Ballarat City Guide
Located about 105km north of Melbourne in southeast Australia, Ballarat is one of the most populated inland cities in the country.
A part of the state of Victoria, Ballarat was one of the biggest Victorian-era boomtowns - thanks to all of the gold that was discovered there back in the 1800s.
History still plays a big role in Ballarat. For a taste of the gold rush, be sure to head to Sovereign Hill, where most of Ballarat's gold was discovered.
There are still mining tents and tools that you can check out to see what those days were really like. You can even try your hand at panning for some gold while you're at it!
For some outdoor adventures, head to Lake Wendouree. Even though it's close to the city centre, the lake is part of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens - so you'll never feel like you're in the middle of hustle and bustle! Whether you spend your time boating, kayaking, or walking around, be sure to check out the view of volcanoes in the distance!
For a fun afternoon, check out the Ballarat Wildlife Park, where you can get up close and personal with koala bears, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils!
For the best eats, head to Lydiard Street, which is a few blocks southwest of city centre. There, you will find a street that's been around since the 1800's. It's home to all kinds of gourmet restaurants and cafes.
The biggest array of hotels in any price range can be found in Ballarat Central. However, if you're looking for something a little unique, check out the variety of hotels in Golden Point - located southwest of city centre. It's within walking distance to Sovereign Hill and the rest of the gold rush attractions.
If you want quieter accommodation, there are plenty of hotels along Lake Wendouree.