Ballarat
Australia · Victoria · 435 m
Description
Ballarat is one of the most historically significant cities in the Australian state of Victoria and is closely associated with the 19th-century gold rush. Gold discoveries in the 1850s attracted people from around the world and transformed the city, while the Eureka Stockade of 1854 became a landmark uprising by gold miners against the colonial authorities. Today, Ballarat is known for the Sovereign Hill open-air museum, its grand Victorian architecture, broad boulevards, botanical gardens, and the historic Art Gallery of Ballarat. The city combines its rich gold rush heritage with art, culture, and the relaxed character of regional Australia.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sovereign Hill
- Eureka Centre & Eureka Stockade
- Lake Wendouree & Ballarat Botanical Gardens
- Art Gallery of Ballarat
- Ballarat Gold Rush Heritage Architecture
- Lydiard Street Heritage Precinct
- Her Majesty's Theatre
- Ballarat Wildlife Park
- Gold Panning & Mine Tours at Sovereign Hill
- Ballarat Tramway Museum
- Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour
- Ballarat New Cemetery & Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial
- Kryal Castle
- Victoria Park
- Black Hill Reserve
- Mount Buninyong
- Woowookarung Regional Park
- Ballarat International Foto Biennale (August - October)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Ballarat, Wendouree