Ballarat
The historical town of Ballarat derives its name from the Aboriginal word meaning "resting place", due
primarily to the abundance of food found here during the early years. The landscape of Ballarat would be forever changed, however, when gold was discovered here in 1851. During the boom years, more than 90% of gold mined in Australia would come from the state of Victoria with the goldfields of Ballarat proving to be among the richest in the world. The gold rush in Ballarat culminated in 1854 with the famous battle of the Eureka Stockade where miners battled against government authorities in protest of the exorbitant gold license feeds levied upon them. The legacy of Ballarat's prosperous past can still be seen today along Lydiard St where classical buildings designed using the finest Victorian architecture make for one of the more impressive streetscapes found in Australia. See our detailed Ballarat map. Things to See and Do
Located just south of town, Sovereign Hill is a re-creation of the mid-19th century gold-mining town. Actors in period costumes stroll around the place while visitors can pan for gold, tour the mines, check out the gold museum or witness the impressive sound-and-light show at night. The Ballarat Fine Art Gallery is one of the oldest and best provincial galleries in Australia where a collection of Australian art, including early colonial paintings and contemporary works as well as remnants of the original Eureka flag, are on display. A former venue for the 1956 Olympics rowing events, the picturesque Lake Wendouree is located towards the northwest of town. Surrounding the lake are the charming homes of Ballarat's affluent as well as the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The Eureka Centre stands adjacent to the site of the famous Eureka Rebellion. Multimedia technology is used for purposes of educating guests on one of Australia's most historical events. Ballarat's main visitor information centre is also located here. For an experience with nature, visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park zoo that's home to several native and exotic animals.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Ballarat has a thriving nightlife that's patronized regularly by its large student population. Numerous pubs, bars and cafes line Lydiard and Sturt St, many of which feature live music and a vibrant atmosphere lasting till the early hours of the morning. Also on Lydiard St is the Regent Multiplex Cinema complex as well as Her Majesty's Theatre, a majestic building serving as the town's main venue for the performing arts.
Getting to Ballarat
Regular train services are operated by V/Line from Melbourne to the Ballarat Railway Station. You can board trains at Southern Cross Station on Spencer St or at Sunshine station in Melbourne's Western suburbs. V/Line, along with Greyhound Australia, also service long-distance buses to Ballarat with buses stopping at the railway station. Ballarat's Airport Shuttlebus also operates from the station providing transfers to and from Melbourne Airport. Getting Around A local busline run by Davis Bus Service covers most of the town with timetables and routes available at the visitor information centre in the Eureka Centre or at the Kefford Corporation website (see the Ballarat Bus Routes section near the bottom).
Tourist Information
The main visitor information centre is at the Eureka Centre while staff at Sovereign Hill, the Art Gallery and Ballarat Town Hall can also provide assistance to tourists. Alternatively, simply Contact Us if you have any further queries about visiting Ballarat.
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