When you're home to one of regional Australia's largest public art collections, blank walls simply aren't an option.
But with over 120 artworks on Ballarat's menu, where does one even begin?!
Here's four of our faves to get you started...
Hop Queen mural
The rear of 24–28 Armstrong St Nth
All hail Ballarat's Hop Queen!
Hop Lane's iconic mural was painted over three days in April 2016 in a collaborative project between Ballarat illustrator Travis Price and Mass Motion, with the help of fellow local artists Merda (Jay Rankine) and Cax One.
The byline — The past is history — is a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of Ballarat's eventful history but also a call to action for the city to create its own identity/future moving forward.
With over 20 years' experience as a creative, Travis has built a reputation as a leader in the illustration industry, working nationally and internationally for some of the most innovative advertising agencies and clothing labels.
While you're in Hop Lane, go all out Rihanna and "stand under my umbrella" under the canopy of colourful umbrellas which stretch between Roy Hammond and Hop Temple.
Their colours change depending on the season so, one day, the umbrellas could be red and white but next time you're in town, they might be black, yellow and red.
Main Road mural
Corner of Main Road and Humffray St Sth
But wait, there's more! Travis Price's Ballarat portfolio of striking street art doesn't stop there.
Another standout is his Main Road mural on the side of Mr Jones.
The 2018 artwork depicts the mid-19th century pubs, traders and fight club that once called the overcrowded jumble of muddy streets home.
It also acknowledges Ballarat's Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung people, and the city’s first Chinese restaurant.
As its name suggests, Main Road was one of the key entries to the mining areas of East Ballarat and an important part of Ballarat’s civic heart.
Acknowledgement of Country mural
Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt St
Ballarat's Acknowledgment of Country mural by First Nations artist Deanne Gilson is a true "wow" moment.
Mundi-gurrk and Wurring, wurring Family Gathering by the Biyal features 20 paintings by the Wadawurrung artist which have been printed on 220 metres of vinyl.
Located within the Town Hall's Bath Lane foyer (and leading into the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre), the mural stretches six metres high and spans four walls.
“The mural has a deep family connection to me, showing my mother (Aunty Marlene Gilson) and extended family as we gathered during the first Welcome to Country,” Deanne said.
See if you can spot:
- the Cultural Tree of Knowledge
- First Nations ancestors depicted as crows
- King Billy and Queen Mary of Ballarat at the Black Hill lookout, watching over Ballarat
- the Yarrowee Creek
- 13 black swans at Lake Wendouree
- the emu constellation moving through the night sky
Campsite mural
Alfred Deakin Place
Marley Smith and Billy Blackall's Campsite mural (2020) is a re-commissioned artwork based on the original mural which was created the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
It features Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle), the creator and spiritual leader for First Nations people of this land.
Baarlijan (platypus) is a representation of the local indigenous community who have come from different nations and have made Ballarat their home.
The circular motifs represent campsites of different sizes located across Ballarat, indicating that the city was — and continues to be — an important meeting place.
