ABOUT THIS EVENT

Get excited for our first ever Ballarat and Sovereign Hill day trip! Join us as we head to one of the most historic locations in Victoria!

Our Social Walks are a great way to get outside, get your body moving and make some amazing new friends along the way!

Meet our group and stay up to date with all our events here in our Facebook Group - Melbourne Social Walks

ABOUT SOCIAL WALKS

- Licenced Tour Operators with Parks Victoria

- $2.40 from every ticket sold goes to Parks Victoria

- Experienced Guides

- First Aid Qualified

- Fully Insured

WHAT TO EXPECT

Sovereign Hill is a living history museum located in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia which replicates the 1850s gold rush town that once existed in the area. Participants will be immersed in the experience of the period when gold was discovered in Victoria, sparking a massive influx of prospectors, bushrangers and early settlers.

The attraction features historically accurate buildings, shops, mines, and even a working blacksmith and foundry. Our Social Walker's can explore the recreated streets, interact with costumed staff portraying characters from the era, and learn about the hardships and excitement of the gold rush era. Activities like panning for gold, visiting the underground mine tours, and watching live performances are popular also attractions (not included in price).

Sovereign Hill also includes museums that showcase historical artifacts, photographs, and documents, giving visitors insight into the social, economic, and cultural impact of the gold rush on early Australia.

After Sovereign hill we will also finish the day off with a walk around the beautiful Lake Wendouree (5km easy) before heading home.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no meet us there tickets for this events. All tickets include transport and entry to Sovereign Hill departing and returning from Caulfield station. Spots are strictly limited so be quick to avoid disappointment.

START TIME AND MEET LOCATION

MEETING LOCATION: St Paul’s Cathedral, Flinders St, Melbourne 3000

MEETING TIME: Arrive between 7:30am-7:50am to meetup and check in for an 8:00am SHARP Departure (Plan to arrive early and give yourself extra time for parking and finding the group).

NOTE: Arriving on time is critical to this event getting away on time. Participants not checked-in by 7:50 may be left behind and forfeit their ticket.

PARKING: There is paid parking at Fed Square - if you are driving, make sure you allow plenty of time to search for alternative parking if required. The best way to get to the meeting point is via the train to Flinders St Station.

CARPOOLING: Need help finding a ride to the hike, feel free to post in the Melbourne Social Walks Facebook Group.

ITINERARY:

7:30am - Meet at St Pauls Cathedral

8:00am - Depart (8am SHARP Departure)

10:00am - Arrive at Sovereign Hill

1:30pm - Depart Sovereign Hill and head to Ballarat CBD to Grab Lunch

2:00pm - Eat lunch in Ballarat Botanical Gardens and enjoy Lake Wendouree Walk (5km loop)

4:00pm - Depart

6:00pm - Arrive Home

WHAT TO BRING

- Water (at least 2L)

- Snacks & food for the day

- Money for Lunch or BYO

- Please bring a backpack only as there is limited storage space on the bus.

WHAT TO WEAR

- Comfortable weather suitable walking shoes

- Comfortable weather Suitable Clothing.

- Sun Protective Hat / Beanie, and/or Sunscreen

FINISH

This trip will run from 7:40am to around 6:00pm starting from and returning to St Pauls Cathedral

Due to the very high costs of organising a bus, a driver and entry into Sovereign Hill, there is a strict cancellation period. No cancellations with-in 7 days of the departure. Tickets can be re-sold though if something comes up to prevent you from attending.

Can't wait to see you there!

Dan Hill