When a bunch of pastoralists (a.k.a. squatters) first set up sheep stations in the late 1830’s, they probably couldn’t have imagined that, in a few short years, Ballarat would boom and be seen as the world’s richest alluvial goldfield during its peak.
Ballarat’s gold rush arrived in 1851 and despite its eventual decline, it helped lay the foundations for today’s multicultural, modern city.
Today, Ballarat’s streets are like a living museum – without those annoying ‘no touching’ signs.
You’ll find stunning examples of 19th and 20th century architecture reflecting the city’s various stages of development.
Broad boulevards, imperial buildings, ornate facades and pillared verandas are all on display, with Lydiard Street particularly rich in heritage buildings.
For those who like their architecture with a sprinkle of crime and a dash of tall tales, the night-time Eerie Ghost Tour is a must.
Starting at the clock tower of Ballarat’s neoclassical train station, the tour dives into the darker, spookier side of the city, stopping at eerie sites like the old Ballarat Gaol and Craig’s Royal Hotel.
Along the way, you’ll hear unsettling stories of uprisings and unpleasantness from Ballarat’s past.
And, who knows, you might even encounter a few lingering spirits too!
If haunted tours aren’t your thing – I’m not scared, you’re scared! – the Quartz Mine Tour at Sovereign Hill is well worth the short yet dramatic ride on its inclined railway.
The guided tour takes you into an underground world where you can experience what life was like for a 19th century miner, from the cramped conditions to the tools they used.
There are three separate guided tours to choose from, each focusing on a particular real-life story.
Next stop, the Ballarat Tramway Museum.
Quick fact: everyone loves trams, it’s a thing.
The museum showcases Ballarat’s rich transport history, offering a unique glimpse into how trams once shaped the city’s daily life.
The collection features over 20 vintage trams – including Ballarat Horse Tram No.1 from 1887 and a 1905 Electric Supply Company tramcar – which may sound geeky but they’re really rather lovely.
Located by the scenic Lake Wendouree, the beautifully-restored trams let visitors experience travel just as it was a century ago. Ding ding!
If you find yourself near Ballarat’s Lake Wendouree – for tram-based or even nature-based reasons – switch modes and hop on board the Golden City Paddle Steamer, a replica of the original vessel that sailed the lake during the mid-1880s.
Passengers can enjoy beautiful views, abundant birdlife and hear all about the history of the lake.
Cruises run on most Sundays from November to April. BYO cucumber sangas and flask of tea!
For heritage you can hold, head to the Ballarat Vintage and Collectibles Market, located inside a former woolshed at nearby Warrenheip.
This treasure trove offers everything from period furniture and vintage clothing to rare antiques and quirky collectibles.
Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual browser, you can easily spend hours exploring the 80-plus stalls, chatting with stallholders and uncovering one-of-a-kind items.
It’s often said that the best way to experience a place is to stay there for a while.
Ballarat offers a range of exceptional accommodation options to suit various needs and budgets, whether you’re looking to be close to the action or immersed in nature.
Just a half-hour drive from Ballarat and nestled in the stunning Mt Cole State Forest is the eco-conscious retreat The Glut Farm.
With a commitment to low-waste living and recycling,it exemplifies how luxury and ecological responsibility can coexist.
It’s even got a vineyard that sits beautifully in front of the farmhouse paddock, planted with cuttings from the original Yalumba grenache vineyard planted way back in 1889. This place is hard to leave.
Smack bang in the heart of Ballarat, Hotel Vera is an almost obsessively-restored heritage building that once served as a surgeon’s house.
Blending modern luxury and elegance with historical charm, each of the hotel’s seven suites has a distinct style inspired by nearby goldfields’ townships, providing guests with signature amenities and thoughtful furnishings.
On-site fine diner Babae is equally impressive.
From its notable architecture and nostalgic modes of transport to its rich heritage and excellent accommodation, Ballarat is a city filled with bygones – revered, restored and reimagined – and just waiting to be discovered.
