Visit/Accessibility

Accessibility

Winner of Gold for Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the 2024 and 2025 Victorian Tourism Tourism Awards - a recognition of our ongoing commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive experiences for everyone.

What to expect at Sovereign Hill

Set on a hillside, Sovereign Hill recreates Ballarat in its earliest days as an 1850s goldfields town. Before you visit, there are a few things worth knowing:

What are the surfaces like?

Can wheelchairs get around and have a great experience?

Who do I speak to for more information?

Are dogs allowed at Sovereign Hill?

Do you have accessible rooms at the Sovereign Hill Hotel?

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

What visual aids or communication boards are available for ordering?

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program

Sovereign Hill is proud to be part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support people living with a hidden disability. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is about supporting people with a hidden disability, making the invisible, visible and helping them attain the understanding, patience and assistance needed when going about their daily lives. Many of our staff are trained in providing discreet, respectful support when it's needed.

Green poster with sunflower logo and text ‘Making the Invisible Visible’ promoting Hidden Disabilities, from Australia’s most visited outdoor museum and heritage attraction.

Accessible panning

The newly installed accessible panning area offers visitors of all abilities access to one of Sovereign Hill’s iconic experiences with an elevated panning water channel and accessible pathway. The additional panning zone reflects Sovereign Hill’s commitment to inclusivity, which was recognised at the 2024 and 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards for Excellence in Accessible Tourism Award.

Hands working on wet surface with tools. Close-up of traditional craftsmanship process of gold panning in Ballarat

Sensory Kits

These kits are available to borrow from the front entrance. They include items such as ear defenders and fidget tools to support individuals who may benefit from them in order to have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Sovereign Hill branded backpack and sensory-friendly items displayed on a wooden bench, from Australia’s most visited outdoor museum and heritage attraction.

Visitor map

View our interactive visitor map and start planning your Sovereign Hill adventure.

Iphone with Sovereign Hill map

Help support Sovereign Hill

By supporting Sovereign Hill, you help preserve a place where history is lived, not just told. Every contribution helps us care for our heritage site and continue the important work we do in conservation, education and storytelling.

Support Us