Goldfields Discovery Package: 3-day Ballarat & Clunes
Duration:
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Designed for travellers who value depth, history, and connection, this unique package blends immersive storytelling, heritage architecture, and exceptional local dining. Discover hidden laneways and underground goldmines, indulge in a vintage lakeside picnic, and explore inside rarely seen goldfields-era buildings in the picturesque town of Clunes. With time to relax, reflect, and roam, this is a thoughtful regional escape for those who crave meaning in their travels.
✔️ Perfect for culture seekers, couples, and small groups
✔️ Includes immersive walking tours and exclusive access to heritage sites
✔️ Taste your way through Ballarat’s local flavours and distillery gems
✔️ Slow-paced itinerary with time for rest, exploration, and connection
Includes:
2 night boutique accommodation at Craig’s Royal Hotel
3 Hidden Lanes guided tours (Ballarat Foodie + Distillery Tour, Clunes Hidden Buildings & City Tales) valued at approx. $344)
Gin at local distillery
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Entry to Sovereign Hill & goldmine tour
Special Hidden Lanes Ballarat tea towel
Shuttle transportation between experiences
Transport Add-On: Private Melbourne-Ballarat return transfer available for $180 per person.
More information: https://hiddenlanes.com/clunes-ballarat-golfields-travel-package
Day 1 – (Wednesday) The 1800’s in Ballarat – Victorian-era picnic and City Tales Tour
Day 2 (Thursday) – Sovereign Hill & Slow Food
Day 3 (Friday) – Clunes Gold Rush
Exciting! You’re all set. Please see your itinerary below. If you require us to meet you at the Ballarat Railway station, or pick you up from Melbourne (additional cost) please get in touch via hello@hiddenlanes.com.au
Goldfields Discovery Package: 3-day, 2-night Itinerary
Day 1 – the 1800’s in Ballarat
12:00 PM: Victorian Vintage Picnic – A delightful 1880’s Victorian-inspired picnic lunch with tea. (In case of bad weather, a charming lakeside lunch at the historic Pipers Cafe.)
1:00 PM: Self explore beautiful Lake Wendouree and Ballarat Botanical Gardens or have a doze on the picnic cushions.
2:00 PM: Rest at the hotel.
2:30-4:45 PM: Ballarat City Tales Tour – Uncover hidden laneways, local history, and intriguing tales from the goldfields with your knowledgeable, local guide.
6:00 PM: (Dinner not included.) You’re free to choose from Ballarat’s excellent eateries. We’ll provide a curated list of local favourites, from cosy pubs to modern bistros.
Day 2 – Sovereign Hill & slow Food
9:30 AM: Sovereign Hill Immersive Living Museum Experience – Step back in time at this historical living museum (optional horse carriage ride/Goldfields costume and photo experience).
10:30AM: Underground goldmine tour
12:00 PM: Australian pie & Devonshire Tea or Waffles – A hearty Australian meal followed by The New York Bakery’s famous waffles or scones with jam and cream.
1:00 PM: Self explore Sovereign Hill, browse the sweets shops and other activities.
2:00 PM: Rest at the hotel or self explore Ballarat.
5:00PM: Ballarat Foodie & Gin Distillery Tour + Dinner Discover hidden tales of Ballarat’s culinary past, and taste some of Ballarat’s unique flavours and locally distilled gin with a knowledgeable guide.
Day 3 – Clunes Gold Rush
9:30 AM: Clunes Goldfields Hidden Buildings Tour – Discover and explore inside hidden Clunes buildings, with exclusive access to the parts of the town where gold was first found in Victoria.
11:30 AM: Explore Clunes – Self-explore local bookshops, antique stores and gift shops.
12:00 PM: Lunch at local cafe – (not included) Enjoy lunch at your own pace in Clunes, whether it’s sourdough sandwiches, café fare, or an old-world bakery.
1:15 PM: Reconvene for a hot drink and head off to Ballarat Train Station.
2:00 PM: Shuttle to Ballarat Train Station – Head back home or off to your next adventure.
