 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Founded in 1837 by a squatter who set up camp on the shores of Lake Wendouree, Ballarat changed dramatically when gold was discovered in 1851. Within a fortnight the population increased by 400 and by 1853 there were 20,000 men digging for gold. Over the next four years, more than 2.5 million ounces of gold, worth about 10 million pounds, was taken from goldfields at Ballarat. Mining companies moved in and fortunes were made. It was not all plain digging however, as the government’s policy about mining licences generated unrest and ultimately led to the rebellion at Eureka Stockade. This incident is part of Aussie folklore and you shouldn’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the history of those turbulent times. Sovereign Hill, located close to the city centre, is one of Ballarat’s major attractions and if you haven’t yet experienced this re-creation of a gold-rush community, put it on your must-do list. Everything from the buildings to the horse-drawn carriages and from the activities of the ‘townsfolk’ to their interesting costumes are all in the spirit and style of the gold-rush days. There are street performances, 1850s craftsmen demonstrations, old mine tours, the chance to have a go at panning yourself, and lots more. Just beware of the many horse-drawn vehicles (and droppings) when you cross the main road! Once you’ve saturated yourself with the historical, there are some very nice things to see in terms of the botanical. The city’s botanic gardens, located on the shores of Lake Wendouree, are a lovely place for a walk and, further afield, Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve 35 kilometres to the north and Creswick Regional Park 18 kilometres to the north are well worth a visit. A wide range of caravan parks is available in Ballarat itself and also in some of the smaller towns in Victoria’s golden triangle. Free short-term camping is allowed in Creswick Regional Park at the Slaty Creek camping and picnic area. You can pan for gold along the creek there and if you’re lucky you might come out ahead (note that you must have a ‘Miner’s Right’ to do any fossicking in Victoria. Check with Department of Natural Resources and Environment Information Centre in Ballarat to obtain one). If you fancy a bit of a tipple, there are a myriad of wineries within a 25km radius of the city which offer cellar door sales and samples. The best times to visit Ballarat are in spring and autumn. Wildflowers in nearby Enfield Park and Creswick Park are ablaze in early spring and in March the begonias blooming in the botanic gardens form the focus of the city’s popular Begonia festival. So, with its interesting history, great local wines, and beautiful gardens, a visit to Ballarat is as good as gold.
|
 |
Advertisements  |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If you’re into gold, rebellion and history – or even if you’d just like a nice place to relax, sample some local wine and stroll through beautiful gardens – Ballarat should be top of your list.