admittedly this was after a full day at Soverign Hill but we didnt get much out of the museum, it is part of SovHill entry fee so no loss
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This lovely repository is an elegant slice of Ballarat history,much quieter then the hoopla of Sovereign Hill. Its houses some superb collections that curatively bring together the development of Ballarat.
Original paintings,drawings and photographs are interspersed with fascinating objects,so you are shown the broader picture and are then able to focus on everyday tools and objects that people actually used.
The main exhibition includes an extraordinary panorama taken by the photographer William Bardwell from the top of the Town Hall tower in 1872. There are illustrations and paintings ,which along with the museums collections of documents,manuscripts and books, have been vital tools in the recreation of Sovereign Hill's buildings and streetscapes.
the gold pavilion section of the museum has one of the most interesting collection of gold coins,from ancient to modern times. Precious relics and a fascinating collection of nuggets flesh out the reason why prospectors swarmed the gold fields in the first place.
We loved this incredibly intelligent 'looksie' at the wealth that generated much of Victorias development. There is also an evocative,multi-media presentation which highlights the legends and lives of the Wathaurong people,whose lands include Ballarat. Its creative and absorbing 10-minute presentation that brings to life and celebrates the region's indigenous heritage.
This is the primer before visiting the Sovereign Hill Disney.
Whilst being informative and interactive it was smaller than I expected, however together with Sovereign Hill makes a wonderful full day tour.
If you've been to Sovereign Hill you've already paid for your entry into The Gold Museum, so you may as well have a look. There are some interesting exhibits, some on local indigenous peoples and of course on life on the diggings. It's not something I'd make a special effort to visit, but if you have the time, why not.
Whilst you weave your way around this exhibit, you are shown the history of gold in Australia. It was interesting and well played out, but a little flat not not too inspiring. Still makes an hours trip, but dearly hoping that you buy some gold in the shop! Needs a little more human I interaction, some of the displays too static.
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