Ballarat

Ballarat, in Victoria, is one of those amazing places that you simply cannot go past when you are travelling through this beautiful state or are nearby! It is here that you can have a taste of culture, history and elegance all rolled into just one city. Ballarat is the home of gold mining and all things prestigious so prepare yourself for a holiday getaway that is sure to thrill and excite every one of all ages.

Ballarat is the gateway to some of the best attractions that the state of Victoria has to offer including the picturesque goldfields and Pyrenees regions and the great southern touring route. This route includes Ballarat itself, The Grampians and the world famous Great Ocean Road.

During the 1850's the region was the centre of one of the world’s greatest pursuits for gold. At the time this led the area to become Australia's largest inland city. Ballarat's history is varied and diverse and this can be experienced at the famous historical tourist attractions Sovereign Hill and Eureka Stockade. Here you can see township bakers demonstrate colonial bread making, a smithy showing how horseshoes are made, an old fashioned printer producing a newspaper and pan for real gold. You can visit the mining museum and discover the process of obtaining gold from quartz. At night, the sound and light performance Blood on the Southern Cross encapsulates the Eureka story.

Today, Ballarat still boasts the wide tree-lined streets, spectacular gardens and the grand architectural style of the Victorian era. Situated 110km north west of Melbourne, Ballarat is a fantastic destination for a day trip, short break or longer stay. From the moment you arrive you will be greeted by a certain ambience that the city exudes, as you wander the streets and take in the many sights and delights that this city boasts.

Ballarat is also a festival haven, with the Begonia Festival held in March, the Eureka Jazz festival held in April, and the Royal South St Eisteddfod held in September through to October. Ballarat has so much to offer families and individual travellers.  It is a grand old gold mining city with amazing architecture, heritage streetscapes, impressive art galleries, quality attractions and events.

Ballarat also offers beautiful bushland, loads of parks, gardens and golf courses, boutique shopping and markets as well as world class restaurants and theatres.

While you are here make sure you visit the magnificent Craig's Royal Hotel. Mark Twain and Prince Alfred once slept here. Today you can enjoy its colonial authenticity, as you can at Ballarat Terrace where gracious accommodation is offered in the renovated Victorian terrace home. Surrounding Ballarat are further attractions like the famous Yellowglen Vineyards. Don't miss the Wallace Cheesery and the Yuulong Lavender Estate.

So start planning a trip away to Ballarat for a holiday like never before, and the whole family will thank you for it, as everyone will thoroughly enjoy it!