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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.

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Gold Panning

School Holiday Hours: We're open everyday 10am – 5pm during the Victorian summer school holidays until Monday 26 January.Regular Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm | Mondays: Pre-booked school groups only.Gold Rush Centre &amp; Rare Trades Centre: Open for pre-booked workshops &amp; tours only.

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If you've ever visited Sovereign Hill, you've likely paused to watch the talented team of heritage craftspeople at work. 
Whether it’s the rhythmic hammering inside the <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/blacksmithing-demonstration/">blacksmith</a> workshop, the delicate precision of <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/printing-demonstration/">traditional printing</a>, the artistry of <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/wheel-making-demonstration/">coach building</a>, the diggers <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/gold-panning/">gold panning</a> in the creek, or the intricate sewing in costume production, their skills are nothing short of captivating.

Blacksmith

Sewing

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These demonstrations aren’t just a nod to history—they go far beyond nostalgia. They’re a living, breathing celebration of rare trades in a fast-paced, consumer-driven world, where handcrafted skills are at risk of being lost to time.
Every strike at the forge, every perfectly aligned letterpress print, every expertly constructed coach, and every beautifully crafted costume represents centuries of knowledge, passed down through generations.
Sovereign Hill’s dedication to preserving these trades isn’t just about honouring the past—it’s about securing their future.

Wheelwrights

Confectionary Demonstration 2

Gold Pour 242

This passion for heritage and craftsmanship gave rise to the <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/">Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades</a>—better known as the Rare Trades Centre. Opened in 2022 as part of Sovereign Hill’s <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/about/master-plan/">20-year masterplan</a>, the Centre takes the outdoor museum’s work to a whole new level.
While Sovereign Hill showcases historical demonstrations of trades like <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/blacksmithing-demonstration/">blacksmithing</a> and <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/printing-demonstration/">printing</a>, the Rare Trades Centre invites you to roll up your sleeves and get involved. 
Housed in the former Gold Museum building across from Sovereign Hill, the Rare Trades Centre is a multidisciplinary venue dedicated to preserving and passing on rare trades through hands-on workshops and special events.
In just two years, the Centre has become a haven for anyone curious about these traditional crafts. Nearly 70 artisans have taught 185 workshops, delivering over 1,600 hours of hands-on learning across textiles, decorative arts, metal, leather, heritage building trades, wood, and fibre.

Armoury Workshop 35 min

SAORI Weaving Workshop

Silversmithing Workshop

Wadawurrung Weaving Workshop

The Rare Trades Centre isn't just about learning techniques - it's about connecting with stories, traditions, and a community of creative souls who share a passion for keeping these heritage crafts alive.
Beyond workshops, the Rare Trades Centre collaborates with other creative experiences and organisations including the City of Ballarat's <a href="https://www.creativeballarat.com.au/craftdesign">Craft Lab</a> and Sovereign Hill's other facility, the <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/experiences/australian-centre-for-gold-rush-collections/">Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections</a> (located next door). With the Gold Rush Centre, the Rare Trades Centre hosts the popular Pecha Kucha spoken word evenings that weave cultural heritage, creativity, and skills with a dynamic mix of speakers, thinkers, and makers.

Pecha Kucha Speakers 2

Pecha Kucha Speakers 1

Pecha Kucha Guests

Pecha Kucha Workshop 1

Pecha Kucha Guests Food

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned maker, the Rare Trades Centre offers an invitation to be part of something bigger - a movement to keep rare trades thriving in Australia.
Every experience at the Rare Trades Centre is a chance to step back from the rush of modern life and rediscover the joy of making something with your own hands. It's also an opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives, makers, and culture seekers.
It's no surprise that some participants keep coming back for more - like <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/stories/meet-lizzie-tongway/">Lizzie Tongway</a>, who's found her tribe at the Rare Trades Centre workshops, completing over a dozen workshops and still counting.

As the Rare Trades Centre enters its third year, it's gearing up for its most exciting program yet. The 2025 <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/">calendar</a> alone features over 150 workshops led by more than 60 artisans, making it the largest offering since the Centre opened its doors.

<blockquote>We’re incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in just two years. Our mission is to keep Australia’s rare trades accessible and thriving. With the 2025 program, we’re not just offering workshops—we’re creating a legacy of heritage skills and knowledge that might otherwise be lost. Every participant becomes part of this journey, helping to carry forward these traditions that are vital to our nation’s cultural fabric. Erin Santamaria, General Manager Rare Trades Centre</blockquote>

Step into the world of rare trades and leave with skills, and stories, you'll treasure forever. To explore the full range of workshops and get involved, visit the <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/">Rare Trades Centre website.</a>

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Revive the art of making at Sovereign Hill’s Rare Trades Centre.

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Discover Sovereign Hill's Rare Trades Centre, preserving heritage crafts through hands-on workshops. Experience blacksmithing, printing, and more while…

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Skills worth saving, stories worth telling

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