Tours Gold Rush Tour
The discovery of gold made the Goldfield’s a cultural melting pot for people from all over the world, in particular Britain, Europe, America and China. Victoria struck it rich in the 1850s with the discovery of gold at Bendigo and Ballarat.
Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill is a re-creation of an old mining town - a living museum depicting life as it was in the gold rush days. It is simply one of Australia’s best attractions and is excellent value.
Local people dress in clothes of the period to run shops, businesses and a school. They are full of historic knowledge and fond of a chat. You can pan for gold and take tours down old gold mines. There’s also an evening sound and light show, 'Blood on the Southern Cross' which depicts the Eureka Rebellion. The Eureka Stockade Centre details the history of the uprising with multi-media and interactive displays.
A short, pleasant drive north takes you to Castlemaine, Maldon and Bendigo. As well as being the ‘birthplace’ of The Wild Colonial Boy’, Castlemaine is typical of an old goldmining town and is home to a creative community of painters, potters and other craftspeople.
In Bendigo, the performing arts have a home at the Capital Theatre a beautifully restored Victorian building. In Castlemaine, the Theatre Royal, where Lola Montez performed her famous spider dance more than 150 years ago, hosts live concerts and plays.
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