Ballarat Travel Guide
Discover Ballarat, a gem in Victoria’s Central Highlands and Goldfields region. With a population of 111,973 as of 2021, it’s the third largest city in Victoria, boasting rich history, cultural heritage, and colonial charm. Founded in 1851 amid a gold rush, Ballarat flourished, rivalling Melbourne’s influence. Today, it’s a tourist hotspot featuring Sovereign Hill’s gold rush reenactments, Ballarat Wildlife Park’s diverse creatures, the medieval enchantment of Kryal Castle, and the Art Gallery’s 20,000 artworks. Immerse in Eureka Centre’s rebellion history or enjoy Lake Wendouree’s water activities.
Ballarat is an educational hub with universities and colleges, an arts centre with theatres and galleries, and a sports hub for football, cricket, and netball enthusiasts. Uncover indigenous roots with the Wathaurong-derived name meaning “plenty of food.” Dive into its diverse past, from the Eureka Stockade to the century-old bottle-covered tree. Don’t miss the learning about the origins of womens Australian rules football or the grand Ballarat International Beerfest. In Ballarat, history and modernity harmonise, creating an inviting tapestry of experiences.