Ballarat - Historic Gold City

Home of the Eureka Stockade

Third Largest City in Victoria

Just one hour west of Melbourne is Ballarat, Victoria’s third-largest city with a population of around 116,000. It’s a vibrant city, with a rich history. It was in Ballarat on the 3rd of December 1854 that civil disobedience led to an armed civil uprising, the Eureka Rebellion, more commonly called the Eureka Stockade where 22 miners were killed.

Today, Ballarat is home to award-winning attractions such as Sovereign Hill which takes visitors back to the 1850s. A Ballarat tour takes in some of the wonderful nature, sightseeing, heritage and wineries that Ballarat and surrounding areas have to offer. Sovereign Hill is a ‘must-visit’ destination as is a wander through The Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia's oldest regional gallery.

Explore Ballarat on a Fun Over 50 Tour through Victoria

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
11
days

Join us as we unearth all aspects of Victoria as we rove the highways and byways of this diverse state. Delve into bustling metropolitan Melbourne, travel along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the 12 Apostles. Traverse The Grampians to Ballarat and experience history at Sovereign Hill. Dig up our gold mining history in Bendigo and board a paddle steamer in Echuca before discovering the beauty of the High Country.

Take in the sights of Ballarat

A Ballarat day trip can cover many fabulous attractions. Visit the city’s Victorian and Edwardian buildings from the opulent 1850s gold rush era, including Her Majesty's Theatre completed in 1875, Craig’s Hotel, which started construction in 1853 and the Ballarat Town Hall, built between 1870 and 1872.

Four kilometres west of this city is a 17-metre-high arch that was built over the road in 1920. This marks the start of the Avenue of Honour, a 22-kilometre boulevard commemorating local soldiers who fought in World War 1. The boulevard is lined with over 3,000 trees, each dedicated to one of the soldiers.

Lake Wendouree may be man-made, but it’s become and important wildlife habitat and a popular spot for locals. One of the few lakes in Australia located in the centre of a major city, the lake covers 200 hectares with the beautiful Ballarat Botanic Gardens on one side.

Home of the Eureka Stockade
Home of the Eureka Stockade

Interesting Day Trips from Ballarat

Visitors can take their time exploring this fascinating city or take off on some fascinating Ballarat tours. Just a few minutes from the city, you’ll need several hours to explore award-winning Sovereign Hill, one of Ballarat’s favourite attractions. A recreated 1850s gold town Sovereign Hill is a place to get a real feel for life in the gold rush era. 

Walk the dusty streets past Victorian homes, old-fashioned shops with characters dressed in period costumes, or pan for gold! Pause for a moment at the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion where miners took on officials in a bloody battle, signifying an important time in Australia’s history.

Ten kilometres from Ballarat is the small township of Buninyong, Victoria's first inland town. Enjoy strolling through the old buildings such as the town hall, courthouse and library. Nearby Mount Buninyong offers magnificent views of the area surrounding Ballarat.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Ballarat?

Ballarat day trips can take you to explore some of Victoria’s great attractions like Daylesford, Creswick and its amazing Woollen Mills, Grampians National Park and Warrnambool. Along the way, discover caves, waterfalls, lakes, swimming holes and spectacular scenery.

Does Ballarat have good food?

Ballarat and its neighbour Bendigo, one and a half hours away have built a reputation as fabulous foodies destinations. Each boasts a thriving wine and brewery scene with modern restaurants offering delicious menus featuring locally sourced food.

Who are the Traditional Owners of Ballarat?

The City of Ballarat is the traditional home of the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People who have an ancient connection to the land and waterways.

See nearby cities, sights, and festivals

Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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