You will be picked up in air conditioned comfort by an English speaking guide for this small group tour.
Journey west out of Melbourne to Ballarat where your first stop will be the stunning Botanical Gardens. Stretch your legs with a leisurely walk to see over 50 trees listed on the National Trust Significant Trees Register, then wander through the conservatory where you can see captivating floral displays like Hydrangeas in Summer, Chrysanthemums in May and Spring Bulbs in Spring.
Our next stop is the picturesque Lake Wendouree, the rowing and canoeing venue for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, now it’s a beautiful space you can enjoy featuring gardens, sculptures, and a variety of birdlife. Take a relaxing wander around this beautiful lake, spot some of 166 different wildlife species that call this lake home, including the elegant Black Swans.
Then we step back in time to the Gold Rush of 1850 at Sovereign Hill where traditional craft demonstrations and opportunities to pan for Gold await you. Pan for gold, tour underground mines, see demonstrations of traditional crafts such as candle making and blacksmithing, get dressed up in traditional clothes * and enjoy a horse and coach ride*, meet Polly the sly read more...
You will be picked up in air conditioned comfort by an English speaking guide for this small group tour.
Journey west out of Melbourne to Ballarat where your first stop will be the stunning Botanical Gardens. Stretch your legs with a leisurely walk to see over 50 trees listed on the National Trust Significant Trees Register, then wander through the conservatory where you can see captivating floral displays like Hydrangeas in Summer, Chrysanthemums in May and Spring Bulbs in Spring.
Our next stop is the picturesque Lake Wendouree, the rowing and canoeing venue for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, now it’s a beautiful space you can enjoy featuring gardens, sculptures, and a variety of birdlife. Take a relaxing wander around this beautiful lake, spot some of 166 different wildlife species that call this lake home, including the elegant Black Swans.
Then we step back in time to the Gold Rush of 1850 at Sovereign Hill where traditional craft demonstrations and opportunities to pan for Gold await you. Pan for gold, tour underground mines, see demonstrations of traditional crafts such as candle making and blacksmithing, get dressed up in traditional clothes * and enjoy a horse and coach ride*, meet Polly the sly grog seller, witness the Trooper Musket Firing and so much more! You will also be able to buy your own lunch here.
From here we visit the Eureka Centrein Ballarat and learn about the cultural impact of the gold rush and the miner’s rebellion. The museum has engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and is surrounded by the heritage listed Eureka Stockade Memorial Park.
Your day will finish with the most spectacular view from the Melbourne Skydeck, 88 floors up in the Eureka Tower! The Skydeck is the highest viewing attraction in the Southern Hemisphere, a whole 300 metres high! Now that’s seeing Melbourne from a whole new level. You’ll arrive at the 88th floor via the fastest lift in the Southern Hemisphere taking a mere 38 seconds. With panoramic views of stunning Melbourne and beyond, it’s the perfect way to finish the day.
Tour includes:
- Scenic drive west from Melbourne to Ballarat
- Visit the stunning Ballarat Botanical Gardens
- See magnificent trees so special they’re listed on the National Trust Significant Trees Register
- Enjoy the beautiful seasonal floral displays in the Conservatory
- Take in the tranquility of Lake Wendouree
- Step back in time at the famous open air museum Sovereign Hill
- Pan for gold, see demonstrations of traditional craft, and immerse yourself in the life of an 1850’s goldfields town
- Visit the Eureka Centre and learn about the miner’s rebellion
- Enjoy the leisurely drive back to Melbourne to see the spectacular Melbourne Skyline from 88 floors up on Melbourne Skydeck
- All admission fees
Tour departs:
7.30am on Tuesdays & Friday's from from Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne with the tour returning around 4.30pm
What to bring:
Water (we encourage the use of reusable water bottles), Hat, Sunscreen, Camera, warm clothing, an umbrella if rain is forecast
NOTE: Child ages 4-15yrs inclusive. * If you wish to dress up in olden day clothes at Sovereign Hill and have your photographs taken, this is an additional cost.
