Re-live the moment that changed everything
Go below Sovereign Hill and unearth the story of the record-breaking Welcome Nugget that sparked a frenzy in 1858.
Please note:
- This is a self guided tour. Tour groups are guided through the experience by sound and light prompts.
- This tour involves navigating confined spaces, some with low ceilings and narrow passageways, and dark lighting. Please consider this if you have issues with these elements.
- There are elements of stairs and ladders as part of this tour. If you have any mobility or accessibility requirements please reconsider participating or, please speak to our staff at the Red Hill Mine entrance.
- Instructions and safety information will be delivered by the staff and must be adhered to at all times, for the safety and enjoyment of all participants in the tour. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the visitor(s) being refused access to the tour or the tour being cancelled.
- There is no food or drink permitted underground apart from water.
- School groups must book in advance through the Sovereign Hill Education Department for this experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Red Hill Mine Tour at Sovereign Hill?
The Red Hill Mine Tour is an underground experience that takes visitors deep beneath Sovereign Hill to explore one of Ballarat’s original diggings. Using sound, light and storytelling, the tour shares the discovery of the 69-kilogram Welcome Nugget, the second-largest gold nugget ever found.
Is the Red Hill Mine Tour included with my Sovereign Hill ticket?
Yes. The Red Hill Mine Tour is included with general admission to Sovereign Hill. You can take the tour at any time during your visit, with no extra booking or payment required.
What time does the Red Hill Mine Tour run at Sovereign Hill?
The Red Hill Mine Tour operates every day from 10am to 4.30pm AEST.
Where is the Red Hill Mine Tour located?
The Red Hill Mine Tour is located at Red Hill Mine (map no. 13) within Sovereign Hill’s Outdoor Museum precinct, making it easy to access during your visit.
Is the Red Hill Mine Tour suitable for children?
Yes. The Red Hill Mine Tour is designed for all ages and offers a safe, educational experience for families. The tunnels are dimly lit but accessible, and the storytelling keeps children engaged as they learn about life underground. Supervision of children at all times is mandatory.
How is the Red Hill Mine Tour different from the Guided Mine Tour?
The Red Hill Mine Tour is a self-guided experience included in your entry ticket, while the Guided Mine Tour is a paid guided tour that takes you deeper underground for a more detailed look at 19th-century mining life. Many visitors enjoy doing both.
How long does the Red Hill Mine Tour take?
The self-guided tour takes around 10–15 minutes to complete. Visitors move through a series of underground tunnels that recreate the sights and sounds of Ballarat’s gold rush era.
Do I need to book the Red Hill Mine Tour in advance?
No bookings are required. The tour operates continuously throughout the day, and you can enter whenever you’re ready. During peak periods, there may be longer waiting times.
Is the Red Hill Mine Tour worth visiting?
Absolutely. The tour is one of Sovereign Hill’s most popular experiences and offers a powerful glimpse into the working conditions and discoveries that shaped Ballarat’s gold rush. It’s an essential part of the Sovereign Hill story.
Can I visit the Red Hill Mine Tour as part of a day trip from Melbourne?
Yes. Sovereign Hill is about 90 minutes from Melbourne by car or train. The Red Hill Mine Tour is included in your admission, making it an easy and rewarding addition to a Ballarat day trip or weekend getaway.
Is the Red Hill Mine Tour accessible?
No, it is not accessible. This tour involves navigating confined spaces, some with low ceilings and narrow passageways, dark lighting, and stairs and a ladder to climb. Please consider this if you have issues with these elements.
Can I take photos inside the Red Hill Mine?
Photography is not permitted inside the underground areas to preserve the lighting effects and ensure a safe experience for all visitors. You’re welcome to take photos elsewhere across the Sovereign Hill site.
