EVENTS

There are a number of events taking place during the Dragon Tails conference, some which form part of the official program, others are more recreational and optional. We are pleased to announce that we have negotiated discounts for Dragon Tails conference delegates on all events that incur costs separate from registration fees. Where applicable, please indicate precise numbers of attendence for events on your Registration form.

Welcome Reception

Conference delegates are warmly invited to attend a Civic Reception hosted by the City of Ballarat, which will formally open the conference. It will be held at 5pm on Friday 9 October. The Reception will feature a welcome to country statement and acknowledgements from the Mayor of Ballarat. Light refreshments will be available. Partners and children are most welcome to attend. It will be held in the Trench Room at the Ballarat Town Hall, on Sturt Street, Ballarat. (Click here for directions and a map.)

There is no cost for this event, but delegates will need to arrange their own transport to the Town Hall. Please indicate numbers attending the Welcome Reception on your Registration form.

The Chinese Camp

On Friday afternoon, delegates will have the opportunity to experience Sovereign Hill’s most recent interpretation relating to Chinese on the goldfields. Launched in June 2007, the redevelopment of Sovereign Hill’s Chinese Camp brings to life the Chinese protests against the discriminatory laws and taxes imposed on them in Victoria during the 1850s. This $1.8million project provides a rich interpretation of the Chinese heritage on the goldfields through cutting edge technology and touchscreens.

Before delegates experience the Chinese Camp as part of the conference Program, Anna Kyi, one of the Sovereign Hill historians, will provide a paper on the story behind the Camp.

Blood on the Southern Cross

Still the Hottest Show in Town!

Blood on the Southern Cross is an explosive multi-million dollar sound-and-light show like nothing you've ever seen before!

The story of the Eureka Rebellion, a dramatic battle between gold miners and Government forces at Ballarat on 3 December, 1854, is retold nightly at Blood on the Southern Cross, Sovereign Hill's acclaimed sound-and-light spectacular.

Set under the night skies at Sovereign Hill, Blood on the Southern Cross involves no actors – just voices, dazzling sound and light effects and a stunning open-air set. Visitors travel across the site on a comfortable transporter and view much of the action from the recreated Free Trade Hotel on the Eureka Diggings.

Experience the miners’ disgust at unfair gold taxes and witness the dramatic burning of the Eureka Hotel. Then, listen to Governor Hotham’s reasoning for a dawn attack on a band of men who were the first to swear an oath of loyalty on Australian soil to a flag that was not British – the flag of the Southern Cross.

Make a complete evening of your visit to Blood on the Southern Cross by enjoying dinner prior to the show. The evening menu features a two course dinner. Guests can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the bar.

                   

For Blood on the Southern Cross bookings, please contact:
Ph: (03) 5337 1199
Email: bosc@sovereignhill.com.au

For special accommodation packages including the Blood on the Southern Cross show please contact Lodge Reservations:
Ph: (03) 5337 1159
Email: lodge@sovereignhill.com.au

Or see the Accommodation page for more information.

Conference Dinner

The conference dinner will be held at the New York Bakery in the heart of the Sovereign Hill township. Enjoy a three course meal in this stylish dining setting that offers an 1850s atmosphere. Some drinks will be served with the meal and guests will also have the opportunity to buy drinks at the bar. The cost of the dinner is covered in the conference registration fee for delegates. Partners and children are welcome to attend at an extra cost of $60 per adult and $25 per child (Children’s meal is a two course dinner).

Please indicate numbers attending the Conference Dinner on your Registration form.

The Gold Museum

The Gold Museum extends Sovereign Hill's story of Ballarat – a majestic provincial city built on the wealth derived from the great Australian gold rushes of the 1850s.

Discover the beauty and power of gold as you view an impressive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold artefacts and gold coins.

'Ballarat: Inspired by Gold' is a major exhibition presenting the story of Ballarat from its earliest days through to European settlement and the amazing impact of the gold rushes.

An impressive glass-fronted building with commanding views, the Gold Museum offers an award-winning gift shop specialising in the sale of gold nuggets and Australian-made gold jewellery and fine giftware.

For free access to the Gold Museum, delegates will need to present their conference tags to Gold Museum staff. Partners and children of delegates will need to present their Sovereign Hill ticket.