Best of Ballarat - Visit Ballarat

Ballarat is the largest city in country Victoria and located approximately 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne. It marks the epicentre of Victorias’ Goldrush history as the most unprecedented gold rush in the world began here in 1851 and you don’t have to look far before you see the strong historical connection to its pioneering past.

The township boasts grand boulevards, heritage buildings and cultural experiences.

The highlight of the day is a visit to Sovereign Hill, which is one of Victoria’s most popular attractions and is a must-do while in Ballarat. It is an authentic outdoor recreation of a town during the 1850s Gold Rush. Visitors are able to step back in time and immerse themselves in the experience as every inch of the town is historically accurate.

Other points of interest in Ballarat are Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Eureka Centre.

Operator:Garden State Tours

Inclusions:

Driver/Guide, vehicle and entry into Sovereign Hill.

Days of operation:

Contact them for bookable dates and discuss options.

Tour highlights:

Ballarat Central: The centre of Ballarat boasts grand boulevards, heritage buildings and cultural experiences. Historic buildings such as the Mining Exchange, Town Hall and the Art Gallery of Ballarat are well worth a look.
Lake Wendouree: Lake Wendouree is located in central Ballarat and is the home of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Rowing event. Surrounding the lake is a six kilometres walking track that allows you to take in the tranquil sights and explore the surrounding activities such as the Botanical Gardens, restaurants, playgrounds, fishing, sailing, cycling and more.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, approximately four kilometres from Ballarat's city centre, the Gardens are a popular and invaluable heritage and recreational location for residents and visitors.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Established in 1858 it is one of Victoria's oldest Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to an extensive array of flowering plants, exotic trees, floral bedding displays and an extensive collection of Italian marble statues throughout.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Experience the stunning Robert Clark Conservatory and walk in amongst the changing seasonal displays of the celebrated collections of hydrangeas, fuchsias, and chrysanthemums throughout the year, and their world renown tuberous Begonia Collection mid-March to mid-April.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens: There is also the Prime Ministers Avenue at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which is a nationally significant outdoor collection featuring bronze portraits and life-sized busts of every Australian Prime Minister mounted on polished granite pedestals.
Sovereign Hill: Sovereign Hill is one of Victorias’ most popular attractions and is a must do while in Ballarat. It is an authentic outdoor recreation of a town during the 1850s Gold Rush. Visitors are able to step back in time and immerse themselves in the experience as every inch of the town is historically accurate. Explore the buildings, see the costumes, experience the crafts and pine for your own gold. This living museum is suitable for all ages and be sure to make a plan so you don’t miss out on the key activities and shows.
Sovereign Hill: Staying a while? Be sure to check out the Aura, a wonderful night light-and-sound show.