Places of interest to visit when staying in Ballarat

Sovereign Hill

Tel: (03) 5331 1944 Web: www.sovereignhill.com.au
At Sovereign Hill Australia’s history come to life! This award-winning outdoor museum depicts Ballarat’s first ten years after the discovery of gold 1851. This goldfields township is built on 60 acres on the site of the world’s richest alluvial gold mine. Sovereign Hill encompasses 60 buildings and more than 40 horses working in the township. Tourists can also see craftsmen at work in traditional 1850’s trades.

Ballarat Gold Museum

Tel: (03) 5331 1944
Ballarat’s unique Gold Museum, located opposite Sovereign Hill, houses an extensive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, gold ornaments and coins. Come and catch a glimpse of Ballarat’s fascinating history and marvel at the struggles of early miners and their quest for riches.

Eureka Centre

Tel: (03) 5333 5777
The Eureka Centre in Ballarat represents the Eureka Rebellion, one of the most significant events in Australian History. In December 1854 Ballarat’s miners took up arms against the corrupt and unjust goldfields administration. The bloody battle that resulted from years of oppression led to true democracy in Australia. Come and experience the famous sound and light show at Sovereign Hill, depicting the Eureka Rebellion.

Botanical Gardens

Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens Reserve is located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree. The reserve covers an area of 40 hectares and presents an invaluable heritage and recreational resource, to be enjoyed by the residents of Ballarat and visitors from around the world.

Ballarat Fine Art Gallery

Tel: (03) 5320 5858
Join the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery for a guided tour through their various exhibitions. The gallery has the largest and most comprehensive collection of Australian art of all regional galleries. The collection covers the period from earliest European contact in the late 18^th century to contemporary art. Groups need to book 2 weeks in advance.

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Tel: (03) 5333 5933
Come and observe Australia’s wildlife animals at Ballarat’s Wildlife Park, where kangaroos, wallabies and emus can roam freely in the 15 hectares of open parkland and lake. In addition you would also be able to see wombats, Tasmanian devils, goannas, crocodiles, koalas and Australian birds.

The Great Grape Road

The Great Grape Road encompasses the wine regions of the Pyrenees, Grampians and Ballarat. The Pyrenees, Grampians and Ballarat regions produce some of Australia’s finest cool climate wines gaining international recognition. A fragrant, earthy fruit nose, supported by elegant acids and tannins, is the result of the long, cool ripening period and low fruit yields.