Year 4/5/6 

Ballarat Excursion

Years 4, 5 and 6 were fortunate to attend an excursion to Bendigo and Ballarat where they were involved in many wonderful experiences about life on the goldfields and the Eureka Stockade. They travelled with children and teachers from Holbrook and Culcairn. 

Some of the experiences they had were: 

~ descending 65 metres into a gold shaft where they saw the methods of excavating gold from rock;

~ gold panning and actually finding gold which they took home!

~ experiencing life on the goldfields through the Gold Fever role play (life was very harsh on the goldfields!)

~ Witnessing the smelting and pouring of real gold where they saw it formed into a gold bar (valued at $300 000!);

~ the Aura Light and Sound Night show where the history of gold from the beginning of time was presented through a magnificent 3D theatre show;

~ enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of Sovereign Hill, which had so much to offer!

~ The Museum of Australian Democracy which offered so many primary sources of information regarding the Gold Rush and in particular, the Eureka Stockade; the children were able to see the original flag, which was very exciting! 

The children behaved very well and were a credit to the school and their families. Numerous comments were made regarding their good manners. They are very appreciative of this opportunity they were given and have benefitted in so many ways from the experience.