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Melbourne · Victoria · Australia

Sovereign Hill, Botanical Gardens & Melbourne Skydeck Bus Tour

Starting From From $136.72 per person Current Project Expedition rate
9 Hours 4.08 / 5 0 reviews Easy activity level Single Day Group Tour Operated by Wine Hop And Coastal Tours Pty Ltd
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The Experience

What your day looks like

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, the 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!

At a Glance

The experience, in brief

  • Visit at the openair museum Sovereign Hill
  • Visit the Eureka Centre to learn about the culture of the gold rush and the miner’s rebellion
  • Spend time in Ballarat Botanical Gardens and see over 50 trees
  • Take a relaxing wander around this beautiful lake & see the 166 different wildlife
  • Enjoy the spectacular Melbourne Skydeck experience
Detailed Itinerary

The journey, in full

Ballarat Botanical Gardens: 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. Lake Wendouree: 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, and spot some of the 166 different wildlife species that call this lake home, including the elegant Black Swans. Sovereign Hill: 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 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's daily availability. Eureka Centre: 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, and interactive displays, and is surrounded by the heritage-listed Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower: 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 meters 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.

Your Itinerary

Your day, step by step

Day 1

Ballarat

Sightseeing at Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Ballarat Botanical Gardens: 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.

Continued

Ballarat

Eco Tour at Lake Wendouree. Lake Wendouree: 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.

Continued

Melbourne

Gold Panning at Sovereign Hill. Sovereign Hill: 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.

Continued

Melbourne

Sightseeing at Eureka Tower. Eureka Centre: 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.

Before You Go

What to know before booking

Included

All entry and admission fees included

Not Included

Food & Beverages

What to Bring

Please bring water (we encourage the use of reusable water bottles), Hat, Sunscreen, Camera, warm clothing, an umbrella if rain is forecast

Meeting & Pickup

7.30 AM pick up from Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne. Time and location will be confirmed 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.

Languages Offered

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Planning Notes

Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic

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