Sovereign Hill, Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Skydeck Bus Tour

Ballarat , Australia

Sovereign Hill, Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Skydeck Bus Tour

Active

(5 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step back in time to the Goldrush era at Sovereign Hill, visit the Eureka Centre, see stunning floral displays in the botanical gardens and finish the day with the best view of Melbourne from the Skydeck on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower.

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 for a wander amongst the flowers and heritage trees, then visit the picturesque Lake Wendouree. Time to 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. From here we visit the Eureka Centre, historic site of the miner’s rebellion. Your day will finish with the most spectacular view from the Melbourne Skydeck, 88 floors up in the Eureka Tower!

Available options

Sovereign Hill, Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Skydeck Bus Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Pick up and drop off to central Melbourne location + all entrance & admissions fees included.

Detailed itinerary

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.
Time here includes travel from Melbourne

Lake Wendouree was 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.

Stop 3

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of an 1850 Goldfields town at the open-air museum Sovereign Hill. 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.

* Entry to Sovereign Hill is covered in this tour, however if you wish to dress up in old fashioned clothing or take a horse coach ride, you will need to book and pay for this upon arrival at Sovereign Hill. NOTE: Subject to Sovereign Hill daily availability.

Visit the Eureka Centre in 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.

Stop 5

Time for a rest on the journey back to the Eureka Tower where you will enjoy the spectacular Melbourne Skydeck experience. 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.
Time here includes travel time to Melbourne.

What's not included

Food and drink not included, you will have opportunities to purchase your own meals and we encourage you to bring your own reuseable water bottle.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 2.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants aged under 3 years old are welcome to attend free of charge providing they do not occupy a seat. If a seat is required for the infant, please purchase a child ticket for them.

About Ballarat

Ballarat is a historic gold-rush city in Victoria, Australia, known for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum that recreates the gold rush era of Ballarat. Visitors can experience gold panning, historic trades, and live performances.

Historical 3-4 hours Approximately $45 for adults, $25 for children

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens feature a variety of plant species, including a stunning collection of roses.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest regional gallery in Australia and houses a significant collection of Australian and international art.

Museum 1-2 hours Approximately $10 for adults, $5 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Golden Grill Pie

A traditional Australian meat pie with a golden, flaky crust, often filled with beef and gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Ballarat Cheese

Locally produced cheeses, including cheddar, brie, and blue cheese.

Snack Vegetarian

Lake Wendouree Fish

Freshly caught fish from Lake Wendouree, often served with local vegetables and herbs.

Dinner Gluten-free and dairy-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Gold panning Spa treatments Picnicking Scenic drives Art gallery visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

GMT+10

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ballarat is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Avalon Airport • 50 km from Ballarat
Melbourne Airport • 120 km from Ballarat

By train

Ballarat Station

By bus

Ballarat Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and user-friendly, with regular services throughout the day.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ballarat Central Brown Hill Skipton

Day trips

Hepburn Springs

30 km from Ballarat • Half day to full day

Hepburn Springs is a picturesque town known for its natural mineral springs and spa retreats. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at one of the many spas or explore the surrounding countryside.

Daylesford

40 km from Ballarat • Full day

Daylesford is a charming town known for its natural beauty, art galleries, and gourmet dining. Visitors can explore the town's many attractions or enjoy a day trip to nearby Wombat State Forest.

Pyrenees Wine Region

50 km from Ballarat • Full day

The Pyrenees Wine Region is a beautiful and historic wine-growing area with a variety of wineries and vineyards. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, gourmet dining, and scenic drives through the countryside.

Festivals

Ballarat Heritage Festival • September Ballarat International Foto Biennale • August Ballarat Begonia Festival • March

Pro tips

Visit Sovereign Hill in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more immersive experience
Explore the city's historic architecture on a self-guided walking tour
Try a golden grill pie, a local specialty
Visit the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in the spring or autumn for the most beautiful displays
Check the schedules for local events and festivals, as Ballarat has a vibrant arts and culture scene