Ballarat Tourism & Gold Mines
Introduction
Ballarat is a city in Victoria, Australia. It is located 109 kilometres west of Melbourne. In the 2016 census, Ballarat had a population of 70,963 people. Ballarat was established in the 1850s as a gold mining town and today remains one of the largest inland cities in Australia with an economy based on education, manufacturing, retail and tourism. The city also has plenty activities for kids too!
Brief History of Ballarat
Ballarat became a major boomtown during the Australian gold rushes of the 1850s.
The gold rush transformed Ballarat into a major boomtown. Suddenly, there was a need for everything from food and shelter to furniture and clothing. The town quickly grew from a few tents to include shops, homes and hotels. In 1854 the first banks were established in Ballarat, followed by two newspapers (the “Ballarat Star” and the “Ballarat Times”).
The goldfield’s location attracted people of all races and social classes. Many Chinese labourers flocked to the area as well as other nationalities including Germans, Italians and Latvians who brought their trades with them. By early 1852 there were 23 different nationalities working on the fields at Ballarat.
It is where the world’s biggest ever gold nugget, named “The Welcome Stranger” was actually found Close to Ballarat.
You may have heard of the Welcome Stranger, a gold nugget weighing 1,706 ounces (51.9 kg; 14.7 lb) that was found by Thomas Hiscock on the Clunes Goldfield in Victoria, Australia in 1869.
Tourist attractions in Ballarat
Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree is a popular recreational area and tourist attraction. For those looking to stay active, the lake is an excellent place to walk, cycle or jog, as well as fish.
Ballarat Botanical
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens set off the west end of Sturt Street, which runs parallel to Lake Wendouree and also makes for an enjoyable walk.
Balmain Gold Mine Ballarat
The Balmain Gold Mine is located in Ballarat, Victoria, just over 100km (60 miles) from Melbourne. By 1860 there were more than 16 000 miners working throughout Victoria for their share of the riches on offer – with many living at The Old Mint building (now home to The Gold Museum).
Ballarat Museum Fine Art Gallery
Ballarat is home to the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery which houses many works by Australian artists. The city’s most famous landmark is Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that recreates life during the gold rush days of 1854 in Australia.
Museum also tells you all about how gold was discovered in Ballarat and explains how it was found deep underground by miners. You’ll also see tools used by these miners when they were excavating for gold! It’s a great way to learn about this period in history without having to dig for yourself!
Ballarat Tourist Accommodation
The Star Hotel
The Star Hotel was built in 1854 and became known as the oldest building in Ballarat. It was also the first building to be built of brick in Ballarat. The adjoining building at 77 Sturt Street, built in 1853, was the first to be constructed using stone. The two reflect how the city developed over time.
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel
The Mercure Ballarat Hotel is one of many significant buildings lining Sturt Street. Built in 1859 by local merchant John Bowman, who was also an alderman on the first council in Ballarat, it is a fine example of Victorian architecture and was restored to its former glory in 1999.
The hotel boasts four restaurants, two bars and 80 rooms with spectacular views over the city centre or Lake Wendouree.
Conclusion
If you are interested in making a trip to Ballarat the Gold rush, it is just 90 minutes from Melbourne, making it easy to take a day tour from Melbourne even for a shopping or foodie adventure. At 888Cars, we’ve rounded up the best things to see and do in Ballarat so you can plan your perfect day out with ease.
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