2-Day Ballarat Goldrush & Heritage Escape

Check Availability & Request Dates

Discover the rich history of Ballarat with this curated 2-day escape, combining guided storytelling, gold rush immersion.

Including a stay in one of the city’s most iconic heritage hotels. Designed for travellers who enjoy a balance of structure and flexibility, this experience pairs a Hidden Lanes walking tour with time to explore Sovereign Hill and the wider city at your own pace.

Lola Montez, Hidden Lanes Ballarat Walking Tour

Why You’ll Love It

  • A rich, story-led introduction to Ballarat’s gold rush history

  • Stay in one of the city’s most iconic heritage hotels

  • A seamless balance of guided experiences and relaxed free time

  • Curated local insights to help you continue exploring at your own pace

Submit your preferred dates, we’ll confirm within 24 hours.

Plan Your Escape

What Our Guests Say:

“Hidden Lanes in Ballarat was such a great way to get to know the city…Jarrod really brought the history and local characters to life. A hidden treasure.” - Peter

The experience

Day 1 – Stories of the Goldrush & Sovereign Hill

Begin your experience with a Hidden Lanes walking tour through Ballarat’s historic streets at 10am, uncovering the people, places, and events that shaped the city during the gold rush era.

In the afternoon, step into the past at Sovereign Hill. After a short hosted introduction to provide context and insight, you’ll be free to explore the township at your own pace including live demonstrations and immersive exhibits.

Check in to Craig’s Royal Hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening, with time to explore Ballarat’s dining scene.

Day 2 – Explore at Your Own Pace

After breakfast at the beautiful Craig’s Royal Hotel, enjoy a slower morning discovering more of Ballarat.

You may choose to take a walk around Lake Wendouree, visit local galleries, or follow one of our suggested itineraries. You’ll also have access to a self-guided walk and curated recommendations from the Hidden Lanes team, helping you uncover more of the city in your own time.

An older man wearing glasses, a blue shirt, and black pants is working on a large, vintage bandsaw in a woodworking shop. The shop has wood shavings on the ground, and wooden objects and metal racks are visible in the background.
A group of people wearing hats and casual clothing standing on a city street, talking, with an ornate historic building with a clock tower and a flag in the background, under a tree with green leaves.
Sunset over a calm lake with clouds and trees, with a small boathouse on the left.
A woman with glasses and a wide-brimmed hat sits outdoors on a city street, with buildings, trees, and parked cars visible in the background.
Historic buildings with Victorian architecture illuminated by golden sunlight, with parked cars and buses in the foreground.
Fresco of a woman in a white dress sitting on a chair, with a fountain and foliage in the background, painted on a ceiling with decorative borders.
A worn and torn vintage-style sign reading 'Escape' with an illustration of a pointing hand and the word 'Ars' underneath, mounted on a wall and partially covered in plastic.
The upper part of a yellow wooden house with brown trim and five arched windows under a blue sky with some clouds.

ballarat tour package Pricing & Inclusions

A thoughtfully curated 2-day escape into Ballarat’s goldrush history and heritage.

2-Day Package (all prices in Australian $)
$695 per couple

Includes:

  • 1 night at the historic Craig’s Royal Hotel

  • Hidden Lanes guided City Tales walking tour

  • Breakfast at Craig’s Royal Hotel

  • Sovereign Hill entry with hosted introduction, followed by self-exploration

  • Curated local recommendations & optional self-guided walk

  • Hidden Lanes artist-designed Ballarat tea towel (keepsake gift)

optional addons

  • Vintage High Tea Picnic at Lake Wendouree

  • Additional guided experiences

Plan Your Escape

Who This goldfields experience Is For

This experience is ideal for:

  • Travellers with an interest in history and heritage

  • Couples seeking a relaxed regional escape

  • Visitors who enjoy a balance of guided insight and independent exploration

package Availability

  • This experience is available on request, with bookings confirmed within 24 hours

  • Due to Sovereign Hill operating hours, Day 1 cannot fall on a Monday

  • This package is designed for two guests (double or twin share)

Check Availability & Request Dates

or call to book via 0455 528 733

Ballarat city guided walking tour - historical building

FAQ

  • The meeting point is out the front of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Bakery Hill. Please arrive 5 minutes before departure time.

  • The tour goes for approximately 1 night and 2 days. Coffee/ hot drink on day 1 is provided, and on day 2 breakfast is provided.

  • Ballarat's weather is... infamous - be prepared for anything. Having said this, Mark Twain, the American writer was a big fan of Ballarat's weather when he visited in 1895!

    However, bring a warm jacket and brolly and comfortable walking shoes. On icy wintery days a hat and gloves are in order.

  • This package isn’t designed specifically for children, however the package may still be enjoyable depending on the child/family.

  • For assistance in booking please email hello@hiddenlanes.com.au or call 0455528733

    • Bookings close: 4 weeks before departure

    • Payment: Full payment required at time of booking

    • Rescheduling: Permitted up to 30 days before tour start

    Cancellation Policy:

    • 30+ days before: Full refund

    • 15–29 days before: 50% refund

    • Less than 14 days: No refund

    If Hidden Lanes cancels for any reason, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Slow travel

〰️

meander along laneways

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buy local produce

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stop and take photos

〰️

soak in the scenery

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Slow travel 〰️ meander along laneways 〰️ buy local produce 〰️ stop and take photos 〰️ soak in the scenery 〰️