Departs: Melbourne 8.20 am - Returns: Approx. 5.30 pm

The past is very much present in towns like Ballarat whose early wealth and proud history was due to the mighty gold discovery of the mid 1850s. The glorious legacy that gold bestowed on this colonial town is still evident in the respectfully restored buildings and atmosphere of proud Ballarat. Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is a perfectly re-created example of Gold rush life during Victoria's Golden era. Explore the daily ritual of this Gold town and stroll the main street to visit with goldsmiths, crafts people, traders, soldiers and the like. Find your own fortune whilst panning for gold in the stream, go "underground" to the fascinating Gold mine and museum or ride the stage-coach through the village. Exhibits and displays unfold before you as you stroll though this bustling pioneer township. Have a chat to the gentle town folk and be captivated by the friendly outlook on their 1850s daily life.