Highlights
Embark on an epic day trip from Melbourne with Ballarat Sovereign Hill Tours, blending gold rush history, nature, and local flavors. Relive the 1850s at Sovereign Hill, panning for gold and exploring mines with costumed guides. Pick seasonal fruits at Bacchus Marsh, sip wines at St Anne’s Winery, and savor treats at Ballarat Chocolate Shoppe. Optionally, spot kangaroos at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Admire Ballarat’s Victorian architecture, stroll serene Lake Wendouree, and wander the historic Ballarat Botanical Gardens. With customisable stops like Kryal Castle, this tour suits history buffs, families, and nature lovers. Book now or search “Private Ballarat & Sovereign Hill Gold Mine Tours” for a Victorian adventure!
About This Deal
Duration
9 hours and 30 minutes
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Ballarat Wildlife Park
250 Fussell Streets, , Ballarat, Victoria
**(Seasonal)**Strawberry Picking at Bacchus Marsh: Kick off your journey with a stop at Bacchus Marsh, a charming region just en route to Ballarat, famous for its fertile orchards. Depending on the season, you can enjoy fruit picking, cherries, or strawberries straight from the tree. This hands on activity is a hit with families and adds a fresh, flavorful twist to your tour. It’s the perfect way to break up the one hour drive from Melbourne while soaking in Victoria’s countryside charm. Search for “seasonal fruit picking near Melbourne” and Bacchus Marsh will top the list, making it a delightful addition to your Ballarat adventure.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery Precinct
Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, VIC 3350
Sip and Savor at St Anne’s Winery Ballarat ! Wine enthusiasts, rejoice! A visit to St Anne’s Winery in Ballarat offers a chance to unwind with a tasting of their finest vintages. Nestled in the region’s picturesque landscape, this boutique winery specialises in cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It’s an ideal stop to relax, sip, and savor the flavors of Victoria’s acclaimed wine country. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a connoisseur searching for “wineries near Ballarat,” St Anne’s delivers a refined experience that complements the tour’s rugged historical theme.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ballarat
Ballarat, VIC
**Optional** Kryal Castle, nestled in the picturesque Ballarat region, offers a unique blend of medieval adventure and fun. Explore this enchanting castle with its knights, dragons, and spellbinding shows.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Sovereign Hill/Bradshaw St
Golden Point, VIC 3350
The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a zoo in Ballarat, Victoria. Opened in February 1985, it is privately owned by founder Greg Parker, and Julia Leonard and managed by Jared Mulholland.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ballarat Botanical Gardens
401-405 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree, VIC 3350
Indulge at Ballarat Chocolate Shoppe Sweeten your day with a stop at the Ballarat Chocolate Shoppe, where handmade chocolates and decadent treats await. From rich truffles to creamy fudges, this local gem is a paradise for dessert lovers. Pick up a souvenir or simply enjoy a well-deserved indulgence after exploring Sovereign Hill. It’s a small but delightful highlight that ties into Ballarat’s reputation for unique local experiences perfect for anyone searching best chocolate shops in Ballarat.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: St. Anne's Winery - Myrniong
64 Garrards Lane, Myrniong, VIC 3341
Explore the Heritage Buildings of Ballarat! Ballarat’s gold rush wealth left behind a legacy of stunning heritage buildings, and our tour takes you through the city’s historic heart. Admire grand Victorian architecture, from ornate theaters to elegant town halls, each telling a story of prosperity and ambition. Stroll the streets and feel the echoes of the 1850s a time when fortune-seekers transformed Ballarat into a thriving hub. This is a must-see for history enthusiasts and photographers looking for “heritage sites in Victoria” or “Ballarat walking tours.”
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Kryal Castle
121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek, VIC 3352
Adjacent to Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a horticultural treasure spanning 40 hectares. Established in 1857, these gardens feature vibrant flowerbeds, a modern conservatory, and the unique Prime Ministers Avenue with bronze busts of Australia’s leaders. It’s a relaxing finale to your tour, offering beauty and history in equal measure. Perfect for nature lovers or anyone Googling “best gardens in Victoria,” this stop rounds out your Ballarat experience with elegance and calm.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ballarat Chocolate Shoppe
16 Doveton Street North, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Serenity at Lake Wendouree Nature takes center stage at Lake Wendouree, a serene oasis in the heart of Ballarat. Surrounded by a 6km walking trail, this picturesque lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of reflection. Spot black swans and native birds, or simply enjoy the tranquil views framed by heritage trees. It’s a peaceful contrast to the bustle of Sovereign Hill and a top spot for those searching “scenic places in Ballarat” or “outdoor activities near Melbourne.”
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Naturipe Fruits - Bacchus Marsh Cherry, Stonefruit and Apple Farm
638 Bacchus Marsh Road, Bacchus Marsh, VIC 3340
At the heart of the tour lies Sovereign Hill, Ballarat’s world-famous outdoor museum that recreates life in the 1850s gold rush era. Known as the “City of Gold,” Sovereign Hill offers an authentic glimpse into Australia’s past with its meticulously reconstructed streets, homes, pubs, and shops. Costumed staff bring the experience to life, interacting with visitors as if it’s still the 19th century. A standout activity here is panning for gold try your luck in the creek and feel the rush of striking it rich, just like the prospectors of old. The underground mine tours are another highlight, taking you deep beneath the surface to explore the gritty reality of gold mining. With its blend of interactive fun and historical insight, Sovereign Hill is a top attraction for anyone searching for “gold rush tours near Melbourne” or “things to do in Ballarat.”
Duration: 3 hours
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Entrance fee - Sovereign Hill Entrance fee are not included in the tour group pricing. AUD 55.00 per person
- Visit to the Ballarat Chocolate Shoppe
- Wine tasting at St Anne’s Winery
Traveler Pickup Information
* We usually get in touch with our guests within 24-48 hours before the tour. This way, you still have plenty of time to change your mind if needed (Viator refund Policy), while also giving us enough time to finalise everything for you.
* We will call you via phone or WhatsApp and share the details regarding your Tour Driver/Guide details. You can choose a pick up point anywhere inside 5 kms radius of Melbourne CBD.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the bustourscharters in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Fine Print
7-day cancellation rights do not apply; no refunds or exchanges permitted. Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates. Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment. Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale do not apply. See the tour operators terms and conditions for this offer here.
Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.