Ballarat, VIC

Ballarat, in the Central Highlands of Victoria, is packed with history and culture. Ballarat has been a big deal since the 1850s gold rush and has now grown into a regional hub with the perfect mix of old-skool charm and contemporary living. The greater Ballarat area, with Alfredton, Wendouree, Sebastopol, Cardigan, Nerrina, and Bonshaw, is packed with things to do for both locals and visitors. And if you’re up for a day trip, check out nearby spots like Daylesford, Maryborough, and Bacchus Marsh which are all less than an hour’s drive away and are great for exploring.

One of Ballarat’s most iconic attractions is Sovereign Hill. This outdoor museum totally brings the Gold Rush era to life with its interactive exhibits and live demos. We also love the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll through the Prime Ministers Avenue and check out the gorgeous seasonal blooms. For art lovers, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is a gem. It’s actually Australia’s oldest regional gallery and has a top-notch collection of Aussie art. And if you’re all about the outdoors, Lake Wendouree’s your jam for stunning walks, rowing, and picnics.

Shout out to the wonderful suburbs and surrounding towns of Ballarat. Alfredton, with its family-friendly parks and golf courses, is perfect for a relaxing day out. Shoppers can load up Stockland Shopping Centre in Wendouree and then get back to nature at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, where you can say g’day to native Australian animals. Sebastopol blends the old and new, while Cardigan is your go-to for a relaxing rural retreat with wide-open spaces and farmland. Nerrina is nestled on the outskirts of Ballarat and has bushland galore and laid-back living. Bonshaw is an up-and-coming community close to the Delacombe Town Centre.

Ballarat really has it all, with history, culture, and charming suburbs. From digging into gold rush stories to living your best city life, the Ballarat area’s got something for everyone.