Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

Australia's most famous living museum, this award-winning heritage village brings to life the 1850s gold rush era. Horse-drawn carriages transport passengers through gold diggings along the creek, where "miners" and excited children pan for "real" gold. There is a replica Chinese miners camp and a dusty main road complete with traditional hotel and shops selling authentic nineteenth century wares. A highlight is the "Blood on the Southern Cross" show depicting the Eureka Stockade rebellion, a short but bloody battle in which 25 miners died fighting for fairer licensing laws. They do not accept cash so make sure that you carry enough cash along.