<< Ballarat Goldfields
Ballarat is the gateway to the Goldfields region. This grand old city’s colonial architecture stretches out along broad, tree-lined streets and reflects the riches taken from the ground after the discovery of gold in the 19th Century. The uprising at the Eureka Stockade is regarded as a pivotal moment in the development of Australian democracy.
Sovereign Hill >>
Experience the hustle and bustle of life on the Ballarat goldfields in the 1850s at Sovereign Hill, one of Victoria's most popular tourist attractions. Pan for real gold, buy boiled sweets, ride in horse-drawn carriages, or travel underground on a tour of the Red Hill Mine. … More >
<< Blood on the Southern Cross
Tells the dramatic story of the Eureka Uprising by Ballarat's miners. The show is set across Sovereign Hill's 64-acre site. Under the stars, audiences are surrounded by the action and, ultimately, caught in the crossfire as the battle rages. The production features state-of-the-art lighting and amazing special effects. The sound and light show is available in English, Japanese, German and French. … More >
Art Gallery of Ballarat >>
Experience the history of Australian art at the country’s oldest and largest regional gallery. Enjoy the fine permanent collection of colonial, impressionist and contemporary masterpieces whilst walking at your own pace using your free iPod tour guide. The gallery also offers an exciting program of temporary exhibitions. … More >
<< Ballarat Wildlife Park
Ballarat Wildlife Park is home to an amazing collection of Australian wildlife in 16 hectares of natural bushland. Feed the free-roaming kangaroos or have your photo taken with a koala or wombat. A free guided tour is conducted daily at 11am. … More >
Gold Museum >>
Experience the tales and legends of the gold rush years at Ballarat’s fascinating Gold Museum. Be amazed at one of Australia’s finest collections of gold coins and gold nuggets.
<< Wineries
The mist-shrouded vineyards around Ballarat are famous for subtly-fragrant pinot noir, chardonnay and elegant sparkling wines. Start your journey of the regions cellar doors in Ballarat and venture out to Avoca at the base of the Pyrenees. Additional wineries are located around Bacchus Marsh.
Grand Designs >>
Ballarat has some magnificent buildings as a result of the extreme wealth generated by the gold rush. Lydiard Street, boasts some of the country's finest examples of colonial architecture. Take a walk around town to check them out.
<< Ballarat Botanic Gardens
One of Australia’s oldest and finest gardens. Stroll through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and be surprised at every corner, such as the statuary pavillion featuring Benzoni’s beautiful Flight from Pompeii among other treasures.
Prime Minister's Avenue >>
A feature of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is the Prime Minister’s Avenue – a collection of bronze portraits of all 25 Australian Prime Ministers.
<< Spa Capital
As hard as it may be to believe today, there was one resource that took precedence over gold in the 1800s, spring water. The towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are surrounded by more than 60 mineral springs, and it was these, as much as the prospect of easy riches, that attracted the first visitors to the area. … More >
Click to view our range of brochures and touring maps available for download
