The year 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, known in China as chūnjié (春节), and Victoria’s favourite outdoor museum, Sovereign Hill, is celebrating from January 26-29. Join in on the spectacle and experience Sovereign Hill in a whole new light.
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Melbourne, this recreated goldfield attraction will adopt Chinese culture and customs in tribute to the legacy of Chinese prospectors who arrived in Victoria during the 1850s gold rush. The festival is a chance for kids – and adults – to participate in activities, workshops and events.
Together with the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat, Sovereign Hill will give visitors the chance to learn more about the Year of the Rabbit – the fourth animal of the Chinese zodiac representing kindness, courage and strength.
Watch on as the multicoloured lions and dragons dance their way up the lantern-lined Main Street. See live performances of ribbon and fan dancing, tai chi demonstrations and classes, and other Chinese-inspired entertainment across several locations in Sovereign Hill. Also included in a day pass for Lunar New Year is face painting, fan making, and a chance to sing along to traditional music and hang a note of wishes on the Wishing Tree. The rabbit is known to be the luckiest of all 12 animals, so why not write up your wildest dreams and hopes for 2023?
No Lunar New Year celebration would be complete without a gargantuan feast, and luckily, Sovereign Hill will be serving up everything from spicy noodles to spring rolls and dumplings as well as a list of curated cocktails.
There's always something happening at Sovereign Hill, where you can spend the dog days wisely with their eclectic Summer Series – a time to explore, eat, sing and share.
So if you’re after an experience for all ages that is informative and inspiring, head to Sovereign Hill for Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Individual passes range from $29-$49, and family passes run from $129.