Planning a school holiday outing? A new video featuring Michael Theo helps Autistic visitors prepare for Sovereign Hill

The Love on the Spectrum star features in a new Video Visual Story showing families what to expect before they visit the popular Ballarat attraction.

School holidays are nearly here, which means many families are starting to think about what to do with all those empty days.

For neurodivergent families, finding an outing that feels manageable can take a bit more planning. Knowing what a place will look like, how the day will work and what to expect when you arrive can make a big difference, particularly when unfamiliar environments can be overwhelming.

A new video resource is aiming to make a visit to one of Australia’s best-known historical attractions a little easier to plan for Autistic visitors.

Aspect Autism Friendly has partnered with Sovereign Hill in Ballarat to create a Video Visual Story, featuring Aspect Autism Consultant and Love on the Spectrum actor Michael Theo.

The project is part of Aspect’s ongoing Autism Friendly work with organisations across Australia, helping create more accessible and inclusive experiences for Autistic people and their families.

Sovereign Hill is a living-history attraction where visitors can explore an 1850s gold rush township, pan for gold, go underground on mine tours and take part in a range of activities.

The new video takes viewers through the visitor experience step by step, from arriving and purchasing tickets through to exploring the township and participating in activities. It gives people the chance to see and hear what the experience is like before they visit, rather than having to work it all out once they get there.

Visual stories are already widely used by Autistic people to prepare for new environments. This video takes that idea a step further by providing a first-person guided experience, showing not just where people will go, but some of the things they might experience along the way.

Michael also shares moments where he feels unsure or overwhelmed, while demonstrating some practical strategies that can help, including taking a break, asking questions and seeking support from staff.

“Sometimes visiting somewhere new can feel overwhelming because you don’t know what to expect or what the experience can look and feel like,” Michael says. “I hope this video helps people feel more prepared and shows that it’s okay to take your time, ask for help or take a break if you need one.”

Tom Tutton, Head of Aspect Autism Friendly, says uncertainty and the anxiety that can come with it can be a significant barrier to visiting new places.

“Having the opportunity to see what an experience looks like before arriving can help reduce anxiety and build understanding and confidence,” he says.

The video also acknowledges that everyone experiences new environments differently. Preparing ahead of time might help someone feel more confident, but visitors can still need breaks, support or a change of plan once they arrive. The aim is to give people practical information and options so they can work out what will help them participate.

Sovereign Hill says the partnership is part of its ongoing commitment to making the attraction a welcoming and accessible place for everyone, including by looking at how its site, experiences and visitor information can be made more accessible.

For families considering a visit these school holidays, the Sovereign Hill Video Visual Story is available through the Sovereign Hill website and Aspect’s online channels.