For twelve years, the stunning Winter Wonderlights has lit up Sovereign Hill during the colder nights. Stroll through this gold rush attraction in Ballarat, about 90 minutes away from Melbourne, and gaze in wonder as the streetscapes and goldfields transform into a winter wonderland. Look forward to dazzling light projections, fun activities, live music and more. Winter Wonderlights will return this week, starting on Friday, June 26 and running until Sunday, July 19.
Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
Start your day by exploring this historic venue and taking part in classic Sovereign Hill activities, such as gold panning. Then, embrace the wonder of winter after dark with spectacular light projections. The whole streetscape will light up with a kaleidoscope of colour and movement. This year, they will bring the Industrial Revolution to life, so look out for sparks, flames and steam. Feel swept away by the music, and watch the projections dance underneath falling faux snow.
As if that wasn’t enough, there will also be plenty of twinkling fairy lights to add a bit more sparkle to the night. Follow the glimmering lights between the Speedwell Street cottages and Brightview Gardens.
If you’re keen for even more light shows, don’t forget to check out AURA, a 90-minute light and sound experience that will take you through the creation, discovery and impact of gold throughout time.
Feel like you’re in the gold rush with Diggings After Dark. A soundscape will recreate a night on the diggings with singalongs, police raids and evening sounds.
Celebrate Christmas in July with a trip to St Nicholas’s Grotto. Head to his traditional winter hut and grab a photo with old St Nick. A brass band will also perform Christmas carols on Main Street daily from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. You’ll find festive decorations available to purchase in the stores, as well as a Sovereign Hill ‘Ugly’ Christmas Sweater.
For more entertainment, pop into Victoria Theatre and enjoy magic shows, pantomimes and interactive tours with special effects.
There will also be arts and crafts sessions for the kids.
Food and drink
If you’re hungry, have a jolly feast with roast turkey and glazed ham, served with rosemary potatoes, winter veggies, steamed greens, gravy and cranberry sauce. There will also be dessert, along with tea and coffee. You will need to pre-book this Winter Wonderlights Dinner, which comes at an extra cost.
Otherwise, you can also pre-book a charcuterie platter. Unwind next to an open fire, and graze on cured meats, local cheeses, dried fruits and more. You’ll also get your choice of house-made mulled wine, warm vanilla Baileys chai or a whiskey from Timboon.
Key details
📅Friday, June 26 to Sunday, July 19
🕒Full day: 10am to 7pm. Evening only: 5pm to 7pm. Night only: 8pm to 10pm.
🎫Tickets for a full day at Sovereign Hill start at $77.50 for adults and $40 for children. If you’re only interested in seeing Winter Wonderlights, there are evening or night-only tickets available on select Fridays and Saturdays. These are $45 for adults and $25 for children.
Other experiences, like the dinner or the AURA light show, are ticketed separately and are an additional cost.
📍Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350
This experience is a part of the Ballarat Winter Festival. Stay a little longer in the area, and see what else the town has to offer.
Find more information about Winter Wonderlights here.
