This weekend, we packed up our car with every change of clothes possible, headed up the Western Freeway to our favourite family winter destination, Ballarat. Being about an hour from Melbourne, it is honestly the best place to take the kids for some fun in the winter sun, or rain. For us, it was forecast for hail and possible snow (which would have been cool), but in true Melbourne style, it rained, rained and rained. Did we let it dampen our spirits? No! There is so much to do, that the rain cannot ruin any getaway. Sovereign Hill is the prime destination, and their Winter Wonderlights is indeed the jewel in the crown, however you might be surprised to know that there is so much more to do the following day if you make a weekend of it!
Sovereign Hill
More than 100,000 visitors enjoyed the event in 2017, and with large crowds expected again this year, Wonderlight-goers are encouraged to pre-book online at www.winterwonderlights.com.au to avoid missing out on their chance to rug up and
take in the spectacle. Sovereign Hill will shine brighter with an expanded footprint and more light projections than ever before, bring the total to 25 dazzling buildings. As the sound of carolers echo throughout the township, and anticipation of snowfall fills the air, visitors will be swept up in the excitement of a special European-style Christmas. Featuring two additional building facades lit up with festive yuletide animations, and over 15km of fairy lights throughout Sovereign Hill’s garden, the entire township will come alive in what is the largest light projection spectacle ever staged in one site
anywhere in Australia.
Winter Wonderlights at A Glance:
Sovereign Hill’s Christmas in July Winter Wonderlights will run from Saturday
30 June – Sunday 22 July 2018
The Winter Wonderlights show will commence each evening from 5:45PM
More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the event
Visitors are encouraged to pre-book online at
www.winterwonderlights.com.au to avoid disappointment
25 buildings will come alive with spectacular, large-scale light projections
More than 15kms of fairy lights will add a magical touch to Sovereign Hill’s
gardens
During the day, Sovereign Hill will evoke a sense of old-world wonder. Visitors can take a stroll down Main Street as faux snow-flakes fall at regular intervals over the Victorian-style buildings, decorations fill the window displays, the smell of Christmas treats and spices fill the air, and traditional Christmas-themed pantomimes are performed. Visitors will also delight in the European Christmas market where they can purchase enchanting decorations, or try some traditional treats including a steaming cup of mulled wine, or Sovereign Hill’s famous toffee apples.
The cottages and gardens overlooking Main Street will also be filled with fairy lights, and candles will dance in shop windows, so no matter where you look, the old-world charm of the 1850s will bask Sovereign Hill in a golden, yuletide glow. Visitors can enjoy a full day of Christmas excitement with activities for all ages, and as the sun goes down, Sovereign Hill will light up spectacularly each evening after 5.45pm. Saint Nicholas will also put in an appearance each day, and visitors can also watch the ladies and gents parade up and down Main Street as they celebrate
a Victorian-style Christmas.
When: Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights Christmas in July event Saturday 30 June – Sunday 22 July 2018 from 10am daily. The ‘Winter Wonderlights’ show will start each evening after 5.45pm.
Where: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat, 3350
Cost: General admission: Adults $61.00, Children (5-15) $27.60, Concession ($48.80), Family ($154.00) and Single Family ($110.00).
A huge thanks to Ballarat Tourism who organised our stay this weekend, and made sure that we experienced everything best Ballarat has to offer, so we could share it all with you!
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