Stories

Events Calendar

Home

Learning Programs

Profiles

Search

Tickets

Sovereign Hill acknowledges the Wadawurrung people as the Traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to all of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live and work on Wadawurrung Country. We acknowledge their unceded sovereignty over Wadawurrung Country, and the ongoing hardship and trauma as a result of colonisation. The history and continuous culture of the Wadawurrung people is an important part of our shared story.

Australian Flags

Gold Panning

Tuesday to Sunday: 10am – 5pm Monday: Open for pre-booked school groups only (no general admission)Melbourne Cup Day: Open Monday and Tuesday 3-4 November 10am – 5pmGold Rush Centre &amp; Rare Trades Centre: Open for pre-booked workshops &amp; tours only

Stay in the loop with Sovereign Hill—events, offers, and stories delivered straight to your inbox!

SH Summer Friends

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to receive latest news and special offers.

Email

First Name

Last Name

Postcode

Phone (optional)

Step inside Australia's beating heart of heritage arts and trades at the Rare Trades Centre Open Day — an exclusive annual event that opens the workshop doors to the public.Celebrate three remarkable years of making, learning, and growing. Since the Rare Trades Centre's opening in 2022, we’ve expanded from 20 workshops to 150, from eight artisans to more than 40 nationally, and from over 260 participants to nearly 1,000 from across Australia and beyond.

Explore the Centre's studios and watch a selection of workshops in progress, from <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/indigo/">indigo dyeing</a> and <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/silversmithing-ring/">silversmithing</a>, to <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-white-coopering-bucket-making/">white coopering (bucket making)</a>, and <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-paper-cutting/">paper-cutting</a>.

Silversmithing Workshop

Step further behind the scenes to explore Sovereign Hill’s renowned Chinese collections, featuring rare 1890s processional textiles, clothing, and one of Australia’s oldest dragons. Time: 2pm | Cost: $20 per person Bookings: Bookings essential. Tickets available <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/back-of-house-tours/">online</a>

SCW 7572

Rare Trades Centre's friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide you through the Centre and share stories about artisans, programs, and what’s coming up in 2026.

Armoury Workshop 35 min

Get a sneak peek at the 2026 workshop highlights — and have the first opportunity to book into next year’s activities.

Wadawurrung Weaving Workshop

Rare Trades Centre

generator

referrer

robots

https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/rare-trades-centre-open-day/

https://cdn.sovereignhill.com.au/Rare-Trades-Centre/_1200x630_crop_center-center_82_none_ns/Silversmithing-Workshop_2025-10-29-221656_pvxi.jpg?mtime=1761776217

twitter:card

twitter:creator

twitter:title

https://cdn.sovereignhill.com.au/Rare-Trades-Centre/_800x418_crop_center-center_82_none_ns/Silversmithing-Workshop_2025-10-29-221656_pvxi.jpg?mtime=1761776217

Rare Trades Centre Open Day

You might also be interested in

Back to School

Wizard Jacobs Magic Show

Makers Series

VIP Rebellion Pass