Designed for: Victorian Primary School students
Highlight of this 3-day tour includes the evening show ‘Blood on the Southern Cross’ which brings to life the dramatic clash between gold miners and government forces. It also includes a visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park for an up-close wildlife experience.
The
program is designed around integrated learning, and will assist to develop
knowledge and understanding of significant events in Australia and Victoria’s
history.
Morning departure by coach, travelling along the Western Highway to Ballarat where you will check in to your motel accommodation. You will begin your study of the importance of gold in Australia’s history by visiting the Gold Museum, part of the Sovereign Hill experience. On display is an extensive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold ornaments and coins. This state-of-the-art gallery also houses various temporary exhibitions throughout the year. A visit to the nearby Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka will provide an insight into the events surrounding a pivotal stage in Australia’s history. Lead by an Education Officer, you will experience the tensions and drama of the rebellion at the site of the stockade, through an exciting array of original artefacts and multi-media technology. Tonight, return to Sovereign Hill to experience the acclaimed sound and light spectacular, “Blood on the Southern Cross”. This unique show, set under the night sky, brings to life the battle between gold miners and Government forces at the Eureka Stockade.
The gold rush days stamped the city of Ballarat as a living memorial to an era when a lifetime of wealth and prosperity was only a shovel or pan away for many Australians. History now comes to life at Sovereign Hill, which faithfully depicts Ballarat’s first 10 years after the discovery of gold in 1851. Step back in time and experience life as it was - streets bustling with people in period costume, horse-drawn carriages, steam-driven machinery on the diggings and a variety of shops. Try your luck at panning for real gold. On a self-guided underground tour you will see original workings of the gold mine and dioramas depicting the life of the miners.
This morning your tour includes a visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park where you will interact with a variety of unique Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, emus, echidnas and wombats, as well as exotic reptiles. This ‘environmental classroom’ is set in 15 hectares of beautiful peppermint gum woodland. Enjoy lunch in the park at Lake Wendouree. You will then have the chance to reflect on Australia’s history along the Prime Minister’s Walk and at the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, before beginning your journey back to school, arriving mid-afternoon.
