There's work
to be done.

Ever wanted to learn to build tools, forge metal and use an anvil? Join our talented blacksmiths as they take you through some of the basics of blacksmithing and give you a glimpse into life as a blacksmith on the Ballarat goldfields. Participants must be over 16 years.

Watch how our talented wheelwrights machine and assemble the components of a wooden wheel using the latest in 1800s wheelmaking technology. Then try finishing your own spoke with hand held tools.

Back in the 1800s, everything was made by hand and even the simplest piece of clothing had a story to tell. Go back in time and join us to craft your own belt using traditional methods at Sovereign Hill’s leather harness workshop. Participants must be over 16 years.

Brown’s Confectionery Factory is hiring! So get your uniforms on and help us make some butterscotch lollies. Smell, touch, and roll your own lollies while learning about the sweet treats of the goldfields. Participants must be at least 130 cms tall.

Become a candlemaker at Hewett’s Candle Works and learn how to make your very own candle. Our candlemaker will entrust you with the secrets of good candle making and hopefully ignite a whole new passion. Participants must be at least 130 cms tall.

Spend the morning sewing alongside the amazing Sovereign Hill Costume team. Learn how they create the look and feel of Sovereign Hill through costume as you create your very own Victorian apron. Participants need to bring their own sewing machine.

One of the most important jobs on the goldfields was looking after the animals. Wake up early and join our baby animals for their morning feed. This early morning experience is only available for Sovereign Hill Hotel guests, who will be collected from the hotel by their guide.

Discover the fascinating technology that drove the goldfields. Feel the heat and learn how giant boilers create the steam power needed to keep the goldfields running.

Spend five days creating your very own Sovereign Chair – designed specifically for this class at Sovereign Hill by Master Chairmaker, Glen Rundell.

Participants will learn how to employ traditional woodworking and joinery processes while using hand tools like draw knives, spokeshaves and travishers. The end result? Your very own handcrafted masterpiece, ready to be passed on for generations.

• Participants must be over 16 years. All tools and materials provided, including Sovereign Hill workshop clothing which must be worn during the course and returned on completion. Participants take home the chair and chair plans. Fee includes lunch during the course.

• Fee includes four nights’ shared accommodation including bathroom and kitchen facilities. (Upgrade available at additional cost.)

Come see a camera obscura and learn how our romance with the captured image began. Our photographers will give you an enlightening insight into how images were created and how cameras evolved over time.

Try making rope using traditional methods. Then see if you can turn your rope into quoits and challenge the local champions to a game!

Come and learn some traditional ‘hands-on’ skills such as rag rug making and cross-stitching. And when you’re finished? Take your handiwork home to show off.

Come, meet our volunteers as they portray the Davidson family, and learn about domestic life in the 1850s.

Sovereign Hill has some adorable small animals who are lively little personalities. Meet some of our miniature donkeys and horses, and the twin baby goats. You are invited to help groom them and make toys for them to play with.

Are you up for an adventure? Then this is your chance to join one of Sovereign Hill’s amazing underground mine tours. Choose from three fully-guided tours, visit the Gold Mine, and board the mine tram to journey deep below Sovereign Hill for a unique underground experience.