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Oceania Australia Melbourne Do & See Sovereign Hill

Overview

Sovereign Hill

The guide was updated: 2024-07-11

Sovereign Hill is claimed to be Australia’s foremost outdoor museum. Here you can get a glimpse of what life was like during the Gold Rush, go on a gold mine tour, and shop 1850s-style. The on-site Gold Museum chronicles the history of Ballarat, a city built with the wealth amassed during the gold rush.

Useful Information

Address: Bradshaw Street, Ballarat VIC
Website: www.sovereignhill.com.au
Phone: +61 3 5337 1199

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Federation Square

Federation Square

This futuristic plaza is one of the most complex and ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in Australia, serving as Melbourne’s civic centre with cafés, restaurants, an amphitheater and several museums such as the Ian Potter Centre that showcases Australian art. There’s also a farmers market every Friday and a book market on Saturdays.

St Kilda

St Kilda

St Kilda is one of the liveliest and most colourful areas of Melbourne right on the Hobsons Bay. Acland and Fitzroy streets are the main roads with bars, restaurants and shops. The cake shops are just too tempting! St Kilda Beach is a popular spot for late afternoon walks and for watching the sunset.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo

The zoo in Melbourne is one of the world’s oldest, famous for its large collection of native animals in a spacious bush setting. There are over 2,000 creatures to admire here, and it is located only minutes north from the city centre, making it a great place for the whole family.

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum

This innovative museum for visitors of all ages houses an Aboriginal centre, a rainforest, the set for the world famous TV show "Neighbours", and much more. Learn Melbourne’s history and how the city developed into a sprawling Metropolis post the gold rush of the 1850s.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Arguably one of most beautiful botanic gardens in the world and the perfect place for a relaxin picnic with a view. It displays more than 50,000 plants and is undisputedly one of Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions. Definitely worth a visit on a sunny day in Melbourne.

Melbourne Skydeck — Eureka Tower

Melbourne Skydeck — Eureka Tower

Towering 279 meters (975 ft) above ground level, Eureka Tower's Skydeck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne, with an on-site cafe if you want to enjoy the sight for a while longer. It is the perfect place to relax after a long walk around town.

Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol

The Old Melbourne Gaol was established in 1841 and remains a fabulous insight into Melbourne’s historical past. The notorious bushranger Ned Kelly, along with dozens of others, were once executed within its walls. The night tours are spookily good. Also a great place for fans of escape rooms.

Melbourne Aquarium

Melbourne Aquarium

The Melbourne Aquarium contains multiple marine animal species native to the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic. One of its highlights is a 360-degree fish-bowl viewing area. If you dare, try diving with the sharks! You will also find the largest collection of seahorses and sea dragon species in the world.

Immigration Museum

Immigration Museum

This museum gives an excellent account of immigration to what today is modern Melbourne over the last 200 years, using audio and visual displays. The museum continues to explore the topic of migration via an ever-changing array of fascinating temporary exhibitions.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island

This nature reserve offers plenty to entertain visitors, but its definitive highlight is the nightly parade of penguins returning ashore and heading to their sand dune homes at sunset after spending the day hunting for fish. Expect to sight anywhere between a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand penguins.

Brunswick Street

Brunswick Street

When in Melbourne, one must visit the bohemian Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, an area well known for its many bars, cafés, restaurants and unique boutiques that remain busy any hour of the day. Catch an indie music performance, see an art display or shop around for something unique.

Winebus Winery Tours

Winebus Winery Tours

Enjoy a full day tour with Winebus and visit four wineries, obviously with wine tasting included. The knowledgeable tour guide will share insights and show you around. It also includes a one course á la carte lunch at the Oakridge Winery restaurant.

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is located in Federation Square. This beautiful and historic building is set right next to modern buildings and is a good example of the old meeting the new. The cathedral is built in neo-Gothic style and was consecrated in 1891.

Australian Sports Museum

Australian Sports Museum

Sport is a very important part of Melbourne culture and Australian Sports Museum displays wonderful collections of cricket, football, Olympic Games, soccer and many other sports artefacts. This is a great place for the whole family; the younger visitors will certainly enjoy the on-site interactive games.

Funfields

Funfields

Funfields is located 40 kilometres north of Melbourne and is an outdoor family fun park with rides to suit all ages. Here you can enjoy limitless rides all day on all the attractions including toboggans, go karts, water slides, pony express carousel, the water playground and much, much more.

Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road

A trip along the Great Ocean Road offers magnificent views over the southern coast of Australia. The Twelve Apostles, large rocks rising out of the sea, are an especially interesting sight en route. Go on a guided tour, rent a car or a campervan to fully experience this amazing place.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market

The historic landmark Queen Victoria Market is also called "Vic Market" or the "Queen Vi". At this bustling inner-city market you can shop for almost everything, since it is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The market is truly the heart of Melbourne and well worth a visit for both locals and tourists.

Crown Casino

Crown Casino

Melbourne is famous for its huge entertainment complex, Crown Casino at Southbank. Here you can enjoy a good dinner, gamble, dance your shoes off, or do some shopping. The complex also houses hotel and spa facilities, with special package offers available.

Dandenong Ranges

Dandenong Ranges

East of Melbourne lie the Dandenong Ranges, a scenic area containing low mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, lush forests and cute little villages. Here you can ride an iconic steam train, cycle or hike through magical places such as Sherbrooke Forest, or just relax in a spa. This is a great place for all nature lovers who wish to escape the bustling city life.

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is claimed to be Australia’s foremost outdoor museum. Here you can get a glimpse of what life was like during the Gold Rush, go on a gold mine tour, and shop 1850s-style. The on-site Gold Museum chronicles the history of Ballarat, a city built with the wealth amassed during the gold rush.

Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula

Only an hour's drive from Melbourne is the Mornington Peninsula. Here you can visit wineries, some of the finest beaches, hot springs and even swim with dolphins. The peninsula is also home to a few incredible art galleries, as well as glass-blowing workshops.

Astor Theatre

Astor Theatre

The oldest single-screen theatre in Melbourne's inner suburb of St Kilda, the Astor has become a must-do for cinephiles since it first opened its doors in 1936. The classic auditorium theatre runs a program of new and classic films in 35mm, 70mm and digital formats. Come here to enjoy remastered classics, new independent movies, film festivals and special events.

Abbotsford Convent

Abbotsford Convent

Once known as the Convent of the Good Shepherd, the Convent provided refuge for vulnerable women, children and orphans. Nowadays, the convent building and formal gardens play host to events and festivals, workshops and classes, music and theatre performances, and in summer, outdoor cinema. Located on a bend of the Yarra river, the historic site features beautiful and eerie gothic spires of the convent, lush lawns, secluded courtyards and a meticulously restored formal garden. Entry is also free and the garden is open late. Have a beer or even join a team of gardening volunteers.

Melbourne’s Luna Park

Melbourne’s Luna Park

Melbourne’s Luna Park is a galaxy of amusements and sensations. From the jaw-dropping, eye-ball popping super thrill rides like the Pharaoh’s Curse, Metropolis and the Enterprise, to the exhilarating rides like the Spider, Twin Dragon, G Force and the Coney Island Top Drop, you’re bound to have an awesome time!

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