What is Ballarat known for?
Ballarat is a regional city in Victoria known for its gold rush history, Sovereign Hill outdoor museum, the Eureka Stockade and grand Victorian-era buildings. It is about 115 kilometres west of Melbourne.
Gold was discovered in Ballarat in 1851, triggering a rush that brought people from around the world. The town quickly grew wealthy, and grand public buildings and churches were built.
In 1854, miners protesting against license fees built a stockade at Eureka. The Eureka Rebellion is often seen as an important moment in the development of Australian democracy.
Attractions
Sovereign Hill recreates a gold-mining town of the 1850s, with costumed actors, gold panning, mine tours and an evening sound and light show.
The Eureka Centre, at the site of the stockade, tells the story of the rebellion, and the original Eureka Flag is displayed at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Ballarat's Lake Wendouree, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Ballarat Wildlife Park are popular with visitors. The city is also known for its cold winters and as one of Victoria's largest inland cities.