Thank you to our host Ian, who very kindly managed to wangle us some complimentary tickets to Ballarat’s most famous and award-winning attraction, Sovereign Hill. The site is a living museum which recreates the local area as it was in the 1850s, at the start of the gold rush era. As I love all that gold fever history, I had a great day out.

After purchasing some snacks at Ye Olde Bakery, we wandered the Wild West style shops and buildings, taking in the post office, candle makers and confectioners, before having a go at 19th century bowling – without the mechanics of the modern day, Dave was in charge of re-setting the cumbersome pins. We enjoyed the walking tour of the mines, which were very realistic with one exception: the pre-recorded guide, reportedly a Cornish tin miner and owner of the mine, had an accent which varied between Irish and Welsh and ended up sounding like a pirate! I think the Aussies have some way to go at perfecting their regional British accents.

Before leaving we were keen to try panning for gold in the museum’s river. Apparently they add slivers of gold to the river everyday, and if you’re VERY patient and methodical, you might find one. I gave up looking when the girl next to me found gold the size of a pin head – I’m not going to get rich from that! I was hoping for more of a nugget. Despite not coming away any richer, we had a great day out at this authentic museum with lots to do.

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