Ballarat is a historic city located in the Central Highlands region of Victoria, Australia. It is the largest inland city in the state and is known for its rich gold rush history, beautiful parks and gardens, and its vibrant culture.
Ballarat was founded in 1851, during the Victorian gold rush, and it soon became a thriving centre for the production of gold. As a result, many of the city’s iconic buildings and landmarks were built during this era. The stunning Town Hall, which opened in 1862, is a perfect example of this. The City of Ballarat also boasts a number of other grand Victorian-era buildings, such as the Her Majesty's Theatre, which was built in 1871.
The city of Ballarat is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its many attractions and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the historic townships and gold fields, take a tour of the Art Gallery of Ballarat, which houses one of the oldest and largest collections of fine art in the country, and visit the Sovereign Hill, a living museum dedicated to the gold rush era.
Ballarat is also home to a number of popular events, such as the Ballarat Begonia Festival, the Ballarat Beer Festival, and the Ballarat Writers’ Festival. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including bushwalking, cycling, fishing, and horse riding.
No matter what time of year you visit, Ballarat will offer something for everyone to enjoy.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Ballarat North: Ballarat North is a neighborhood in Ballarat, Australia that is a great spot for visitors to explore. This area is known for its cultural attractions, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Sovereign Hill, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
2. Lake Wendouree: Lake Wendouree is a popular spot to stay in Ballarat, offering a variety of hotels and accommodation options for visitors. Along with its beautiful lake and parklands, this area also has plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
3. Soldiers Hill: Soldiers Hill is another popular neighborhood in Ballarat, located close to the city center and offering plenty of great accommodation options. This area is known for its heritage buildings, art galleries, and beautiful parks.
4. Sebastopol: Sebastopol is a great area for visitors to stay in Ballarat, with plenty of hotels and motels in the area. This area is also close to some of Ballarat's top attractions, such as the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Australian Democracy.
5. Wendouree West: Wendouree West is a residential area in Ballarat with some great accommodation options for visitors. This area is also close to some of Ballarat's most popular attractions, such as the Ballarat Mining Exchange and the Ballarat Tramway Museum.
1. Sovereign Hill: Sovereign Hill is a historical theme park with reenactments of the 1850s gold rush era. Visitors can pan for gold, mine for gems, explore the museum, and learn about Ballarat's gold mining history.
2. Ballarat Wildlife Park: This wildlife park is home to many native Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, emus, and Tasmanian devils. The park also offers daily shows, walks, and interactive experiences.
3. Lake Wendouree: This large lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, rowing, and sailing. Visitors can also explore the walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
4. Ballarat Botanical Gardens: This picturesque garden is home to a variety of plants, including native species, exotic species, and rare species. The garden also hosts concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year.
5. Ballarat Art Gallery: This gallery showcases a variety of local, national, and international art. It also has a café, a gift shop, and a children's art studio.
1. The Rotary Club of Ballarat’s famous Roast Lamb: The Rotary Club of Ballarat’s roast lamb is a must-try when visiting the city. The slow-cooked lamb is served with fresh vegetables and gravy and is a popular dish for locals and visitors alike.
2. The Ballarat Pie: This iconic pastry is made with a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with melt-in-your-mouth beef, onions, and gravy.
3. The Ballarat Burger: This classic burger is made with a juicy beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a special Ballarat sauce.
4. The Ballarat Hot Dog: This local favourite consists of a grilled sausage served in a fresh bun and topped with Ballarat sauce.
5. The Ballarat Salad: This fresh and colourful salad is made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a delicious homemade dressing.