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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

We are open everyday 10am – 5 pm (excluding Christmas Day) for the Victorian summer school holidays from Monday 22nd December.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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This is a proud moment for every staff, volunteer, supporter, and visitor who helps shape the Sovereign Hill experience. This year’s win marks the second year in a row that Sovereign Hill has received this honour, recognising our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming experience for everyone.<blockquote>Accessibility sits at the heart of our visitor experience, and this award recognises the work our teams do every day to make our museum welcoming and inclusive for everyone. We’re proud to be leading the way in accessible tourism in Victoria, and this recognition strengthens our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating experiences that all visitors can enjoy.Sara Quon, Sovereign Hill CEO</blockquote>The Victorian Tourism Awards, presented by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), celebrate leadership, innovation, and excellence across the state’s tourism sector.

Accessibility is an important part of how we design, plan, and deliver everything we do. From the way visitors move through the outdoor museum to how they engage with our events, programs, and spaces, we continually look for ways to make the experience more enjoyable for all.

Over the past few years, we’ve invested in expanding and improving our <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/visit/accessibility/">accessible</a> offerings. Some of the key initiatives include:<ul><li>Improved wayfinding to help visitors navigate the museum with confidence</li><li>Sensory-friendly programming tailored for guests who experience sensory sensitivities</li><li>Upgraded pathways to enhance mobility access across the site</li><li><a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/gold-panning/">Accessible gold panning</a>, ensuring the ultimate treasure hunt is available to all</li><li>Auslan-supported <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/visit/accessibility/getting-familiar-with-our-site/">guides</a> and events to improve access</li><li><a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/visit/accessibility/social-scripts/">Social scripts</a> to help visitors plan their day</li></ul>

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Sovereign Hill is committed to ensuring an accessible, welcoming experience for all visitors, with continuous improvements shaping how we share the gold rush story.

Accessibility

Accessible panning

Excellence in Accessible Tourism awarded at the 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards.

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https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/stories/sovereign-hill-strikes-gold-at-victorian-tourism-awards/

Sovereign Hill strikes gold at Victorian Tourism Awards

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https://cdn.sovereignhill.com.au/_800x418_crop_center-center_82_none_ns/Accessible-panning.jpg?mtime=1743041766

Sovereign Hill strikes gold at Victorian Tourism Awards

Accessibility

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