A NEW ERA AT SOVEREIGN HILL DIGGINGS

Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Member for Eureka Michaela Settle today officially opened the redeveloped Chinese Protectorate Camp and an accessible Gold Panning Precinct at Sovereign Hill. 

This marks the completion of stage 1a of Sovereign Hill’s 20-year Masterplan, a major milestone in the outdoor museum's 54-year history.

Stage 1a of the Masterplan was delivered thanks to $10.1 million of funding from the Australian Government’s National Tourism Icons Program and $6 million from the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

The phase has delivered nine new and upgraded experiences including the establishment of the Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades and the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections, sustainability improvements to Steam Operations, restorations of various spaces and the renovation of the New York Bakery.

It has also facilitated the establishment of a new major events precinct with capacity for over 5,000 people which has already been used for the inaugural Food, Fire and Light Festival this year. 

Each development has been designed to enhance accessibility, inclusivity and support storytelling, cementing Sovereign Hill’s reputation as a world-class cultural and tourism destination and significant driver of regional visitation.

The new accessible panning area which was opened today, offers visitors of all abilities access to one of Sovereign Hill’s iconic experiences with an elevated panning water channel, and accessible pathway.

And for the first time in Sovereign Hill’s history, the Chinese Protectorate Camp has been completely re-built with 11 new buildings, larger gathering spaces to enable events and education in the zone, enhanced displays, and the addition of a Chinese circus tent.

The tent pays homage to the vibrant cultural life on the diggings. It is also a bookable venue for functions to support Sovereign Hill’s sustainability into the future. 

For more information about Sovereign Hill visit www.sovereignhill.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“Ballarat’s iconic Sovereign Hill is going from strength to strength, and these upgrades make it more accessible and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities to visit. 

“Sovereign Hill is a significant economic driver for our city, and it shares our history with 500,000 visitors every year.

“This $10.1 million grant from the Albanese Labor Government acknowledges Sovereign Hill’s position as a significant cultural institution, and a place that our community can be very proud of.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle:

“Sovereign Hill is one of Victoria’s top tourist spots, and these upgrades will make sure more people can enjoy the unique charms of the museum as they learn about our region’s gold-rush history and the many communities who worked the goldfields.”

“I look forward to seeing how the team at Sovereign Hill makes the most of these incredible additions to create more unforgettable experiences for visitors.” 

Quotes attributable to Sara Quon, CEO The Sovereign Hill Museums Association:

“The completion of Stage 1a of our Masterplan marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Sovereign Hill, offering fresh opportunities for visitors to engage with our experiences in meaningful ways.

“As a world-class destination and a leader in Victorian tourism it is critical that we continue to evolve. It reflects our bold vision for the future—one that combines new offerings with Sovereign Hill’s much-loved activities to deliver exceptional visitor experiences that will inspire and captivate for generations to come."