victoria - 101 Must Do's - travel

107 Joke

Aug 5th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

whe are from holland and whe are two times beeing there beatiffull
the last time whe where there in januari 2008
whit oure grandchilderen whe found some gold
its a place whe are never forget so great
next time whe are in aussie land
whe are sure going to sovereign hill
bye bye fore now

106 Rosalind Richardson

Aug 5th, 2008 at 11:01 am

I love Soverign Hill my Mother lives just down the road so we have been a few times taking my Brother from England once a few years ago it still has the power to transport you back in time no matter how many times you go and at night the blood on the southern cross is a must see even on a cold night it is really interesting just love it

105 L.Dalton

Aug 3rd, 2008 at 12:57 am

We visited Ballarat’s ‘Sovereign Hill ‘, many moons ago with our two children, (who are now in their 30’s ). I will never forget the expressions on their faces of excitement and anticipation of what they were going to experience next. Staff in period costumes, who were very engaging with all visitors, made the experience so much more authentic . I truly felt we had stepped back in time . Panning for gold nuggets was so exciting ! .The beautiful aroma of pies and pastries wafting from the bakery yummy !.The lollie shop with its jars of colourful sweets, lined up on the counter ,It was hard to choose which to try !. The photographic studio, where you could have your own family portrait in period clothing.The old school room where you could experience a lesson in writing with ink and pen of the time. So much to see and do, Wonderful memories of those visits. We have just become grandparents for the first time and I cannot wait to take our grandson to experience the sights, sounds,and aromas of the bakery and lollie shop ! . I would recommend a visit To Ballarat’s ‘Sovereign Hill’ to all tourists !.

104 Elise Watson

Aug 2nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm

Ab fab. Even better in winter on a semi-rainy day, virtually no one there. Like being transported back in time.

103 Alice

Aug 1st, 2008 at 11:20 am

Each time I go to Sovereign Hill they have a new attraction, so it is always worth a return visit

102 W.F.Burgess

Jul 25th, 2008 at 10:44 am

Sovereign Hill Shows visitors the hardships, the lifestyle, that our forefathers experienced in building the Australia Culture, the Australian Character, that we are so proud of today.
It shows the the period that formed the foundation stones of this Great Australian Country and Culture.

101 Paul

Jul 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 pm

Sovereign Hill isn’t just an interesting place to look at old stuff. The best thing about it is the actors who are “living” the 1850’s. So you’re not just looking at history - you are there!

100 Sue Westwood

Jul 23rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm

Love the character and characters of the place. There were plenty of activities for everyone. A great weekend’s activity

99 Kurt

Jul 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 am

I am usually loath to go to anything designated a ‘tourist destination’, but Sovereign Hill proved me wrong. It is so much more, like a slice of history come to life! Keep up the great work Sovereign Hill!

98 Sam

Jul 23rd, 2008 at 9:21 am

Always a great day out, so many interesting things to do and see. A top day for the family!

97 Margaret Staples

Jul 22nd, 2008 at 5:26 pm

Always a wonderful interesting and exciting place to visit, makes for a great day out. I love the authenticity of everything.

96 Peter

Jul 22nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm

The experience of the school holiday program was one of an ever lasting effect on my Grand Children they had a great time coming down the snow shute and in the Candle makers, however nothing was better than panning for Gold and getting some.

95 Paul

Jul 22nd, 2008 at 10:36 am

As an employee of Nicholson Construction who have built many a project @ Sovereign Hill & a parent taking my family along i can say that it makes for a great day out

94 Frances

Jul 21st, 2008 at 11:36 pm

A great day out for any age. You are totally swept away and experience what life was really like back in the gold rush days.

93 Ruth Dunn

Jul 21st, 2008 at 3:01 pm

Because it is a great re creation of the Gold Rush and you can spend all day there exploring.

92 Squiz

Jul 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm

A fantastic family day trip or better still stay the night and see the Sound and light show. Watch that gold fever doesn’t get you while panning for gold!

91 William Dobson

Jul 21st, 2008 at 2:33 pm

True Replica of our Golden Past.Best one in Australia by far.

90 Andrew

Jul 18th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

Recreated history at its best. Sovereign Hill sets the standard for others to follow. Attention to detail like no other.

89 Lee Barker

Jul 18th, 2008 at 7:09 pm

A great historical museum. I had been before but it was still great. The staff were always willing to talk to us about the history. I was disappointed that I could spend more time there. I will be back.

88 Leonie

Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

Its fantastic to keep our history alive and hands on for the upcoming generations. To tell them about how things were is one thing, but for them to see, feel and experience first hand the reality of how things are is precious. Sovereign Hill has done that to perfection

87 Lee

Jul 16th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

A quality experience that is value for money. An all day adventure made more enjoyable by the costumed staff and volunteers.

86 Gabriella

Jul 13th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

We are lucky to have the opportunity to step back into the 1850’s and get a taste of what it was like to live in this “gold rush” community. To learn what these miners had to endure, made us appreciate our living and working conditions.
All the information about Eureka Stockade is at our fingertips, but nothing beats being there for the re-enactment!

85 paul

Jul 13th, 2008 at 6:07 pm

every one has to do blood on the southern cross lazer and light show we had the most fun time learning all about the gold rush.FANTASTIC experience

84 Betrh Evans

Jul 13th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

What a fantastic place to totaly immerse yourself in the good old days.The food ,costumes and transport to the fun street theatre .I loved it and so did my kids.Its one of those places that is age defying.From the gold panning to the night time laser light show I would 100%reccommend this place.

83 Vicky

Jul 12th, 2008 at 5:46 pm

It is such a great place for every age group of the family - even grandma enjoyed it. We will be going back again definately.

82 Jody Craig

Jul 11th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

Soverign hill is an experience for the kids that you cant get anywhere else, the snow magic just topped of our visit.

81 Marita Cassar

Jul 10th, 2008 at 7:18 pm

What a wonderful winter wonderland Soverein Hill was today. The “Blackbeard the pirate” pantomine was such a great relief to tired feet and great entertainment for young and old. And panning is fun and addictive no matter what the weather’s like.

80 Tanya

Jul 10th, 2008 at 7:21 am

Fun for the whole family
Kids can enjoy a fun packed day without a computer toy in sight

79 Angela

Jul 9th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

A day at Sovereign Hill is fun and exciting for all ages, from the horse and carrige rides to panning for gold, it is like stepping back into the 1850’s. A great experience to see and learn about the life of our pioneers. A great day out for the young and old!

78 Ella Carroll

Jul 8th, 2008 at 6:33 pm

I love sovereign hill because me and my primary school went there and we loved it.
And this week there’s SNOW!!!
i cant wait to go again with my family!!!!!!

77 david

Jul 8th, 2008 at 4:19 pm

A fulsome day out both learning and enjoying an important part of our history and culture.. it’s informative, tasty and fun!

76 Steve Crocker

Jul 8th, 2008 at 10:41 am

I’m not racist - I love Sovereigners!
History comes alive at this Time Machine of a place.
And the pace is certainly not Rushed!
A really pleasant and informative experience.

75 Julie

Jul 6th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

“Rush boys, Rush.
Rush to Sovereign Hill”
But I think the ad should now sing “Rush boys and girls” Either way, do drop in as it’s so much FUN. I especially liked the lolly shop and the bowling alley.

74 franki

Jul 6th, 2008 at 7:53 pm

today we took 2 grandchildren and our 9 year old daughter to sovereign hill and we all had a fantastic time i dont think there are many places these days that can cater for everyone like they do.

73 fiona nuske

Jul 6th, 2008 at 11:25 am

Sovereign hill is a great place for familys there is so much to do with gold panning, lollie shop, school and old time ten pin bowling, and with my childrens ages of 14,12 and 8 months there is something for everyone to do, we really enjoyed the real snow this year and it made for a magical experience.

72 Dianne Towers

Jul 5th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

I love Sovereign Hill! I went once while a student and I always wanted to stay there over night! Eventually I booked through RACV to stay over night with my husband and 3 young children, and we had a fantastic time. That was over 7 years ago, so we are booked in to do another overnight stay there next week! I can’t wait!

71 Jane

Jul 3rd, 2008 at 8:59 pm

There is something for everyone; from the history buff to the child who can’t sit still. At times you really feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

70 Jazamyne

Jul 3rd, 2008 at 1:41 am

I think Sovereign Hill is an amazing magical experience for anyone of any age. You feel alive and part of the atmosphere. It is so much fun and educational at the same time! I can’t wait to go back with my new bub and let her experience the magic!

69 HowardM

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 6:29 pm

A world class outdoor / indoor historical museum and living history experience, entertaining, informative and full of atmosphere, the closest most of us will get to time travel! The dedicated and enthusiatic full-time and volunteer staff always strive to ensure that everyone visiting has a never-to-be forgotten plunge into the sights, sounds, smells and lifestyle of the goldrush days. A top class, must see attraction - allow a full day to take it all in. Visitors should also make sure to include the Gold Museum opposite Sovereign Hill, included in the entry fee. Packages are also available to include on-site overnight accomodation, and the “Blood on the Southern Cross” sound and light show, relating the story of the Eureka Stockade.

68 Ness

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 5:50 pm

Its the best place to go ever!!! It shows you how its was in those GOLD RUSH DAYS!!! And at the same time theres a lollie shop and bakery. YOu also learn heaps from it!! The snow they have is really cool!!! My kids love it!

67 michael

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 10:45 am

Sovereign Hill is a fine example of quality AND quantity. The park can take many visits to see the many minor attentions to detail that goes into the overall effect.

You don’t need to have children to enjoy yourself - it is fascinating for both big and small.

And you can’t help but get excited by finding a little speck of gold.

66 Pete

Jul 1st, 2008 at 9:06 pm

Sovereign Hill is one of the top attractions over the school holidays with all the snow in the main St and the great variety of things for families on school holidays.
The food and the attention to detail by staff has been a great help in keeping the young ones enthused during the day.

65 Vivian Axelson

Jul 1st, 2008 at 2:19 pm

Sovereign Hill captures the importance of the gold digging in that area with attention to the lifestyle,living conditions and sacrifices made by the gold diggers and their families to try and strike it rich!

64 Maria

Jun 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm

I recall when I was about 12 going to Sovereign Hill with my school & thoroughly enjoying it. I went again with my husband just after we were married & now we’re taking my daughter for her birthday.

She doesn’t know where we’re going yet, but I know she’s going to love it as I did when I was a kid!

63 Craig Atkins

Jun 30th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

Still a great place to go for the kids

62 faye

Jun 29th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

Soverign Hill is a step back in time. An opportunity for everyone to really see how things were for our pioneers. Absolutely fabulous tourist attraction.

61 Debbie

Jun 27th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

I love Sovereign Hill because it takes me back to when I was in primary school.I used to love going on the excursions and make believing that I was part of the town and lived exactly like everyone there. Everyone was so friendly that it really made me believe that I belonged. Now, it is my childrens turn to experience the fantastic and fasinating Sovereign Hill. And learn about our history in a fun way.

60 Kathy

Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Soverign Hill is a great lasting experiance. Its something l remember being excited about when visiting with my family as a kid. Now as a parent it is still a fantastic family activity to take the kids to. Not only is it educational but the kids absolutely love it. It always changes with different themes to match the school holidays. It has something for everyone, young and old.

59 Nicki Wilson

Jun 27th, 2008 at 12:41 pm

Soverign Hill is great for the whole family of all ages. There is always something new and exciting awaiting.

58 SH.MALONE.

Jun 24th, 2008 at 2:24 am

I had searched lots of the photoes and trip log from internet, i like fantastic trip so much, Soverign Hill should be the best one for my next trip.

57 Josette Cole

Jun 23rd, 2008 at 9:40 pm

I went on school camp to Sovereign Hill in primary school; we got to wear the old fashined clothes, and go to school where we learned to write with a dip pen and ink. Now I’m 25 and still love Sovereign Hill! I love experiencing how life was in Victoria in the 1850s, hearing the horses clopping up the road, visiting all the old fashioned shops - especially the lolly shop! They have the best fudge and boiled lollies in the world!

56 Deanna Cross

Jun 23rd, 2008 at 9:20 pm

I remember many trips to Soverign Hill with my grandparents, parents, brothers and sister when i was growing up. Now married with my own little boy, we love to go back to Soverign Hill every year and do all those things we did as kids with our children. Soverign Hill is always changing, but one thing remains the same, you never grow to old for the lolly shop, panning for gold or being taken for a ride in the old horse drawn coaches. A truly wonderful day out for the whole family.

55 Aime Sacrez

Jun 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 am

Sovereign hill is a beautiful historical town.
Shops and workplaces are authentic and they really function as real things in this town.
I felt like I was in 1850s Ballarat.
I will definitely go back there again to experience the amazing 1850s period.

54 Jenny

Jun 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 pm

For a family outing, you can’t beat Sovereign Hill. This time, we’re taking our cousin from America. We could never convey to her the essence of Australian history that one day in Sovereign Hill can. Add to that the drama of Blood on the Southern Cross and she’ll know more about Aussie history than some who live here! What an enjoyable way to learn!

53 Magdalena

Jun 22nd, 2008 at 4:06 pm

I went to see it last week. I loved it - gold panning was great fun! Best thing about it it really looks authentic! From the ‘live country band’ at the town hotel, to mini ‘chinatown’ and all the shops. Feels like you really went back in time!

52 Janelle JONES

Jun 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am

Whenever myself or family have visited Victoria we try to make a point of doing something extra special for the children and Sovereign Hill comes out tops every time. My family hosted a young lady (exchange student) from Germany and both this young lady and myself visited Melbourne. I rented a car and drove from Melbourne to Sovereign Hill just so she could experience the olden times in Australia. The young lady concerned was very appreciative and took so many photos. Her comments that it was the highlight of her stay in Australia and she would have to come back with her family to visit.

51 Sofia & Ian

Jun 18th, 2008 at 8:57 am

We have been several times and will go agian - great place - wonderful shows - history comes alive!!

50 Nola Vella

Jun 17th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

Sovereign Hill is a unique place to visit. It gives us a fascinating insight into an important era in our history-the gold rush. As you enter the gates, you feel transported back in time to the hustle and bustle of the diggings and the lure of gold.

49 Joanne

Jun 17th, 2008 at 11:18 am

Sovereign Hill is an amazing place. I take my children there every school holidays and we easily spend the day exploring different things. What a fantastic place..

48 Adele Graham

Jun 14th, 2008 at 7:43 pm

As I have had the experience of working at Sovereign Hill over 10 years ago now, you get lost in another world, another time frame of history, experiencing the overall life of what a person would have to endure back then. No technology of what we have today. If no one have been to Sovereign Hill, I recommend that you take the time to experience it.

47 Graham

Jun 11th, 2008 at 10:16 am

I work at Sovereign Hill in a entirely different light than one would expect when walking through the Museum.
You see Sovereign Hill is a very diverse place, starting from the front car park you have the Gift Shop then the Entrance Building which caters for Blood on the Southern Cross bookings as well as Entrance Tickets, the Education Building, we have a lot of children visit, The Bakery, Photographers, Post Office, Two Hotels which include catering, Candlemakers, Bowling Alley, Tinsmiths, Foundry, Steam Ops, Mine Tours, Battery House, Gold Pour, More Education Buildings, Waterloo Store at the Diggings, Criterion Store (clothes, hats etc), Jewelley shop, General Store, Lollie Shop, Printers, Chinese Village to name a few. I service 95% of these very different places.
Can you guess what I do?

I.T. (Information Technology).

46 Alex H

Jun 11th, 2008 at 9:42 am

An outstanding example of how a “museum” can capture the imagination of children and adults alike. No longer a static and stuffy exhibition this is a vibrant and exciting living collection. Its does for history what Harry Potter did for childrens literature.

45 Wendy D'Arcy

Jun 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Been there 3 times and will go back again you feel like your in a time warp

44 Gordon

Jun 10th, 2008 at 10:15 am

I relation to Phils comment, I am a regular visitor to Sovereign Hill and I differ with his comments regarding historical integrity. Sovereign Hill is great at what it sets to achieve but is now sadly lacking in what it once had. Artificia

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