Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city and a jewel in Australia’s crown with grand old heritage buildings, wide avenues and tree-lined streets a testimony to the gold rush days of the past.
Experience the rich blend of eco-tourism and gold rush heritage, where you can explore unique gold rush towns, taste fabulous wines, as well as discover the natural beauty of the region.
Ballarat is the site of the infamous Eureka Rebellion of 3 December 1854 when the police attempted to suppress the minters’ anger over strict mining licences laws. The bloody massacre eventuated and today the Eureka Rebellion is viewed by many as a symbol of the Australian workers’ struggle for equality and to be given a ‘fair go’.
View an impressive collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold artefacts and gold coins at the Gold Museum.
Must Do
- Get close to Australian native animals in their natural surroundings at Ballarat Wildlife Park.
- Experience a dramatic sound and light re-enactment that tells the story of the Eureka Rebellion – Blood on the Southern Cross.
- Stroll through Australia’s largest regional gallery at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
- Pan for gold, climb aboard a horse drawn carriage or go underground into a mine at Sovereign Hill.
- Visit the Eureka Centre which houses a series of galleries that bring the Eureka Rebellion to life.
- View a truly unique collection of flying aircraft at the Ballarat Aviation Museum.
- See the colours of Australian bird life at Ballarat Bird World.
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