fun & intriguing Ballarat goldrush school history tours
forget boring history tours - Experience history like never before on a fun-filled Ballarat walking tour with hidden lanes for schools.
for groups of 5-25 students from grade 3 up to year 12.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This tour is wonderful! Our guide Jarrod was so friendly, informative and really made the stories come alive."
transorm your students’
worldvidew
Hear amazing stories and visit incredible sites from history that will leave your students in awe
Our professional tour guide is also an experienced teacher
Perfectly compliments a Sovereign Hill trip
Our tours come in a range of sizes to match your group’s needs
We emphasize WONDER & FUN!
experience the history of the gold rush in a completely new way
Transform the way your students see the world with a Ballarat walking tour: Discover the best of Ballarat’s historic hidden gems and intriguing tales of discovery, murder, and mayhem.
Ballarat City Tales
2-2.5 hr
The Ballarat City Tales Tour uncovers intriguing tales of the the birth of Ballarat as a modern city - from the Eureka Stockade to bushrangers, and royal assassination attempts to secret libraries. Starting at Bakery Hill and finishing near the Town Hall. Includes a hot/cold drink. Available Monday to Saturday any time between 9:00 am and 4 pm.
Cost -
7-9 people $57 pp
10-15 people $45 pp
16-28 people $35 pp
Ballarat GOld Rush - the Crash course
40-50 minutes
Give your students a fun, fast, and furious introduction to the Gold Rush, the Eureka Rebellion, and the birth of democracy in Australia. It’s fun, vibrant, and beautifully complements your excursion to Sovereign Hill.
Cost -
7-9 people $35 pp
10-15 people $27 pp
16-28 people $19 pp
Sovereign Hill tour
1.5-2hr + spare time
Experience Sovereign Hill like never before as we uncover the real stories that brought the iconic gold rush town of Ballarat to life. Perfect for curious students, this tour is designed to make your visit truly unforgettable. With entry to Sovereign Hill included, let us guide you through the fascinating tales of the past. Runs Tuesday-Sunday between10am-2pm.
Cost -
7-9 people $90 pp
10-15 people $85 pp
16-28 people $75 pp
secret ballarat tour
1.5 hr
Discover the early history of Ballarat on the Secret Ballarat Tour, from the arrival of the railways to crime and punishment, and hidden underground shops to the outrageous antics of Lola Montez. Starting and finishing near the Ballarat Train Station. Includes a cocktail/mocktail. Available any day and any time between 11 am and 5 pm.
Cost -
7-9 people $50 pp
10-15 people $40 pp
16-28 people $30 pp
Book a Ballarat guided tour
Hidden Lanes tours are thoroughly researched to include only the best bits and include plenty of unexpected delights, so your group will have an absolute blast! Book ahead to ensure you get your preferred dates.
make your reservation now!
about your hidden lanes tour guide
Jarrod has 20 years of teaching experience and a dynamic, engaging rapport with children of all ages. He has taught primary, high school, and university students across Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea. He holds a Working with Children Check and a First Aid Certificate.
Beyond leading tours, Jarrod is also an artist—you can explore his artwork here.
With thanks to local historians Dr. David Waldron and Doug Bradby.
This tour was developed on the Country of the Wadawurrung who have performed age old cultural ceremonies, celebrations and traditions here for thousands of years. We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders past and present.