Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill didn't open until 10am so a bit of a lie in this morning. The attraction re-creates Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851 when thousands of international adventurers rushed to the Australian goldfields in search of fortune. It’s just like stepping back in time with the ladies and gents all dressed in costumes of the era. Even the school children got involved, dressing up and re-enacting parts of the history.

Chinese quarter.

The town

Chinese tents

Gold!!!

The boilers (R) that power the everything related to the mines including the stone crushers. below L

Pub

Looking at the trees you would think it is our Autumn. Spring growth makes them look very colourful.

They need an undertaker.

And a doctor, veterinarian and dentist. One man for all the needs.

Firing the musket. and a cap lock pistol.

We spent all day there. Yes it has so much to see and do but was kicked out by 5pm. Then at 6pm the doors opened again for the Christmas Market. We stayed to see what was on offer. All I can say was a big disappointment as the goods on offer were the same as when we were walking round looking in the shops. But the place was heaving. Obviously a very popular market for the locals.

Tomorrow we are off to see if we can find the Auzzie canals in Melbourne. Wonder why we have been wished good luck???!!! .

A Silkie Bantam doing the deed (Kept in the Chinese quarters for the eggs and food during the gold rush ) and an Auzzie wasp.

Cock Silkie