Gold Rush Private Tours
Ballarat & Walhalla, Victoria, Australia
Journey back to the 1850s and discover Victoria's pivotal role as the crucible of the Australian Gold Rush. Your private tour offers an unparalleled, in-depth exploration of the wealth, history, and drama that transformed the state and built "Marvellous Melbourne." Go deep into gold rush history Sovereign Hill in Ballarat and witness the spectacular Gold Pour demonstration, pan for real alluvial gold, and gain unique access to the authentic streetscape, bringing the era's opulence and hardship to life.
Explore Walhalla's Hidden Secrecy and descend into the earth at the legendary Walhalla Gold Mine, once one of the world's richest deep-lead gold mines. While there experience the remote,
Accompanied by an expert guide who illuminates the stories of the Eureka Stockade, the rush for fortune, and the global impact of this incredible era you'll also come to appreciate the Victorian-era legacy that this gold wealth funded—from the grand public buildings of Melbourne to the magnificent architecture of Ballarat, and beautifully preserved mountain village of Walhalla, enjoying its serene solitude and hidden history far from the crowds.
1 Day Gold Rush Private Day Tours
Departing from Melbourne
Private Gold Mine Tour - Walhalla VIC
10 hours (approx)
1 to 25+ people
Discover Victoria’s gold rush secrets on this immersive, unforgettable adventure.
Ride the Goldfields Railway, explore a historic gold-mining town, and venture deep underground into the legendary Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. Treat yourself and your closest to an incredible day with Melbourne Touring Company's Private Gold Mine Tour.
10 hours (approx)
1 to 25+ people
Price on request
Sovereign Hill Private Day Tour
8 hours (approx)
1 to 24 people
Tired of rigid tour bus schedules? Upgrade your journey into Australian history with our award-winning, private day tour to Sovereign Hill.
This isn't just a museum visit—it's your chance to live the luxury of a gold-rush magnate. Enjoy VIP, door-to-door service from Melbourne, a tailored tour of historic Ballarat, and an unforgettable journey back to 1851.
The ultimate hook: Venture to the Red Hill Gully Diggings and pan for real gold—what you find, you keep!
8 hours (approx)
1 to 24 people
From $1099
When did the gold rush start in Victoria?
The Victorian Gold Rush officially ignited in 1851, an event that completely transformed the colony into a global economic powerhouse and a vibrant cultural hub.
Within months, Victoria was producing over a third of the world's gold, drawing hundreds of thousands of immigrants from across the globe. This influx of people, wealth, and culture is the very foundation of the ornate cities you can still explore today, like Ballarat (home to Sovereign Hill) and Bendigo!
Exploring Victoria's rich gold rush history is one of the best ways to spend your time.
Need an expert guide?
Check out private Gold Rush tours by Melbourne Touring Company
Is it safe to go into the Walhalla gold mine?
Yes, it is extremely safe to go into the Walhalla gold mine, specifically the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine. This site is a major tourist attraction operated under strict protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. You will be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable mine guide at all times. Every visitor is required to wear a safety helmet (provided at the entrance), just like the miners of old.
The mine is operated under rigorous safety standards enforced by the State Government of Victoria. The tour follows a well-maintained, mostly flat walking surface for about 260 to 300 metres into the hillside, reaching the huge machinery chamber. The mine is adequately lit and well-ventilated.
While the mine is safe, remember it is an underground environment. Expect the temperature to be cool (around 13°C), and the ground can be uneven or slightly damp, so suitable footwear is recommended. Taller visitors may need to duck briefly in certain sections.
This tour provides a secure way to venture 150 metres below the surface and step into the incredible history of one of the world's richest gold mines without any genuine risk.
Need an expert guide?
Check out private Gold Rush tours by Melbourne Touring Company
Where did Sovereign Hill get its name?
Named for gold, crown, and riches, Sovereign Hill draws its meaningful name from a direct link to both the British Crown and the lucrative gold coin that defined the wealth of the gold rush era.
The name has two key origins that perfectly capture the theme of the attraction:
The Gold Coin: A Sovereign was the name of the British gold coin worth one pound (£1) in currency. Much of the gold found on the Ballarat goldfields was eventually sent to the mints (initially in London, then Sydney and Melbourne) to be struck into these exact coins. The name is an immediate, tangible symbol of the incredible riches the gold rush produced.
The Mining Company: The museum is located on the actual site of a former goldfield. Here, quartz mining began in 1860 by a major operation known as the Sovereign Quartz Mining Company. By situating the outdoor museum on this spot and adopting the name, it honours the physical history of the site itself.
Seeing Sovereign Hill is a ticket to Australia's Golden Age—a chance to walk in the footsteps of millionaires and diggers.
Need an expert guide?
Check out private Gold Rush tours by Melbourne Touring Company
