Ballarat is a beautiful city and a popular tourist site. It is found inland, in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is the largest center in the Central Highlands, at the feet of the Great Dividing Range. The city was a boom-town during the Victorian era gold rush and is credited with being part of Australian democracy.
Most tourist friendly cities have a variety of accommodation. This city is no exception to that rule. There are luxury hotels, inexpensive motels, and comfortable bed and breakfasts. The backpacker hostels will even help you find temporary work if you are aiming for a low-budget vacation.
Every tourist has to figure out where to eat and drink. If you are willing to spend a day on it, check out the Great Grape Road. That will lead you through many local wineries including a few in the city. Fine dining is available, with steak houses and lakeside restaurants for a mellow night for adults. Family dining is also available.
Before you read about the special attractions here, rest assured that you will have access to the usual recreation attractions. Spas welcome the weary traveler who needs to relax on their vacation. The local swimming areas can help you beat the heat during your stay. There are many golf locations, and some even offer golf equipment for hire so you do not have to worry about bringing your own.
Ballarat is the home of many icons important to Australian history. The flag from the battle of the Eureka Stockade, also known as the Eureka Flag, is on display. Stroll down the Prime Ministers Avenue in the Botanical Gardens. It has a bronze statue of every Australian prime minister. While you are here, you can pay tribute to the military by visiting the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial.
Ballarat is historically important for the Eureka Stockade. The rebellion pitted miners against the government. The miners protested licensing fees, over-priced mining gear, and unfair taxation practices. Although the rebellion ended quickly, it captured national attention, and resulted in male suffrage for one house of parliament. The movement that followed became the beginnings of democracy in the country. Various memorials are worth visiting: the memorials in the Eureka Stockade Gardens and at the Ballarat Old Cemetery.
Sovereign Hill is a magnificent museum. It is an open air recreation of the gold rush. Over 60 historically accurate buildings and costumed volunteer actors give the museum a wonderfully anachronistic atmosphere. You can pan for real gold in a creek, or take a guided tour of one of the mines. There is an exhibit called Trapped, which shows the history of the worst mining disaster in Australian history. Walk the main street and enjoy the variety of shops and workshops. Blood on the Southern Cross covers the history of the Eureka Stockade.
Families should consider the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The park is reasonably priced, with special tickets available for families (two adults and up to four children per ticket, with additional children discounted as well). It hosts some of the most iconic animals. They offer the chance to take a picture with a koala. The kangaroos are free roaming, and there are also wombats, Tasmanian devils, and reptiles. The park has another historic recreation: a typical Bushman Hut.
Most tourist friendly cities have a variety of accommodation. This city is no exception to that rule. There are luxury hotels, inexpensive motels, and comfortable bed and breakfasts. The backpacker hostels will even help you find temporary work if you are aiming for a low-budget vacation.
Every tourist has to figure out where to eat and drink. If you are willing to spend a day on it, check out the Great Grape Road. That will lead you through many local wineries including a few in the city. Fine dining is available, with steak houses and lakeside restaurants for a mellow night for adults. Family dining is also available.
Before you read about the special attractions here, rest assured that you will have access to the usual recreation attractions. Spas welcome the weary traveler who needs to relax on their vacation. The local swimming areas can help you beat the heat during your stay. There are many golf locations, and some even offer golf equipment for hire so you do not have to worry about bringing your own.
Ballarat is the home of many icons important to Australian history. The flag from the battle of the Eureka Stockade, also known as the Eureka Flag, is on display. Stroll down the Prime Ministers Avenue in the Botanical Gardens. It has a bronze statue of every Australian prime minister. While you are here, you can pay tribute to the military by visiting the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial.
Ballarat is historically important for the Eureka Stockade. The rebellion pitted miners against the government. The miners protested licensing fees, over-priced mining gear, and unfair taxation practices. Although the rebellion ended quickly, it captured national attention, and resulted in male suffrage for one house of parliament. The movement that followed became the beginnings of democracy in the country. Various memorials are worth visiting: the memorials in the Eureka Stockade Gardens and at the Ballarat Old Cemetery.
Sovereign Hill is a magnificent museum. It is an open air recreation of the gold rush. Over 60 historically accurate buildings and costumed volunteer actors give the museum a wonderfully anachronistic atmosphere. You can pan for real gold in a creek, or take a guided tour of one of the mines. There is an exhibit called Trapped, which shows the history of the worst mining disaster in Australian history. Walk the main street and enjoy the variety of shops and workshops. Blood on the Southern Cross covers the history of the Eureka Stockade.
Families should consider the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The park is reasonably priced, with special tickets available for families (two adults and up to four children per ticket, with additional children discounted as well). It hosts some of the most iconic animals. They offer the chance to take a picture with a koala. The kangaroos are free roaming, and there are also wombats, Tasmanian devils, and reptiles. The park has another historic recreation: a typical Bushman Hut.
SHARE
