Ballarat/Soverign Hill

Gold was found in Ballarat in the 1860's and the miners came from all over to start new careers. The British found that they could make a lot of extra money by charging for "Gold Leases" and required them from all miners. The miners finally fought back and won their case to get the leases repealed. This is consedered the first step in Australian freedom from British rule.

A recreation of the main street
of Ballarat in the 1860's.

Reconstruction of the old gold camp.

Me with Hose Wagon #1

Jill and Linda with a Torrie Officer.

Torries on the march through town.

One of the street shows telling some history.

The water wagon to keep the dust down.

An old stagecoach.

A brush fire in the eucypiptus
forest off in the distance.

A demonstration about pouring gold.

The Empire Bowling Saloon and the
130 foot long lane.

It's a long way to the pins, and
and the first ball barely made it.

This one had the right power to
knock 'em down.