ballarat
A place of colonial architecture and historical attractions with a gold rush flair, Ballarat is a place of nostalgia.
After visiting Port Fairy, we decided to follow good ol' Google Maps all the way to Ballarat. It gave us a little bum steer as we travelled past rural properties, down single lane farm roads and along corrugated tracks on Wathaurong Country. Local farmers gave us that cheeky smirk as they tilted their hats to acknowledge our passings, knowing full well we had fallen to the Google Maps trap. It also didn't help that there were many road closures leading to detours. We were on "the road less traveled" just as the saying goes. It made for a picturesque drive as we passed four wind farms, well-sculpted letterboxes and what felt like a thousand sheep. The added bonus was that the van was given a little teaser for some outback travels and she survived! Just after 2hrs and a soapy car wash later, we safely arrived in Ballarat.
As we didn't book accommodation until just before we left, many caravan parks were booked out. We managed to score ourselves a powered site for 3 nights at the Big4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park. The park owner was also a Great Aussie caravan owner! The park had an indoor heated pool and spa area with a large screen for you to watch movies or something on TV. Although it was a 10min drive into town, a shopping centre with a Woolworths, pharmacy, takeaway chains and coffee shops were a 3min drive. We stocked up at Wilsons Fruit and Vegetables where you can purchase produce from Epping Market and local suppliers. We loved the pre-made grazing boxes and their range of cheeses and pastas!
sovereign hill
The main reason why we visited Ballarat was to visit Sovereign Hill. Hubs and I have fond childhood memories of this place and we knew how much our eldest warrior would love it, being how much he loves learning about Australian history. We put in a solid eleven hours at Sovereign Hill but there is just so much to see and do! Sovereign Hill sets the scene of the gold rush era in Ballarat. From gold panning, mine tours, musket demonstrations, candle dipping, to confectionary demonstrations, blacksmith workshops, horse and carriage rides, just to name a few, we were fully immersed in the experience. During the day, the Redcoat Soldiers do a display through the main street. Check the program as times vary. The last demonstration saw the soldiers on the balcony of the Victoria Theatre once they marched through the town. Our warriors enjoyed the wooden bowling alley but were taken back by the mine self-tour. Just be warned that there are loud noise effects and flickering lights which simulates the sounds of a working mine. Our warriors felt the mine was caving in. Nothing that the confectionery store couldn't fix!
attractions
Below are a few attractions that we paid extra for. Be sure to book the old fashioned photoshoot as soon as you arrive to avoid disappointment if you are visiting during the school holidays. Most demonstrations are free, including watching a live show at the Victoria Theatre!
Photographic roomsDress up in Victorian-era costumes for an 1850's-style portrait. Packages start from $57.
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printing demonstrationsOrder a personalised poster from the printmakers. Cost of posters vary depending on your choice.
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candle makingMake your own candle for a few dollars by choosing a variety of dyed hot wax for dipping.
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winter wonderlights and aura
Every winter school holidays, Sovereign Hill host the Winter Wonderlights. This is something pretty spectacular. Once the sun goes down, the buildings start to illuminate with Christmas inspired projections. The snow machine gets a run for its money as it pumps snow-like foam down the main street. There are many Christmas light displays to see and Christmas markets for a spot of shopping. It was quite chilly but there are many fire pits to warm the bones, plus the most tasty Christmas inspired hot cocoa.
Once we grabbed some dinner from the food stalls, it was time for us to head to reception where the Aura show begins. Aura is a 90min theatre experience that tells the tale of how gold was created, discovered and how it is used today. You start in a movie theatre to watch a 3D movie of how gold was created. To be honest, this part went a little over our warrior's heads and probably could of been made shorter, but each to their own. Be sure to sit near the front rows as you exit next to the screen and head out to the people mover. Staff drive what feels like a vehicle from Jurassic Park through Sovereign Hill to an amphitheatre to watch how First Nations People discovered gold. This is a light show so little kidlets are best to stand at the front. You stand for the entirety of the show and exit the same way as you entered. You then enter a room with levelled seating. We suggested sitting at the front row as to our surprise, the front wall where the imagery is being projected, opens up to the outdoor gold rush scene. Here you watch the stories from the gold rush, including, but not limited to, the Eureka Stockade. This included lighting effects, projections, fire displays, sound effects and moving props.
Once we grabbed some dinner from the food stalls, it was time for us to head to reception where the Aura show begins. Aura is a 90min theatre experience that tells the tale of how gold was created, discovered and how it is used today. You start in a movie theatre to watch a 3D movie of how gold was created. To be honest, this part went a little over our warrior's heads and probably could of been made shorter, but each to their own. Be sure to sit near the front rows as you exit next to the screen and head out to the people mover. Staff drive what feels like a vehicle from Jurassic Park through Sovereign Hill to an amphitheatre to watch how First Nations People discovered gold. This is a light show so little kidlets are best to stand at the front. You stand for the entirety of the show and exit the same way as you entered. You then enter a room with levelled seating. We suggested sitting at the front row as to our surprise, the front wall where the imagery is being projected, opens up to the outdoor gold rush scene. Here you watch the stories from the gold rush, including, but not limited to, the Eureka Stockade. This included lighting effects, projections, fire displays, sound effects and moving props.
Although it was a massive day, it was one of the highlights of our trip. You can purchase a combined ticket that includes access to Sovereign Hill, Winter Wonderlights and Aura. After a day of rest, we made our trek out to Echuca.
Peace & love,
Peace & love,