Victoria’s favourite tourism destination – only a short drive away - is home to a diversity of new seasonal events, and for this coming Autumn, will deliver unique experiences that celebrate the environment, sustainability, food experiences and the role of women on the goldfields.

In recognition of International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March, Way Back When historians (https://www.waybackwhen.com.au/) Lucy Bracey and Fiona Poulton will share their recent discoveries, uncovered whilst researching the Pioneer Women of Ballarat portrait montage, housed in Sovereign Hill’s collection. This session coincides with the launch of a new e-publication – Courage and Resilience: The Pioneer Women of Ballarat Montage – by Way Back When. Representing a timely recognition of women, this event focuses on unpacking the strength and contribution of women’s stories during Ballarat’s rich goldfields history. Held in the Sovereign Hill Theatre at 5.45pm, tickets are $5 plus booking fee. Click here to book tickets.

Marking the changing of the seasons, Autumn is a special time to discover the joys of the Sovereign Hill gardens. With hectares of garden and over 165 fruit trees on site, the Sovereign Hill Garden Tour focuses on the cottage gardens throughout the iconic facades of Speedwell Street. Join one of Sovereign Hill’s knowledgeable and passionate gardeners as they take you on a sensory journey. Taste, touch and smell the herbs and flowers, exactly as they would have been planted during the Goldrush. Pick up some tips to take home to your own garden. This event is being held in partnership with the Ballarat Begonia Festival. Taking place from 11th - 20th March at 1pm, this opportunity is included in your ticket price.

Know your dandelion from your chickweed? Nettle from Blackberry? Learn how to identify edible and nutritious weeds as you wander the vast grounds of Sovereign Hill. Join Caroline Parker from The Cottage Herbalist on a guided weed-foraging adventure and discover the historic and folkloric use of herbs and maybe even experience their healing medicinal properties.

Taking place on 12th March at 11am and 2pm, tickets are $49 + booking fee. Click here to purchase.

Discover the exquisite splendour of Narmbool – Sovereign Hill’s 2000-hectare property at Elaine, nestled between Ballarat and Geelong on Wadawurrung land. Narmbool is a working, sustainable farm with a diverse and fragile ecosystem that protects and provides a healthy habitat for native wildlife and flora. Set in the luxuriant homestead gardens, The Garden Room will transport you to another time as you enjoy a fine selection of savouries, sweets and a refreshing brew. Taking place on 20th March and 24th April at 2pm, the tickets are from $30 for children and $68 per adult. Book by calling 03 5337 1199 to reserve a seat at the table.

During Autumn, the classic activities that visitors expect at Sovereign Hill will be available to experience and included in the price of a day ticket. Meet the Butcher in his shambles down on the diggings; stop by and say, ‘top of the morning!’ to Pol the Sly Grog Seller and learn how this widowed Irish mother makes ends meet. Observe confectionery making, blacksmithing and printing demonstrations, look out for the Redcoats as they march up the hill and try your hand at bowling - plus so much more.

Book tickets at: https://bookings.sovereignhill.com.au

Sovereign Hill is located at Bradshaw Street, Ballarat and sits on Wadawurrung Country.

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