- Published:
- Friday, 6 November 2015
A new exhibition giving visitors a rare glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes of one of Victoria’s top tourist attractions has opened at Sovereign Hill.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today inspected the Gibbing’s Livery and Bait Five-in-Hand Stables, giving families an opportunity to go back-of-house to watch working horses harnessed to town coaches and other historical vehicles.
The project gives students an idea of the skills and equipment necessary to prepare horses for work, just as they were generations ago.
Sovereign Hill is a cornerstone of Western Victoria’s visitor economy and a key component of many Victorian schools’ curriculums, and it’s now more accessible than ever thanks to a new VIP Gold Pass.
From complimentary hot drinks and scones to commemorative photographs in period costume, the VIP Gold Pass is giving guests more opportunities to visit Sovereign Hill – and new ways to explore the attraction.
Sovereign Hill is synonymous with Ballarat, and draws visitors from all over the state and beyond. They keep the regional city’s shops busy, motels full and cafes bustling – and that keeps Western Victoria’s local economy strong.
The Andrews Labor Government has also committed $8 million from Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the sound and light show and develop new museum exhibits to secure Sovereign Hill’s long term future.
Regional Victoria’s visitor economy keeps local communities strong, but the Andrews Labor Government wants to grow it even further. Visit Victoria, the state’s bold blueprint for a new era in tourism and major events, includes renewed opportunities for regional Victoria to market its strengths like never before.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Nothing says Ballarat like Sovereign Hill, and exciting new attractions will make this great venue even more appealing for visitors from Victoria and further afield.”
“Sovereign Hill creates jobs for more than 1000 locals. The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring it remains a regional Victorian tourism treasure for many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“Working horses have been at the heart of communities forever and a day. This great new exhibition gives visitors a glimpse at the work that goes in to preparing the beautiful creatures.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Sovereign Hill is already a must-visit for Victorians of all ages. The new VIP Gold Pass will give students, families and tourists more chances to see everything the attraction has to offer.”