic sound, wind and water effects interpreting an underground flood, and there is some strong emotional content. Parental discretion is advised for your children.)

【Winter Wonderlights 2025】

Snowfalls

• Look towards the sky and marvel as Sovereign Hill turns into a snowy winter wonderland. Please note that we use make-believe snow.

Brass Band

• Hear classic Christmas carols played by a good old-fashioned brass ensemble.
• Time: 4.40pm-5.30pm
• Where: Main Street

Arts & Craft

• Get inspired by the sights and sounds of Sovereign Hill with a hands-on art and craft session. Get creative and make your own keepsake to take home.
• Time: 11.00am-6.00pm

• Experience the magic of live entertainment at the stunning Victoria Theatre! From captivating magic shows to interactive tours with special effects, there's something for everyone. Even pantomimes promise laughter for the whole family.
• Time: Check the blackboard in the Victoria Theatre foyer for times.
• Where: Victoria Theatre (map no.26)

St Nicholas' Grotto

• St Nick has changed address, swapping his Arctic abode for a cosy winter hut at Sovereign Hill during Winter Wonderlights. Drop into St Nicholas’ Grotto for a photo and, while you’re here, put in your Christmas wish list!
• Times: 2.00pm-4.00pm | 5.00pm-7.00pm
• Where: Parade Showground (map no.34)

Explore the Diggings after dark

• By day, our diggings are bustling with gold-seekers panning in the creeks. Come night-time, it’s a whole new experience. Grab some food and warm yourself around the fire as our soundscape transports you back to a typical night on the diggings, complete with sing-a-longs, police raids and evening sounds.
• Time: 5.30pm-7.00pm
• Where: The Diggings (map no.8)

Fairylight Fun

• With over 18 kilometres of fairy lights weave your way around Sovereign Hill taking in scenic views along the way. Start from the top end of Main Street and meander through our picturesque Speedwell Street and Brightview Gardens.
• Time: 4.30pm-7.00pm
• Where: Brightview garden & Speedwell Street

Shining Streetscapes

• Main Street is illuminated with dazzling, vibrant projections accompanied by a rousing musical score, telling a story of celebration and togetherness.
• Time: 5.45pm-7.00pm
• Where: Main Street

Winter Wonderlights Dinner

• A hearty winter meal of roast turkey and glazed ham served with roasted rosemary potatoes, winter vegetables, steamed greens, gravy and cranberry sauce. Dessert will be served alternately along with tea and coffee. Pre-booking is essential. Add on your meal when purchasing a ticket online.