Sovereign Hill back in time

What a spectacular day. After a late night, we didn’t push ourselves but had a leisurely breakfast.  Around 10.30 we headed the short walk to Sovereign Hill, with excitement building.

From the moment we entered the doors, it felt like we had been transported back in time to the 1850s. Many such attractions attempt to do this with old buildings but Sovereign Hill combines an entire village of architecture with period-dressed actors. It is the latter that really makes the difference and we recommend engaging the actors in as many conversations as you can.  

We certainly did and learnt all about horse shoes from the blacksmith, about fiddle tunes from the musicians, about the latest remedies from the Doctor and about how to whiten our clothes from the haberdasher.

Not only that, but we signed up for one of only two additional cost items: a mine tour. We chosen TRAPPED and watched an extraordinary light show rendition of a real-life disaster at Red Hill Mine.

I was struck by the affordability of Sovereign Hill. Delicious pies and pasties are similar prices to those you would pay ‘on the outside’ and unique gifts are also very reasonable. After going through a lesson in the National School, Amber bought herself a pen and ink set. We also spent about an hour gold panning in the creek and came away with a small bottle with a few glinting flecks which was very exciting.

The day moved way too quickly and before we knew it, the doors were closing and we were hobbling our way to the exit. On a personal level, this had been an extraordinary day because my great, great grandfather had been a miner, and before that a policeman in this era.  Sovereign Hill bought history to life in a way nothing had previously done.

Back at camp we donned our togs and headed for the pool. With tens of kids in it, you couldn’t see the bottom, but it certainly was refreshing.  Follow that with Pad Thai and Amber is now rip-sticking... I can see her wheels which light up as she goes....time to get her off for bed! More tomorrow...