You will be picked up in air conditioned comfort by an English speaking guide for this small group tour. Journey west out of Melbourne to Ballarat where your first stop will be the stunning Botanical Gardens for a wander amongst the flowers and heritage trees, then visit the picturesque Lake Wendouree. Time to step back in time to the Gold Rush of 1850 at Sovereign Hill where traditional craft demonstrations and opportunities to pan for Gold await you. From here we visit the Eureka Centre, historic site of the miner’s rebellion. Your day will finish with the most spectacular view from the Melbourne Skydeck, 88 floors up in the Eureka Tower!

Stop At: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Gillies Street, Ballarat, Victoria 3350 Australia

• Stretch your legs with a leisurely walk to see over 50 trees listed on the National Trust Significant Trees Register, then wander through the conservatory where you can see captivating floral displays like Hydrangeas in Summer, Chrysanthemums in May and Spring Bulbs in Spring.

• Time here includes travel from Melbourne

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop At: Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat, Victoria 3350 Australia

• Lake Wendouree was the rowing and canoeing venue for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, now it’s a beautiful space you can enjoy featuring gardens, sculptures, and a variety of birdlife. Take a relaxing wander around this beautiful lake, spot some of 166 different wildlife species that call this lake home, including the elegant Black Swans.

• Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat, Victoria 3350 Australia

• Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of an 1850 Goldfields town at the open-air museum Sovereign Hill. Pan for gold, tour underground mines, see demonstrations of traditional crafts such as candle making and blacksmithing, get dressed up in traditional clothes* and enjoy a horse and coach ride*, meet Polly the sly grog seller, witness the Trooper Musket Firing and so much more! You will also be able to buy your own lunch here.

• *Entry to Sovereign Hill is covered in this tour, however if you wish to dress up in old fashioned clothing or take a horse coach ride, you will need to book and pay for this upon arrival at Sovereign Hill. NOTE: Subject to Sovereign Hill daily availability.

• Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Eureka Centre, 102 Stawell Street South Enter next to Eureka Pool and drive down to carpark, Ballarat, Victoria 3350 Australia

• Visit the Eureka Centre in Ballarat and learn about the cultural impact of the gold rush and the miner’s rebellion. The museum has engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and is surrounded by the heritage listed Eureka Stockade Memorial Park.

• Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Melbourne Skydeck, 7 Riverside Qy Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria 3006 Australia

• Time for a rest on the journey back to the Eureka Tower where you will enjoy the spectacular Melbourne Skydeck experience. The Skydeck is the highest viewing attraction in the Southern Hemisphere, a whole 300 metres high! Now that's seeing Melbourne from a whole new level. You’ll arrive at the 88th floor via the fastest lift in the Southern Hemisphere taking a mere 38 seconds. With panoramic views of stunning Melbourne and beyond, it’s the perfect way to finish the day.

• Time here includes travel time to Melbourne.

• Duration: 3 hours

Please note:

• Pick up from (or very close to) your choice of Melbourne CBD accommodation at approximately 6.30AM. Pick up location and times to be confirmed by the company once booking completed 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.