Guided Mine Tours

See what lies beneath the surface

Head underground and see what life was like for Ballarat’s gold miners in the nineteenth century. Choose from three different guided tours, each including:

Underground access via our inclined tram which contains several seconds of darkness
A 45-minute fully guided experience (tour content depends on the option you choose)

Please note: Mine tours are an additional cost and must be booked in person at the Mine Hut (map no. 66) or online when you purchase your entry tickets. Tour availability varies and can fill quickly - head there early to secure your spot.

Which tour should I choose?

Labyrinth of Gold
Gain an insight into the daily life of Ballarat’s miners as they sought their fortunes deep below ground. See original nineteenth century workings and demonstrations of early mining equipment.
Secret Chamber
Explore the immigration side of the gold rush story as you experience the tale of two Chinese brothers, and discover the fortune they found, and lost.
Trapped
The dramatic and true story of one of Australia’s worst underground mining disasters – an event that unfolded in the late 1800s not too far from Ballarat.
Please note: Trapped includes realistic sound, wind and water effects interpreting an underground flood, and there is some strong emotional content. Parental discretion is advised for your children.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Plan ahead for your mine tour

Availability of each tour varies every day and may fill quickly, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Please book at the Mine Hut (map no. 66).
Plan your day carefully – we may not be able to swap your tour to a different time.
To help avoid scheduling conflicts, please note that each mine tour runs for approximately 45 minutes, but we recommend allowing at least one full hour between mine tours and any other Sovereign Hill activities when making your bookings.
If you have accessibility or mobility needs, please do not book online. Instead, speak with our Tour Guide team at the Mine Hut on arrival to discuss your booking.

Arrival instructions

Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to the Poppet Head (Map reference 66) — the tall wooden tower.
Look for the sign reading “Mine Tours Start Here” and wait here for your guide.

During the tour

For your safety and that of others, all instructions from the Tour Guide must be followed at all times.
Failure to follow safety guidelines may result in refusal of entry or cancellation of the tour.
No food or drink is allowed underground, except water.

Other key information

Missed tours cannot be refunded or rescheduled.
Tour content may vary slightly depending on group composition.
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Toddlers enter for free but still require a booked ticket — everyone entering the Mine must be accounted for, regardless of age.

FAQs

Can I take my baby or toddler with me?

Yes, please book them a toddler ticket. This is a free ticket, but we must have them included in our numbers so we do not go over our capacity for the tour. If a toddler is not booked that may result in the group not being admitted on the tour.

Can I take a pram into the mine?

No, due to accessing the mine on the inclined tramway. You can park the pram under the verandah of the hut next to where the tours start, and take your belongings with you.

How confining or restrictive is it down there?

Our mine is well ventilated and well lit once underground. Our guides will look after you the entire journey. Our drives are approximately double-door width wide, and vary in height however the majority of people can walk through comfortably. There is no need to crawl or bend over.

How is this tour different to the free Red Hill Mine tour (map reference 13)?

The Red Hill Mine tour is self-guided, where you will follow an audio recording of William Tregenza, one of the miner’s who worked in the original Red Hill Mine as he tells you the story.

The Red Hill Mine tour lasts for 12 minutes, and does include 105 stairs (52 down, 53 back up).

While the Guided Mine Tours are 45-minute tours where you are guided by one of our staff members. Many visitors enjoy doing both.

Can I use a wheelchair in the mine?

Some of our tours are wheelchair accessible. We advise it is best to speak to our Tour Guide team at the Mine Hut about all accessibility requirements.

What Guided Mine Tours does Sovereign Hill have to offer?

Sovereign Hill offers three guided mine tours: the Labyrinth of Gold, Secret Chamber, and Trapped.

Is the Guided Mine Tour included in a Sovereign Hill ticket?

No, the guided mine tour is a premium experience and is not included in general admission. It is available at an additional cost.

How do I book tickets for the Guided Mine Tours?

Guided mine tours can be booked in person at the Mine Hut (map no. 66). Tour availability varies and can fill quickly. We recommend heading there early to secure your spot.

Tickets for the guided mine tours can also be booked online when purchasing your admission ticket.

Where do the Sovereign Hill mine tours start?

Guided mine tours begin at the sign that says Mine Tours Start Here which is next to the Poppet Head (Map reference 65), the tall wooden tower. We ask that you be waiting at the sign at least 5 minutes before the start of your tour. Ask one of our costumed staff if you need help locating the starting point.

Are Sovereign Hill mine tours suitable for children?

Yes, the guided mine tours are designed for both kids and adults, making them a memorable family experience. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Toddlers enter for free but still require a booked ticket.

How long do the Guided Mine Tours take?

Each Mine Tour runs for approximately 45 minutes, but we recommend allowing at least one full hour between mine tours and any other Sovereign Hill activities when making your bookings.

Do you need to book the Sovereign Hill mine tour in advance?

Yes, pre-booking is strongly recommended as guided mine tours are a premium experience with limited capacity. Booking ahead helps ensure you secure a place during busy periods such as weekends and school holidays.