2025 Golden Point Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

📍It takes about 1.5 hours from Melbourne to arrive at the fairytale city: Ballarat! The first stop is the popular Ballarat Wildlife Park, where you can interact with kangaroos up close, and meet koalas, Tasmanian demons, and wombats; when I first saw the kangaroo, I wanted to hug it (my baby 🐰 appeared in my mind) but I was still a little shy...until I saw the child in front of me hugging it tightly, I decided to follow suit - the kangaroos here are for touching As a result, it was really natural to be hugged, and it felt super enjoyable 💛 (with a strong Australian enthusiasm!) It is estimated that you can stay for 2-3 hours After that, you can drive to the Sovereign Hill Gold Rush Historical Village with a strong sense of history. The drive takes about half an hour, which is very fast. This is a replica village from the Australian gold rush era, with underground gold mine tunnels, old-fashioned shopping streets, candy workshops, and glass-burning displays. It is highly recommended for travelers who like in-depth travel. The entire venue is not large and can be visited in one afternoon. The tour guides are very enthusiastic and friendly. Because I went there during the Lunar New Year, there were large snake-shaped lanterns in front of the museum, which gave me a deep experience of Australia's cultural diversity and openness! Later, I chatted with the tour guides. When they heard me speak Chinese, they kept saying Happy New Year to me. I didn't expect that I could still feel the flavor of the Lunar New Year after traveling across the ocean. Thank you for your careful arrangements! 📌 Small information sharing: 🦘 Ballarat Wildlife Park: Tickets are about $40 AUD, and tickets can be purchased on site ⛏️ Sovereign Hill: Tickets are about $47 AUD, including gold panning experience & underground tunnel tour 🚗 It is recommended to drive by yourself or join a local one-day tour (departing from Melbourne) 🧢 It is recommended to reserve a whole day and wear comfortable walking shoes + sunscreen! #Melbourne Private Attractions #Ballari Wildlife Park #Ballari #Melbourne Day Tour #Melbourne Suburban Attractions #New Year's Destinations 2025

Getting There - Join in Tours Attractions - See pictures Hotels - Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG Food & Restaurants - La Cucina Melbourne Shopping - Queen Victoria Market

🗺️🗺️ 【Travel Itinerary】 Day 1: Camberwell Sunday Market - St. Kilda Beach Day 2: Free Tram Zone City Tour Day 3: Great Ocean Tour Day 4: Puffing Billy & Phillip Island Tour Day 5: Sovereign Hill Day 6: Queen Victoria Market - Fitzroy Street 📍📍【Recommended Attractions】 Sovereign Hill!! Highly recommended - It's like a Korean folk village. It's a place where you can see the life of Australia in the 1860s! 🏠🏠【Recommended Hotels】 1. Melbourne Central YHA

🌴 Attractions Overview 🗺️ Travel Guide 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Food Recommendations 🎫 Tickets 🚗 Transportation 🕝 Opening Hours 🏷️ Tips

Hey friends! Want to witness the spectacular penguin parade? Curious about life during the 19th-century gold rush? Come along, this 4-day Australian itinerary will show you a different side of Aussie charm! It's definitely practical, so save it now! -------------------- 🛫 Itinerary: DAY 1: Free time in the city after arrival Arrive in Australia and start your amazing journey! Enjoy free time in the city, experience the exotic atmosphere, and consult customer support for surprise discounts! DAY 2: Anglesea Bike Park - Twelve Apostles - Loch Ard Gorge Cycle through the natural scenery of Anglesea Bike Park, visit the magnificent Twelve Apostles, and then explore the magical beauty of Loch Ard Gorge. DAY 3: Puffing Billy Railway - Maru Koala and Animal Park - Phillip Island Take a ride on the vintage Puffing Billy Railway, traveling between history and nature. Next, visit Maru Koala and Animal Park for close encounters with adorable animals. Finally, head to Phillip Island to watch the penguin parade and experience the warmth and wonder of nature. DAY 4: Sovereign Hill Travel back to the 19th century for a day! Experience life in a gold rush town at Sovereign Hill, immerse yourself in the river of history, and feel the unique charm of that era. 🔚 End your delightful Australian journey and return home with wonderful memories and experiences! -------------------- Attraction Recommendations: 🌟 Puffing Billy Railway 🌟 5 stars Address: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160, Australia Opening Hours: 9am–5pm Duration: 2–3 hrs Travel through beautiful forests and fern-filled valleys on a vintage steam train, experiencing a wonderful blend of history and nature. 🐧 Phillip Island 🐨 5 stars Address: Penguin Parade, 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, Victoria 3922 Opening Hours: Open all day Duration: 1 day Come to an animal paradise and get up close and personal with penguins, koalas, and kangaroos. Watch the seal colonies and enjoy the harmony of nature. 🎠 Sovereign Hill 🎡 4 stars Address: Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350, Australia Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm Duration: 4–5 hrs Explore this theme park converted from an abandoned gold mine, experience a unique adventure, and have endless fun. 🌊 Twelve Apostles 🌅 4 stars Address: Victoria Opening Hours: 9am–5pm Duration: 1–2 hrs Admire the millennia-old scenery on the Great Ocean Road and experience the magnificence and mystery of the wave-eroded stone pillars. -------------------- Essential Travel Tips: 📌 Visa Information: You need to apply for a visa in advance to travel to Australia. Ensure a smooth trip! 🚗 Airport Transportation: Australian airports offer convenient transportation options, including taxis, buses, and subways. 🍽️ Food Exploration: Australian seafood and steaks are super delicious. Don't forget to try the local specialties! 🌞 Sunscreen Essential: The Australian sun is strong, so please bring sunscreen before traveling. 📸 Photo Spots: Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef—leave your travel footprints! -------------------- 🌟 Australia group tours, explore Australian charm with ease! Don't forget to follow me for more exciting travel guides! 🌟

🌴 Attractions Overview 🗺️ Travel Guide 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Food Recommendations 🎫 Tickets 🚗 Transportation 🕝 Opening Hours 🏷️ Tips

It was a Valentines trip to Ballarat. We spent our Valentine’s Day in Ballarat, and it was such a delightful escape! Ballarat, with its mix of history, beautiful gardens, and vibrant food scene, proved to be the perfect destination for a romantic getaway 💯 We kicked off the day by heading straight to the Ballarat Botanical Garden 🌺 The moment we stepped into the park, we were greeted by stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and well-maintained gardens. We took a peaceful walk around the historic gardens, hand-in-hand, with the backdrop of towering trees and colorful flowers, such a beautiful way to start the day. The perfect spot for a romantic picnic 🧺 too if you want to spend some quiet moments surrounded by nature 😍 📍Gillies Street North, Ballarat, VIC 3350 We then made our way to Sovereign Hill, one of Ballarat’s most iconic attractions. This open-air museum is like stepping back in time to the 1850s during the gold rush. We dressed up in period costumes (which was such fun!) and explored the recreated streets, trying our hand at gold panning. The charm of the old shops, the horse-drawn wagons, and the gold mine tours added to the nostalgic experience 🙌 📍39 Magpie Street, Ballarat, VIC 3350 We also headed to Lake Wendouree, one of Ballarat’s most popular natural attractions. We spent some time wandering around the lake, enjoying the fresh air and watching the swans gliding on the water 💧 If you’re looking for a truly romantic experience, I would highly recommend hiring a swan 🦢 boat for a leisurely row around the lake. It’s so peaceful, and the views are just breathtaking 😍 📍Wendouree Parade, Ballarat, VIC 3350 As the day was drawing to a close, we made our way to the Ballarat Wildlife Park to catch the sunset 🌇 It was a unique experience as we got to enjoy the serene atmosphere while meeting some native Australian animals up close. From cuddly koalas to curious kangaroos 🦘 the wildlife park offers a laid-back and memorable way to finish the day. It’s perfect for nature lovers, and the animals are so friendly 😍 📍250 Fussell Street, Ballarat, VIC 3352 Ballarat truly made for a romantic and unforgettable Valentine’s Day 🙌🙌🙌 #australiatrip #travel #couplestrip

Family! Take your baby to Australia, and don't miss these museums and attractions! The University of Sydney, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Queensland Museum are new options for family trips! -------------------- Route suggestion: 🇦🇺 Adventure tour, departing from Shanghai, via Brisbane and Sydney, and finally returning to Shanghai. DAY1: Shanghai✈️Brisbane Depart from Shanghai, fly across the ocean, arrive in beautiful Brisbane, and start your trip to Australia. DAY2: South Bank Parklands->Queensland Museum->Brisbane City Hall->Paradise Country Visit South Bank Parklands, visit the Queensland Museum, explore Brisbane City Hall, and finally head to Paradise Country to experience Australian farm life. DAY3: Warner Bros. Movie World->Surfers Paradise Feel the charm of movies at Warner Bros. Movie World, and then head to Surfers Paradise to enjoy the fun of the beach. DAY4: Sovereign Hill Head to Sovereign Hill to experience the history and culture of the Australian gold mining town. DAY5: Free time in Melbourne Free time in Melbourne to explore the unique charm of the city. DAY6: Rose Bay->Bondi Beach->Royal Botanic Garden Sydney->Art Gallery of New South Wales->Sydney Opera House->Darling Harbour Visit Rose Bay, stroll along Bondi Beach, visit the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, admire the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, feel the charm of the Sydney Opera House, and finally explore the bustling Darling Harbour. DAY7: Blue Mountains National Park->Scenic World Blue Mountains->Sydney Tower Head to Blue Mountains National Park to admire the magnificent natural scenery, visit Scenic World Blue Mountains, and finally climb Sydney Tower to overlook the entire city. DAY8: Sydney✈️Shanghai End your wonderful trip to Australia, depart from Sydney, and return to Shanghai. -------------------- **Notes**: * Visa information: You need to apply for a visa in advance to go to Australia, which can be applied for through the official website or designated agency. 😊 * Currency exchange rate: Australia uses the Australian dollar, and the exchange rate will fluctuate. It is recommended to understand and exchange cash in advance. 💵 * Food exploration: Australian seafood and steak are super delicious, so why not try them! 🍽️ * February climate: The climate in Australia in February is mild and pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities, but you still need to prepare a light coat to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening. 🌦️ -------------------- Australia, a country full of adventures, is waiting for you to explore! Don't forget to bring your camera and capture every unforgettable moment! 📸

We decided to take a day trip to Ballarat and Sovereign Hill, experiencing a glimpse of Australia’s gold rush history. What made this trip even better? I took public transport all the way, making it an easy and budget-friendly getaway! Getting to Ballarat & Sovereign Hill by Public Transport: From Melbourne, I hopped on a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat (about 1.5 hours). The ride was smooth, and the views along the way were quite scenic. Once I reached Ballarat Station, I took a local bus (Route 21) straight to Sovereign Hill in just 10 minutes (or just take a taxi for about 15SGD ++) Exploring Sovereign Hill – A Living Gold Rush Town: Walking into Sovereign Hill felt like stepping back into the 1850s! The heritage-style buildings, costumed characters, and gold panning activities made the experience feel authentic. I even tried my luck at gold panning—no jackpot, but still a fun experience! One thing I didn’t expect? The cold! Even in the afternoon, it was freezing, so if you’re visiting, definitely layer up—especially in the colder months. Ballarat’s Food & Coffee Scene – A Pleasant Surprise! After exploring Sovereign Hill, I took the bus back to Ballarat town and wandered around. To my surprise, Ballarat has some seriously amazing coffee spots and food! I stopped by a cozy café for a rich, smooth latte, and it was one of the best coffees I had in Australia. Food-wise, there are plenty of affordable and delicious options, from bakeries to casual dining spots. Final Thoughts – A Worthwhile & Affordable Day Trip: I loved how affordable this day trip was. With public transport, I saved money compared to taking a tour, and I still had the flexibility to explore at my own pace. If you’re in Melbourne and looking for an easy day trip full of history, great food, and scenic views, Ballarat & Sovereign Hill are definitely worth a visit! #daytrip ##melboune #sovereignhill #ballaratwildlifepark

Metung is a small town located in eastern Victoria, situated in the beautiful Gippsland Lakes region, at the confluence of lakes and rivers, surrounded by lush forests and tranquil waters. The town of Olinda is also more than 40 kilometers away from Melbourne CBD. It is located in Mount Tanjung Nong, right next to Sassafras. Generally, when going to Mount Tanjung Nong, Olinda and Sassafras are always taken together. After all, the two towns are only 3 kilometers apart, and it only takes five or six minutes to get there. The town of Olinda looks similar to Sassafras, but has a larger population, with the 2021 count being 1,773 people. But even so, there are only 305 people per square kilometer, which means that each person occupies more than 3,000 square meters of land. How comfortable that is. There are some small shops and many food restaurants in the town center of Olinda. The National Rhododendron Garden next door is most beautiful in April, May, September and October. In late autumn, the garden is full of bright red and yellow, and in early spring, it is full of colorful flowers. A little further down the road after the Rhododendron Garden, there is the Olinda Tea House, which is a garden-style restaurant. I won’t comment on the meals and afternoon tea, but the environment and scenery are indeed nice. Continue along the road for a few kilometers and you will see a sign on the right that says Pirianda Garden. Turn in and walk a short dirt road to the parking lot of this garden. The autumn colors of this garden are more beautiful than those of the azalea garden, and the red and yellow leaves are more beautiful. Back to the center of Olinda town, turn right and walk along the main road for a few kilometers, there is a garden called William Ricketts Sanctuary. The garden is not big, but the plants are quite lush. There are many sculptures in it, with similar styles, all of which are old. They are hidden in the woods and bushes, and under the mottled light and shadow, it feels a little gloomy and heavy. A small town in Victoria, a southeastern state of Australia Dunkeld Located at the southern end of the Grampians/Garryward Ranges, it is an ideal base for exploring the Grampians. There are beautiful trails and mountain views for those who want to hike or climb Sturgeon Mountain. The town also has a rich variety of delicious food. The Royal Mail Hotel and Wickens Restaurant are recommended. Warrnambool This seaside town has a rich history and a stunning coastline. Great for the whole family, you can see whales and penguins. Lake Pettobe and Cape Thunder Walk are highlights, and the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles are also nearby. Ballarat As Victoria's second oldest city, Ballarat has a rich gold rush history, and Sovereign Hill is a must-see historical attraction. The town’s 19th-century buildings and gold mining museum are worth a visit. Halls Gap As the gateway to the Grampians National Park, it's perfect for nature lovers. There are waterfalls, lookouts, and several hiking trails. Halls Gap Zoo and local wineries are also popular. Bendigo Once the epicenter of the gold rush, Bendigo's historic buildings and gold mining museums attract visitors. You can experience historical walks, as well as visit art galleries and botanical gardens.

## Review of Our Family Day Out We started our day at 10 AM with pre-booked tickets, which saved us a lot of time on admission. Our 7-year-old was particularly excited about panning for gold and was absolutely thrilled with the gold he found! Throughout the day, we enjoyed several engaging demonstrations, including a gold pour, candy making, blacksmithing, and candle dipping. Each activity was entertaining and educational, making it a memorable experience for the whole family. We also took part in a self-guided mine tour. While our child found it a bit too dark for comfort, we appreciated the informative aspects of the tour. Overall, it was a fun and educational day that both adults and kids thoroughly enjoyed!

Explore Australia in winter with a 5-day tour! This guide will help you make the most of your trip. Don't miss out! -------- 🛤️Itinerary: Day 1: After arriving at the airport, enjoy a pick-up service and head to your hotel. After checking in, you can explore the surrounding area at your leisure. Day 2: Brighton Beach > Dandenong Ranges > Puffing Billy Railway > Nobbies Centre > Phillip Island Travel through the picturesque Brighton Beach, visit the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, take a ride on the vintage Puffing Billy Railway, visit the Nobbies Centre, and finally head to Phillip Island to experience the island's charm. Day 3: Split Point Lighthouse > Lorne Beach > Great Otway National Park > Twelve Apostles > Loch Ard Gorge Start at the spectacular Split Point Lighthouse, stroll to Lorne Beach to enjoy the seaside, then explore the wonders of Great Otway National Park, visit the famous Twelve Apostles, and finally arrive at Loch Ard Gorge to experience the wonders of nature. Day 4: Werribee Mansion > Sovereign Hill > Sovereign Hill Visit the historic Werribee Mansion, then head to Sovereign Hill to experience the charm of the gold mining town. In the evening, you can choose to visit Sovereign Hill again to experience the night scene. Day 5: After breakfast at the hotel, you will have plenty of time to explore the city or relax. In the afternoon, we will provide an airport transfer service to ensure your trip ends smoothly. -------- **Notes**: 1. Time difference alert🕰️! Australia is 2-3 hours ahead of Beijing time, so remember to adjust your schedule. 2. Currency exchange tips💵: The Australian dollar exchange rate fluctuates a lot, so it's best to check and prepare in advance. 3. Australian food🍽️! Don't miss the seafood and steak, and there are all kinds of cafes waiting for you to explore. 4. Sunscreen is a must🧴! The sun in Australia is strong, so apply sunscreen before going out. 5. Respect local customs🙌, keep quiet in public places, and enjoy a harmonious journey. -------- Australia is a magical country worth exploring. We look forward to your next exciting trip!🌟

🚌Itinerary Overview: Around 09:00 AM Depart from Melbourne to the Gold Mine🏰 Around 03:00 PM Arrive at St. Patrick's Cathedral💒 Around 03:30 PM Stroll through Fitzroy Gardens⛲️ Around 04:10 PM Explore Hosier Lane🧑‍🎨 Around 05:00 PM Ascend Eureka Skydeck 88 to overlook Melbourne🌃 Around 06:30 PM Pleasant return journey🚌 👫Group Type: 20 people per group, minimum 4 people to form a group Tours available every day except Monday 📸Highlights: Gold Mine: Experience the fun of gold panning and feel the history💛 St. Patrick's Cathedral: Gothic architecture, solemn and majestic⛪️ Fitzroy Gardens: Natural beauty, urban oasis🪴 Hosier Lane: Street art, vibrant colors🖼️ Eureka Skydeck 88: Panoramic city view, sunset moments🌄

Explore the wonders of Australia on a 5-day tour! With an amazing itinerary, you'll experience the unique charm of Australia. Join us and feel the magic! / Australia, a land where history and nature intertwine. 🏞️ From the majestic Great Barrier Reef to the elegance of the Sydney Opera House, every corner exudes the unique charm of this land. 🌅 Explore Australia and experience its unique regional charm! / 🌟 Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrival at the airport -> Free time After checking into the hotel, enjoy some free time! Relax and enjoy your first day. DAY 2: Brighton Beach -> Dandenong Ranges -> Puffing Billy Steam Train -> Nobbies Centre -> Phillip Island Visit the beach and mountains, ride a vintage steam train, and finally head to Phillip Island to discover the little penguins. DAY 3: Split Point Lighthouse -> Lorne Beach -> Great Otway National Park -> Twelve Apostles -> Loch Ard Gorge A coastal journey to admire the stunning coastal scenery and explore the natural wonders of the national park. DAY 4: Werribee Mansion -> Sovereign Hill -> Sovereign Hill Experience the tranquility of the mansion and revisit the gold mining history and culture of Sovereign Hill. DAY 5: Free time -> Airport transfer Enjoy your last day in Australia, then head to the airport to end your journey. / **Notes**: 1. November in Australia is warm and perfect for travel, but the north enters the rainy season, so bring rain gear 🌦️. 2. The time difference with China is 2-3 hours, so adjust your schedule to avoid jet lag ⏰. 3. The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi to the city center 🚆🚌🚕. 4. Respect local culture and etiquette, and have a pleasant journey 🌍! 5. Wild animals are cute, but be safe, keep your distance, and don't feed or touch them 🐨🦘. 6. Don't forget sun protection and heat prevention. High SPF sunscreen and a hat are essential 🧢🧴. / Australia is waiting for you to explore! Don't miss the beauty of this land, and let your journey be full of surprises and emotions! 🌈✨

🌴 Attractions Overview nice place to have a experience in mining history 🗺️ Travel Guide 📷 Photo Spots everywhere can take nice photo 🍜 Food Recommendations nice restaurants 🎫 Tickets trips.com more cheap 🚗 Transportation 🕝 Opening Hours 10-5 🏷️ Tips

This is the heritage gold mine in Victoria Australia in 19th century it had large population there in Ballarat, the city in the central highland of victoria. Since 1854 following the period of Victoria gold licenses, local miners launched an armed uprising against government forces. Konwing as the Eureka rebellion. Today, this place now become a famous place in the world.

Travel to Ballarat to have fun in Sovereign Hill this Spring. Just 1.5 hour away from the CBD.

A trip from Melbourne to Ballarat is the best way to have fun with your girlfriends! Sovereign Hill in particular is a spot where you can take photos in period costumes and ride horses to have fun. Even though it's a historical theme park, I felt like I had traveled back in time. It was more fun than I expected, so I ended up staying until the end. I also got into the gold panning experience. The whole city of Ballarat is cute, and there are lots of photo spots! If you want to have a great time, this is a must-see destination.

A museum like a theme park that recreates the cityscape of the gold rush era⛏️ Even the staff's costumes were perfect, and it felt like I'd wandered into a movie set😳 There are various activities throughout the day, so both adults and children can enjoy it👧🏻 Although there is no costume rental, you can dress up and take photos at the photo studio👗 It's an hour and a half drive from Melbourne city, and there are tours with transportation, so it's perfect for a day trip👌🏻 It's one of my favorite places on this trip, and it's in the TOP 3🥳 . . . 📍Sovereign Hill 🗺️Victoria, Australia 🕑10:00-17:00 💤Monday 💰AU$49 #trip_aug #museum #themepark

Ah, Melbourne! A city where every corner whispers a different story and every attraction promises a unique adventure. From chugging along in a century-old train to gazing at the city from a sky-high deck, here's my curated list of must-visit spots for your Melbourne escapade! 🚂 Puffing Billy Railway 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160, Australia Hop on this charming 110-year-old steam train and let your feet dangle out as you journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges. Embrace the warmth of the sun and the friendly waves of locals. Don't miss out on the tasty treats at Lakeside station. Remember, punctuality is key to enjoying this vintage ride! 🐠 SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium King St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Dive into the aquatic world at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Get up close with adorable penguins, float through dreamy jellyfish parks, and find your inner child with the Happy Feet 4D movie. It's an underwater realm perfect for dates or family outings. Tip: Online tickets often come with sweet deals! 🌆 Melbourne Skydeck 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia Elevate your Melbourne experience at the Skydeck. As the sun dips, watch the city light up from the 88th floor. The transparent floor offers a thrilling perspective of the bustling city below. It's an ideal spot for families and friends to capture stunning skyline views and create lasting memories. 🏛️ Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia Step into a world of history and culture at the Melbourne Museum. Be greeted by the majestic horse sculpture and lose yourself in exhibits that span the ages. From the Titanic's legacy to the fascinating natural sciences, there's a story for everyone. The museum is a treasure trove for the curious soul. 🏰 Sovereign Hill Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350, Australia Travel back to the 18th century at Sovereign Hill. Enjoy the winter lights festival, artificial snow, and engaging activities like gold panning. The costumed staff and interactive experiences make it a historical adventure that's both fun and educational. A must-try for a glimpse into Australia's gold rush era. 🦁 Melbourne Zoo Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia Roam among the wildlife at Melbourne Zoo, an enchanting retreat for nature enthusiasts. Discover the unique stories of animals from around the globe and learn about conservation efforts. With engaging talks and animal encounters, it's a day of exploration and learning for the whole family. These are just a few highlights from my Melbourne journey, each with its own flavor and charm. Whether you're a history buff, an animal lover, or an adrenaline seeker, Melbourne has something special waiting for you. #Melbourne #MelbourneAttractions #Australia #AustraliaTravel

#australiatrip A fantastic day exploring, well worth a visit if you are in Ballarat, AURA Sound & Light Spectacular which is a 90 minute show commencing after dark was definitely a highlight of the visit to Sovereign Hill. Tickets for the AURA show are separate to the admissions tickets and are best booked online for the date you intend to visit as there are limited spaces and it was very busy. Food and drink prices are on the high side but you are able to take your own or leave and come back in.

Sovereign Hill is Australia's most famous gold rush town, located 112 kilometers west of Melbourne in the city of Ballarat. ⚒ In the 19th century, large gold deposits were discovered here, attracting prospectors from all over the world. Today, the gold mines have ceased operations and have been transformed into a tourist destination focused on the gold panning experience. In the town, there are nostalgic buildings from the Victorian era, and the staff are dressed in the everyday clothing of that period, reenacting scenes of life from those days on the streets and in the shops. 🚂 Visitors can take a ride on a mine cart, enter the tunnels, and experience the hardships of gold mining from the past. The mines still retain the original appearance of gold nuggets as they were found, embedded in the earth and poking out like pieces of Ferrero Rocher chocolates; the gold is right before your eyes but cannot be simply taken, as it is all protected by infrared sensors. In the open-air rivers, visitors can personally experience the process of gold panning. The sand in the river contains gold particles, and how much you can pan out is all up to your own skill, and you can take it all away for free!

During our trip around Melbourne, we didn't choose the Great Ocean Road self-drive that every tourist must tick off their list. The reason is that I get car sick; as soon as I get in a car, it's like someone cast a sleep spell on me, and I sleep through the whole journey without seeing the scenery... So, we opted for a less popular route, the Gold Rush Town + Pink Lake. The Pink Lake is closer to Adelaide, and it takes about 8 hours to drive there and back from Melbourne. But what young girl can resist the allure of pink, pink things? Once in the car, I just open and close my eyes, and before I know it, I'm there, I must go! In the morning, we first visited Sovereign Hill, a gold rush town. This place is a relic of the Australian gold rush of 1850 (?), and it has preserved many of the gold mining facilities from that time. You can also sign up for tours on-site, where local guides will explain the history of gold mining and take you deep underground to experience the gold mines (it's really dark, so I didn't take many photos). Since we visited on a weekday during the off-season and the weather wasn't great, it was overcast, which felt very calm. However, visiting a place that was once hot but now faded in such weather seemed quite fitting... Let me just say, Australia's mineral resources are truly abundant, not just gold mines. This is indeed a feng shui treasure land that relies on mining, agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism, and education to support a high-welfare developed country. I chatted with a local white Uber driver, and they only take orders from the Uber platform, casually earning about ten thousand yuan a week... I've also talked to many Didi drivers in China, they work themselves to death driving for so many platforms for over 10 hours a day, and they earn about the same amount in a month in Shanghai, which is really sigh-worthy. After driving for 4 hours, we encountered the legendary Pink Lake! On the road, we really saw a lot of kangaroos, and many kangaroos that had been hit and killed TT There's no definitive conclusion as to why the Pink Lake is pink, but it might be due to the microorganisms/bacteria it contains. The shores of the Pink Lake are white and saline, but what shocked me more than the visibly pink water was the shore teeming with bugs... ants, long strips of various indescribable creatures... The memes about Australia having lots of bugs that I saw online have now vividly entered my field of vision... There's a public toilet by the roadside, and looking at the dark mass in front of the toilet, I took a closer look, and yes, it was all insect corpses. I silently endured and returned to the car. My brave little sister ventured into the public toilet and came back to pat me calmly, saying it was good that I didn't go. There were probably tens of thousands inside. In summary, today I saw beautiful scenery, took some lovely photos, and even got a little braver. It was a happy day! In the next issue, I want to do a special on small animals, so stay tuned, dear UUs!

Ballarat is a famous gold rush town in history. Sovereign Hill in the town is a super large outdoor 'museum', which truly restores the historical appearance of the town during the gold rush period, as if traveling through time and space, and the photos are also very retro. 👍You can take a peek at the 'gold rush scene', encounter stylish carriages, and even experience panning for gold in the river yourself! 📷：Visit Victoria

#Resaurant Yummy food and nice service

Nice hotel and good price,staff nice

Location: Golden Point Victoria 3350, Australia Admission fee: $29 for child, $49 for adult Despite it’s pricy ticket, this tourist attraction is quite worth the cost due to the fact that you could spend a whole day there. A musuem presenting the story of Ballarat, a goldrush boomtown, it has costumed characters that interact with crowds, horse coach rides and even underground mines. It encompasses a lot of different shops, from areas where you can look at old bowling pins, to shops that display old vintage clothing and jewellery, and even a church and an undertaker shop. There are also areas where you can use a pail to sift through the soil in search of gold, which is a great place of entertainment for families with kids. Complete with food outlets and many different attractions within it, it’s a great place for a fun family day. #australia #victoria #sovereignhill