Eureka!!

Ballarat, being another "Gold Rush" city there was lots to see and do! History abounds!

To start with it was off to Sovereign Hill - set across 30 acres the 1850's has been recreated for all to experience. It was a fun day being transported back in time! We even got to do some gold panning - after being taught the technique by one of the miners I had some luck in finding some gold flakes - Eureka!!

Lots of school kids there on school excursions - what a great way to learn history! They were loving it!!

The people who work there go about their day as they would have in the 1850's - lots of recreation theatre happens throughout the day, and they will answer questions about and discuss the social, economic and political history of the time.

The Gold Museum, across the road from Sovereign Hill, was excellent - the information and the displays were first class! Pete and I spent quite a bit of time in there "fossicking" around! :)

THE GOLD MUSEUM

Just a glimpse of a few things in there - definitely worth a visit if you are in Ballarat

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We've all seen his art depicting life on the gold fields. His work is an incredible visual history of that period.
 A very talented artist but such a sad life!
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1850's Cafe! They liked their coffee too!!!

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Just some of Gill's exceptional art 

Think Pete would like one of these!

Interesting

Gold found in the last 5 years!
Still plenty there if you can find it!

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SOVEREIGN HILL
A great re-creation!

A musket firing demonstration

Interesting scales!

Making candles

Saloon and Game Hall
See pics of the games above - even played a form of todays 10 pin bowling

Guess who!?

Panning

Puddling

Miner's tents

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Making boiled lollies

The school kid's impromptu band playing their 1850's instruments.
Do you think they put their caps out for donations!? lol

Singing a few ballads

EUREKA!
My pot of gold!

(    Think they throw some in the creek every morning! :)   )