Ballarat

Well the weather here kept us talking all week – never before have we felt cold in 35 degree heat… but it happened here.   Jumpers on… jumpers off… we got a bit tired of packing them then unpacking them from the bags.  Enough about the weather though – Sovereign Hill rocks!  We took advantage of the 2^nd day free pass, and took our time.  Ben and Sam got hooked on panning for gold big time – it was difficult for the rest of us to drag them away.  They did have some luck, but we have been very careful as a family not to mention our success with gold around here, in fear that it might get us into bother – which has also led to some interesting conversations the kids have had with local cast seeing as though Sovereign Hill police are prone to corruption!  Larina was absorbed by the horses – so we all went for a ride on the horse drawn coach, only to have to console a very distressed girl when it came to the end of the ride – she did not want it to finish.  The mine tour was amazing, complete with rides into the pitch black mine tunnel – our tour guide had a great sense of humour, which was fortunate, as the guy who was supposed to drive us back out of the mine never showed up… moments passed, (plus a SOS phone call), and someone finally arrived to take us back up to light.  The thought did go through my mind that at least Nick had shoved Sam’s jelly beans in his pocket – we told him to keep that secret – just in case.

 

 

Oh and a quick word on the “Shady Acres” caravan park here – our first experience of an unfriendly family park – where the owner offered his negative thoughts about children as he processed my credit card, and the games room – for kids over 10yrs only.  Don’t even ask about using the pool!

 PS. We also ventured this week to Kryal Castle - a medieval theme park which has been reopened this year.  The kids (and us) appreciated the stage shows and jousting matches in the arena, however was never going to live up to the experience of Sovereign Hill.