What's on

Ghosts of the Goldfields – Hauntings, Hoaxes, and Halloween at the Gold Rush Centre

Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections

Bradshaw Street,
Ballarat VIC 3350

Get directions

  • Thu 30 Oct

5:30pm–7pm

$8 - $10

Delve into a spine-chilling exploration of ghostly tales from Victoria’s gold rush era.

Drawing on his extensive research, Dr. David Waldron uncovers how ghost stories emerged as a cultural response to trauma, blending history, folklore, and the eerie tradition of ‘playing the ghost.’

From the haunted halls of the Ararat Lunatic Asylum to Ballarat’s spectral legends, discover the strange and supernatural world of 19th-century Australia.

Sovereign Hill's Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections(Gold Rush Centre for short) is home to an amazing collection that brings together 150,000 objects that tell the stories of this region, and its many diverse people, practices and ideas.

It’s a place for new ideas and for discovery.

Through unique programs and experiences, the Gold Rush Centre presents stories and objects that connect you to our heritage and culture.

Content: Sovereign Hill

Accessibility Information

  • Actively welcomes people with access needs.

Please note: The accessibility information above is provided by the business operator. For more information, please contact the business directly.

Visitor Information Centre
Ballarat Town Hall

225 Sturt Street
Ballarat VIC 3350

Acknowledgement of Country

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.


©️ 2025 Visit Ballarat. This initiative is funded by the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.