One of my earliest memories of Melbourne was a family day trip out to Ballarat to visit Sovereign Hill. It was so long ago, that it was definitely worth another visit.
Take a step back in time
Sovereign Hill is an outdoor museum, which takes you back to the 1850's, giving you a glimpse of Ballarat during the gold rush days. Costumed staff wander the grounds bringing visitors right into living history, leaving you with no doubt how hard life was back then.
There's so much to do at Sovereign Hill, so you'll need to make sure you grab a map at the front door to plan your day. From coach rides to gold panning, and candle-making to mine tours - you won't be bored.
First up, I booked a ticket to one of Sovereign Hill's three mine adventures - 'Journey Through the Labryinth of Gold'. You can choose to do 'Trapped' or the 'Secret Chamber', but whichever tour you choose, you'll get a good glimpse into the life of a miner in the goldfields at that time.
There's lots to look out for while you are strolling the streets, and I'm not just talking about the horse poo! You can send a postcard from the post office (post marked Sovereign Hill), grab your very own WANTED poster, taste some boiled sweets and watch the Red Coats fire off their rifles - just make sure you cover your ears.
Panning for Gold
Choose from several places to grab some lunch - the New York Bakery delivers great sit down meals and afternoon teas, but if you are after something a bit more casual, don't forget to check out the bakery.
Grab a good old fashioned pie
Before you call it a day, make sure you take in the 'Blood on the Southern Cross' sound and light spectacular, which presents the dramatic story of the Eureka Stockade Rebellion that took place in 1854. Bookings to the show are essential, so enquire at the bookings desk in the Entrance Building when you arrive.
And after your long day soaking up the delights of yesteryear, you can even stay the night.
