Ballarat and Sovereign Hill – Australia
What Is It – The emergence of Australia as a nation is a fascinating and inspirational story. One aspect of that story which is sometimes forgotten is that Australia had a “gold rush” which generated economic development and attracted settlers from all over the world, just as the California gold rush contributed to the transcontinental movement of people across the United States to the west coast. The Victorian gold rush began in 1851 when gold was discovered in several areas near Ballarat, a small settlement located about 70 miles northwest of Melbourne. Within a few months, prospectors, adventurers, and immigrants from as far away as Ireland and China flocked to the region. In Melbourne, thousands of men simply abandoned their jobs and families, and headed to Ballarat seeking gold licenses and hoping to make a fortune.
By the early 1860s, Ballarat had become a city of more than 60,000 people with commercial businesses, railway connections and a building boom that served the varied needs of wealthy mine owners, suppliers and struggling workers. Dozens of impressive Victorian buildings were constructed in the city center with wide verandahs using strong steel, stone, and brick material.
While the mining business eventually diminished, the City evolved into a manufacturing and industrial center. Fortunately, the many public buildings, parks, wide boulevards, and storefronts constructed during the City’s years of prosperity were generally preserved. In the 1970s, efforts to use the architectural and gold rush heritage of the community for tourism began. The City now attracts over 2 million tourists each year. In addition to popular walking tours of Lydiard Street, there are several interesting historic attractions in Ballarat which can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Sovereign Hill Mining Village
The most popular attraction is the historic mining village of Sovereign Hill which opened in 1970. Visitors to Sovereign Hill can experience the activities and environment of the Australian gold rush by interacting with historical players in period costume. One attraction is a working gold mine which can be visited by taking a small train several hundred feet down into the hillside where traditional gold mining techniques and veins can be observed in dark corridors but not touched. Another is an actual gold pour where a goldsmith heats, pounds, cools and pours liquid gold to create a gold bar. There is also a replica of a complete mining town that includes everything from a dance hall and saloons to an apothecary and a jail. Outdoor demonstrations of a traditional New Year’s parade by Chinese miners, the arrest of a criminal by a troop of soldiers, and other daily events of gold field life also take place. But two of the most popular activities among guests are to pan for gold in the stream wash or take a stagecoach ride.
Another must see site is the nearby Gold Museum which commemorates the discovery of gold in the region, the people and equipment used to mine it, and the uses of gold throughout history. There are numerous gold samples and objects on display. These include a replica of the largest nugget discovered in the region which would be valued at more than $3 million today and a sample of 99% pure Ballarat gold.
Interesting facts – During the early years of the gold rush, disputes among prospectors and authorities as to the validity of mining licenses, high fees and gold claims were frequent. Like a scene from an American western, anger over those injustices and the mistreatment of some miners boiled over in 1854 in an event known as the Eureka Rebellion. A group of miners built a stockade, burned their licenses, and raised their own flag. Several hundred soldiers and police attacked the stockade, leading to the death of 22 miners. This event shocked Australians and eventually led to governmental inquiries, the end of the licensing system and greater voting rights for citizens. Today, this rebellion as well as the history of other democratic movements is celebrated at the Ballarat Museum of Australian Democracy.
When to Go - The weather in Ballarat is quite pleasant throughout the year with changes of season. Temperatures generally range from the low 60s to 80s from October to late April which is Australia’s spring and summer. From May to September, which is Australia’s late fall and winter, the daytime temperature is likely to be in the 40s or low 50s. While snow is rare during those months, precipitation and humidity are more common.
How to Get Here – There are several direct flights to Australia from the west coast of the United States on United, Delta and Virgin Australia, but all of them go to Sydney or Brisbane first except for a direct United flight to Melbourne from Los Angeles. Other people fly to Australia after stopping in London, Singapore, or Hong Kong. Once in Melbourne, Ballarat can be reached in 90 minutes by traveling on the M8 highway with a tour group or private guide.
Cost – A day trip tour to Ballarat from Melbourne will usually cost about $100 per person. If you travel on your own or with friends, admission to Sovereign Hill including the Gold Museum costs about $45 for adults and $20 for children.