Ballarat - attractions
Ballarat
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Art Gallery of Ballarat
Art and architecture meet at Australia's oldest and largest regional art gallery
www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Ballarat Aviation Museum
Discover a unique collection of aircraft, wartime relics and aviation equipment from the 1920s to today
www.ballarataviationmuseum.com.au
Ballarat Bird World
See the colours of Australian bird life up close at Ballarat Bird World. Take a stroll along a raised walkway through native gardens and waterfalls, wander around a huge free-flight aviary and lose yourself in the timber puzzle maze. The is a gift shop and cafe on-site.
www.ballaratbirdworld.com.au
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
40 hectares of gardens, located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, featuring marble statues, mature trees and colourful bedding displays
www.ballaratbotanicalgardens.com.au
Ballarat Observatory & Museum
The observatory is located at Mount Pleasant and was opened in 1886. Visitors can view a large collection of astronomical artefacts, books and equipment. Stunning 3D AstroTours of the universe are regularly screened.
www.ballaratobservatory.org.au
Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail
A 55 kilometre trail which goes through native grasslands, forest, farmland, historical gold mining sites and across a trestle bridge near Newtown
www.railtrails.org.au
Ballarat Tramway Museum
An interactive tramway museum allowing visitors to view photographs, memorabilia and the museum's fleet of rolling stock. Visitors can ride on century old trams from Ballarat Botanic Gardens along an original track beside Lake Wendouree.
www.btm.org.au
Ballarat Wildlife Park
This wildlife park is dedicated to educating everyone on the beauty and fragility of Victoria's native species. Get up and close with koalas, kangaroos, emus, other native animals and exotic reptiles.
www.wildlifepark.com.au
Creswick Regional Park
This park features picnic areas, several lakes, walking tracks, mountain bike tracks and native flora and fauna
www.parks.vic.gov.au
Enfield State Park
Located south of Ballarat, this park is home to a large number of plant and animal species. Visitors may also come across gold mining relics from the gold rush days. The park is particularly impressive during the springtime when colourful and unusual wildflowers can be observed.
www.parks.vic.gov.au
Eureka Centre
The Eureka Centre commemorates the Eureka Rebellion in 1854 and the ideals and sacrifices of those who lived and worked on Ballarat's goldfields. The rebellion is regarded as the birth of Australian democracy and the centre provides an immersive experience that explores culture, history and democracy in the past, present and future. View the iconic Eureka flag and enjoy refreshments or lunch at the on-site cafe.
www.eurekacentreballarat.com.au
Goldfields Track
The Goldfields Track covers a distance of 210 kilometres, taking in historic mining areas and a variety of natural features. It is divided into 4 smaller tracks and follows the top of the Great Dividing Range, connecting the cities of Ballarat and Bendigo. The 44 kilometre Eureka Track starts at Mount Buninyong, passing through Ballarat and onto Creswick. The 60 kilometre Wallaby Track links Creswick with Daylesford. The 48 kilometre Dry Diggings Track extends from Daylesford to Hepburn Springs and Castlemaine. The 58 kilometre Leanganook Track section links Castlemaine with Bendigo.
www.goldfieldstrack.com.au
Her Majesty's Theatre
Dating back to 1875, it is one of Australia's most historic theatres and is now a professionally equipped and staffed performing arts centre
www.hermaj.com
Kryal Castle
Experience the glory of bygone days at this medieval castle. Explore the castle grounds with its picturesque gardens, navigate the maze and labyrinth, observe show-stopping re-enactments and participate in many interactive activities which bring medieval history to life.
www.kryalcastle.com.au
Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve
Mount Buninyong rises to a height of 745 metres and is located south-east of Ballarat near Buninyong. It is surrounded by a native bush reserve with a significant koala population. Visitors can either walk or drive to the summit where a viewing tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. There are several picnic areas and walking tracks of various steepness.
www.buninyong.vic.au/mt-buninyong
Sovereign Hill
History comes to life in this recreated gold township of the 1850s. There are regular demonstrations, street theatre performances, gold panning, mine tours and shopping experiences of the era. At night, experience AURA which sees Sovereign Hill transformed into a moving sound and light show that tells the story of history and gold. During winter, the Winter Wonderlights display is a stunning night show with dazzling lights, faux snow and festive fun.
www.sovereignhill.com.au
Wendouree Centre For Performing Arts
The centre showcases the cultural and artistic aspects of the region with a program of live theatre, acoustic concerts, comedy, ballet and stage shows
www.wcpa.com.au
Woowookarung Regional Park
A 641 hectare park located in eastern Ballarat, accessible from Mount Clear. There are old forest trails which can be explored on foot and several mountain bike tracks. The park has a rich selection of native fauna and flora including heath, colourful wildflowers, kangaroos, echidnas and many species of birds.
www.parks.vic.gov.au