City & Region Profiles

In the heart of the Victorian goldfields region, Ballarat has a fascinating history with a rich heritage and culture.

Gold was first discovered here in 1851 which led to the Gold Rush when 20,000 miners came from worldwide to seek their fortune.

In 1854, the Battle of the Eureka Stockade centred around Ballarat, widely believed to have shaped Australia's future. This intriguing history comes alive every day at Sovereign Hill.