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- Auckland, New Zealand
Aussie Towns @chienyu_.0317
Ballarat’s undeniable gold rush era sparkles. Within one hour drive from Melbourne the popular destination offers visitors an authentic glimpse into life on the 19th century goldfields of Victoria, Australia.
Ballarat bonus: a location map guides visitors to over 19 attractions.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat @sovereignhillAdventure with a historical story, Sovereign Hill heritage attraction is one of Melbourne’s premier tourist attractions. Artfully woven into the recreated 19th century main street is the genuine remains of a former mining area. Sovereign Hill is a window to the world of 1851 and the heady days of the gold rush.
Sovereign Hill & Ballarat Wildlife Park Tour – BOOK NOW (up to 10% cashback)
The fernery in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens @ballaratbotanicalgardensBallarat Botanical Gardens is an immaculate English style cool climate garden. Enjoy 40 acres situated on the western bank of Lake Wendouree. FREE ENTRY – Botanical Garden Ballarat is an oasis from the holiday buzz of Sovereign Hill and the Lydiard Street shopping precinct.
401-405 Wendouree Parade, western shore of Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
There is plenty of public car parking in the vicinity.
Lake Wendouree @City of BallaratKids heaven with turrets to climb into, slides, a wooden train, mazes to crawl and walk. There are swings for toddlers as well as older kids. Walking trails around Lake Wendouree, a beautiful Botanic Garden adjoining the playground.
The playground is not fenced with the temptation of the Lake nearby.
Ballarat Tours & Trips – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
Cuteness overload! Adorable koala 'Pearl' giving kangaroo joey 'Bug' and sweet kiss @ballaratwildlifeparkAustralian identity is very much wrapped around the unique wildlife. Ballarat Wildlife Park’s well tended animals give visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with the sometimes elusive wildlife. Ballarat Wildlife Park encounters are reciprocal with opportunities for visitors to interact directly with kangaroos in a hand-feeding session.
Nearby Ballarat Wildlife Park is the Sovereign Hill historical precinct celebrating life and times of the 1850’s gold rush.
The best time to visit Ballarat is spring or autumn as summer (January to mid-March) could be over 30c. The low season (winter – May to September) has plenty of indoor attractions from the Art Gallery of Ballarat to cafes and restaurants with cosy spots.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat @artgalleryofballaratThe Art Gallery of Ballarat, established in 1884, is Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery, specialising in Australian art. For cultural buffs combine Ballarat visit with the treat of the nearby DAYLESFORD CONVENT GALLERY. Enjoy several days revelling in the Australian cultural scene.
ART GALLERY OF BALLARAT – FREE ENTRY and only a few minutes walk from the Ballarat Railway Station
Australia's most authentic working tramway @Ballarat Tramway Museum Inc.Visit the museum and hop aboard 100+ year old trams on weekends, Tuesdays, and public holidays.
Tram rides start and finish from the Museum in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Check below Travel Pack Section for Museum brochure.
Ballarat is an ideal place for families and friends with Sovereign Hill precinct kids programmes, a wildlife park and one of Victoria’s best playgrounds for kids.
Eureka Centre Ballarat @eurekacentreballarat @Paul LambethHeritage fans will relish the opportunity to visit one of Australia’s pivot historic sites marking the growth of democracy in the colonies. The clash between frustrated gold mines in 1854 and corrupt government officials ignited into conflict. The emblem, the Eureka flag (Southern Cross) continues to represent forces for change and dissent.
Sovereign Hill, Eureka Centre & Melbourne Skydeck – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER (free cancellation)
Lake Wendouree, Ballarat @Visit BallaratA former mine excavation site is now a scenic lake with several very popular lakeside walking trails. Black swans, ducks and other water birds frequent the lake. Locals fish, sail and bird watch around Lake Wendouree.
Beautiful Lydiard Street, Ballarat @erena_norrisLydiard Street is a flat, easy urban walk in the historic heart of Ballarat. Wealthy 19th century merchants, churches and municipal buildings today house cafes, theatres,restaurants, hotels, antique shops, and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Lydiard Street, Sturt Street and Camp Street form the nexus of Ballarat’s urban centre. Significant buildings include:
A great shot from inside the Railway Station by @sharonnoo, Ballarat @the_ballarat_lifeThe level crossing gates at Lydiard Street North are the gateway to Soldiers Hill and form part of the significant Ballarat Railway Station complex.
Arch of Victory @City of BallaratThe Imposing Arch of Victory (World War I) is an incredible 16.5m high and 19.2m wide, with the arch opening dimensions being 7.3m high and 9.5m wide. Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, opened the Arch of Victory and the Avenue of Honour on 2 June 1920.
The Avenue of Honour is Australia’s longest commemorative avenue of honour. The memorial trees along the avenue are accompanied by a plaque each that carries the name of one of the 3,801 World War 1 service personnel who enlisted as residents of the then City of Ballarat and Township of Ballarat East.
The Arch of Victory Ballarat is located on a busy thoroughfare. Care is required while taking photographs.
Ballarat Farmers Market @ballaratfarmersmarketA well established Saturday market operates throughout the year. In summer Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree adds to the charm of weekend shopping. There are between 50 – 90 stall holders. Weekend market devotees have the nearby Daylesford Sunday Market (approximately 40 minutes drive, 48 km) creating a great weekend itinerary.
Major Mitchells and galahs at Ballarat Bird World @ballaratbirdworldFeaturing a large range of native Australian bird life up close for photo moments, a free flight aviary. Mini golf and timber puzzle maze. There is a raised walkway through native gardens and landscaped waterfall.
Ballarat Indoor Go Karts, Laserforce & Entertainment Centre @Visit BallaratAdventure for family and friends at Ballarat Indoor Go Karts & Laserforce Entertainment Centre. Enjoy thrilling go-karting and laser tag for an action-packed day.
The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat @City of BallaratHaunting shadows cast by the sculptured silhouettes. Prisoners of War trauma is deftly captured by the Australian Prisoners of War Memorial. Opened in 2004 the Memorial encourages reflection of the loss of life (over 8,600 Prisoners of War died in captivity in the 20th century) and the ongoing post traumatic stress of returnees.
Black Hill Reserve, Ballarat @City of BallaratPanoramic views of Ballarat. There are remnants of open cut and shaft mining, incredible scenery, walking trails to the top of the 500 metre hill, picnic tables, and an excellent Mountain Bike Park. Black Hill Reserve is approximately 1 km from the CBD.
Ballarat Observatory @Visit BallaratThe Observatory is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm excluding public holidays. Check out the Camera Obscura and Pipehenge, visit the Science Shop. There is an onsite cafe and guided afternoon tours (book beforehand to avoid disappointment.
The Ballarat Begonia Festival @ballaratbegoniafestivalBallarat is an experience host with a number of festivals
Tuki Trout Farm, Smeaton @Tuki Trout FarmGo fishing at one of 6 ponds where you are guaranteed to catch a trout. Tuki is part of the Stoney Rises grazing property with over 150 years of history. Explore the miner’s cottage, eat in the Stables Restaurant and shop in the Woolshed. Your catch is prepared for you, from the pond to the pan, the menu at Tuki is supported by farm produce. Tuki Trout Farm is approximately 40 minutes drive from Ballarat’s CBD.
Woady Yaloak River, Piggoreet @Goldfields GuideWHERE TO GO GOLD DETECTING AROUND Ballarat
You will need a Miners Right before you head out looking for gold (you can purchase one here). Check out
Gold prospecting guide for Ballarat Victoria for where to obtain equipment and details about mining sites open to the public.
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