Things to do in

Ballarat

Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne on a small group eco-tour to the Grampians National Park, and discover a nature lover’s paradise. Depart Melbourne and travel through the western plains of Victoria on route to historic Ballarat, a boom town of the 1850s following the widespread discovery of gold. Learn the history of the region over morning tea at the infamous Eureka Rebellion site. Continue through the picturesque western volcanic plains, and pass through the town of Moyston, the birthplace of Australian Rules Football. Arrive at the foot of the Grampians Range (Gariwerd in the local aboriginal language), and take a short walk to Silverband Falls. Then, head to Halls Gap for a lunch break (own expense). Keep a look out for kangaroos and abundant birdlife that can be seen in the main street. After lunch, go to the Wonderland car park to take a walk through the Grand Canyon and marvel at the rock formations. See high rising rock walls, crisscrossed with layering and fault lines that showcase the area’s unique geology. Next, visit the majestic surrounds of MacKenzie Falls, and watch the water cascade down the rocks in a gorge surrounded by eucalyptus forest. Walk the Bluff trail along the top of the cliffs for panoramic views of the falls, or journey downstairs to the base of the steep gorge. Another stunning photo opportunity awaits at Reeds Lookout, a vantage point that overlooks the towering Stringybark Forest and Victoria Valley. Your next port of call is Boroka Lookout, where panoramic views of the surrounding region and town of Halls Gap await. Look further afield to Lake Bellfield and beyond. Make your way back to Halls Gap to spot some wild kangaroos before returning to Melbourne. Stop for dinner on route back to the city, and enjoy a stunning view of the illuminated city on your return home.

Travel over the Westgate Bridge as you head past the old major gold mining town of Ballarat to western Victoria stopping in the country town of Beaufort for morning tea. Pass through the town of Arrarat before getting the first glimpse of the Grampians as they come into view from what appears to be from nowhere. Stop at the Brambuk Cultural and Information Center where you’ll learn about the six seasons of the Grampians and the connection the local indigenous have had with the land for thousands of years Continue to the only town inside the park Halls Gap, where guests can purchase lunch from one of the local cafes. Following lunch head into the mountains to Boroka Lookout that overlooks the Western Plains of Victoria and the Mt William, Wonderland and Serra Ranges. Next, stretch your legs with an easy bush walk to the geological icon of the Grampians; The Jaws of Death/Balconies where you are rewarded with great views over Victoria Valley. After the walk, reboard the bus and descend the Mt Difficult Range to Mackenzie Falls. Climb the stairs to the bottom of the falls and take in the natural beauty of the falls and surrounding bush land. As you make your way back to Melbourne, your guide will make sure you get some time to view large mobs of kangaroos that call the Grampians home.

Be incarcerated for the evening at Australia's home to the criminally insane: the famous J Ward Lunatic Asylum. Meet at J Ward, Girdlestone Street, Ararat in the evening and commence the tour with free museum access to explore the memorabilia of the past including straight jackets, electro shock therapy devices, and fascinating patient records. After exploring the museum, enjoy a guided ghost tour of approximately 2 hours through the home of notorious criminals such as Chopper Read, Gary Webb and William Wallace. Explore the governor's bathroom, the hangman's gallows, the original kitchen, the showerblock, the grave sites, the West Wing, the J Ward Block, and the exercise yards and grounds in search of the souls that still linger, and hear the terrifying stories of murdered inmates and prisoners buried in the grounds as you explore the property. Tours run every Friday and Saturday evening at 9:30 PM.

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, 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! 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, spot some of 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 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. 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. 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 metres 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.

Travel back to the 1850s at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, Victoria, where Australia's gold rush comes alive. Pan for real gold, delve into underground mines, and engage with history through costumed characters and live demonstrations. This open-air museum offers a rich blend of adventure, history, and hands-on experiences, encapsulating the era's spirit in a vibrant, immersive setting. Perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike, Sovereign Hill is a treasure trove of the past, waiting to be explored.

Immerse yourself in daily life during the 19th-century gold rush on a day trip to Sovereign Hill, a replica gold mining town. Wander through faithful model buildings and watch professional actors reenact scenes from the 1850s. Enjoy optional gold mine cart rides or horse carriage tours. Meet your driver in Central Melbourne and begin the journey to Sovereign Hill with views of the Australian countryside on the way. The town is full of interactive exhibits and demonstrations to discover: gold panning demonstrations, underground gold mines, and gold bar-making demonstrations. Wander through the town's true-to-life buildings for an insight into daily life. From grandmothers teaching grandchildren how to embroider to the local primary school and police station, the buildings are a great way to travel back in time to the excitement of the era. Feel free to ask the traditionally dressed actors for photos. You can also enjoy optional activities at an additional cost. You could go for a horse-drawn carriage tour of the town or take an underground mine cart ride. There are also occasional dramatic reenactments throughout the day.

Experience the thrill of Victoria’s gold rush era with this captivating tour of Sovereign Hill, Australia’s premier outdoor museum. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a time-travel adventure that transports you to the 1850s. Start with a warm meet & greet by characters in authentic period costumes, setting the stage for a day of adventure. Witness the dramatic Gold Pour, watch the thrilling Redcoat Parade with live musket firing, and try your hand at panning for gold. To complete your journey, descend underground on a guided mine tour and uncover the harsh realities miners faced during the gold rush. Whether you strike gold or not, this immersive experience will leave you with memories of a bygone era. Join us and feel the excitement of the 1850s come to life!

Firstly, we’ll head to Werribee Mansion, Victoria's most luxurious and atmospheric 19th century mansion house, the lavish architecture and beautiful and elegant idylls seem to be saying something. Explore further and you'll learn the story of the estate - a real-life comeback for a loser? Or is it a love story? All these will be discovered by yourself. Sovereign Hill is a well-known heritage park that sits on the site of the richest gold rush in the entire world. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most pivotal parts of history, including the Red Hill Gully Diggings and Main Street. Explore a labyrinth of passages and original mine shafts hidden deep under Sovereign Hill. Head underground and experience what life was like for a miner. Discover the wins, losses, hardship and heartache. Ballarat, a perfect example of an old town that prospered during the gold rush. It’s a charming city with 19th-century buildings, manicured gardens, and history. We’ll take a complete town tour, taking you through the impressive streets, past notable churches **The schedule might change to oppsite way**

Discover the charm and history of Ballarat on an unforgettable day tour, just a two-hour drive from Melbourne. Immerse yourself in the excitement of Australia’s gold rush era at Sovereign Hill, the iconic “City of Gold.” Try your hand at panning for gold, explore historic buildings, and interact with “residents” dressed in authentic 1850s attire. Capture the magic of the past with photos in period costumes or alongside local characters. Your Ballarat Day Tour goes beyond Sovereign Hill. Explore the city’s vibrant café culture and boutique shopping in the bustling city center. For a touch of elegance, visit St Anne's Winery for a taste of local wines, or step back in time at Kryal Castle with its medieval charm. Enjoy scenic views and attractions along the way, including a visit to Lake Wendouree and a stroll through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Whether you're exploring heritage buildings, enjoying the lush landscapes, or learning about Ballarat’s rich history, this tour promises a captivating experience that beautifully blends the past with the present.

Experience the Ultimate Luxury and Adventure with Melbourne Limolink's Exclusive Sovereign Hill & 12 Apostles Private Tour – Perfect for Up to 14 Passengers Discover the best of Victoria's iconic attractions with Melbourne Limolink's exclusive Sovereign Hill & 12 Apostles Private Tour, designed for groups of up to 14 passengers. This private tour combines the charm of Australia’s historic gold rush with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road, all in unparalleled luxury and convenience. Begin your adventure with a chauffeur-driven journey from Melbourne in a spacious, comfortable Mercedes van or premium European car. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as your expert chauffeur ensures a smooth ride, giving you the chance to unwind and prepare for the day’s incredible experiences. Stop 1: Step Back in Time at Sovereign Hill Arriving at Sovereign Hill, immerse yourself in a perfectly recreated 1850s gold rush town. Wander through bustling streets, engage with costumed characters, and try your hand at panning for gold in the creek. This private tour offers you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the captivating stories and unique atmosphere of this historic site. Stop 2: Witness the Beauty of the 12 Apostles After exploring Sovereign Hill, journey along the scenic Great Ocean Road to the renowned 12 Apostles. These stunning limestone formations, rising majestically from the ocean, are an awe-inspiring sight. Capture breathtaking photos, take in the dramatic views from designated lookouts, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of this coastal wonder. Seamless Service and Exclusive Comfort With Melbourne Limolink, you’ll experience the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity, from the moment you depart Melbourne until you return. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights and historical context, enriching each stop along the way and making this tour as informative as it is memorable. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a luxurious and unforgettable experience, this private tour ensures a day filled with adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Melbourne Limolink’s commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction makes this an exceptional journey you won’t want to miss. Book Your Private Tour Today! Join Melbourne Limolink for an exclusive journey through Victoria’s rich history and natural beauty with the Sovereign Hill & 12 Apostles Private Tour. Indulge in luxury, embrace Australia’s heritage, and make memories that will last a lifetime on this one-of-a-kind adventure. Note* Tickets for Sovereign Hill entry need to be purchased before booking with us OR we can provide tickets if there is an advanced payment for the ticket.