Walk Through History In Ballarat, Australia
Ballarat is a beautiful city and a popular tourist site. It is found inland, in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is the largest center in the Central Highlands, at the feet of the Great Dividing Range. The city was a boom-town during the Victorian era gold rush and is credited with being part of Australian democracy.
Most tourist friendly cities have a variety of accommodation. This city is no exception to that rule. There are luxury Ballarat hotels, inexpensive motels, and comfortable bed and breakfasts. The backpacker hostels will even help you find temporary work if you are aiming for a low-budget vacation.
Every tourist has to figure out where to eat and drink. If you are willing to spend a day on it, check out the Great Grape Road. That will lead you through many local wineries including a few in the city. Fine dining is available, with steak houses and lakeside restaurants for a mellow night for adults. Family dining is also available.
Ballarat has many special attractions discussed here, but it also boasts the typical array of recreational activities. The city has quite a few spas to give you a relaxing day off. If the temperature starts to get to you, check for a local swimming area. There are many golf courses, some of which will rent equipment so that tourists do not have the hassle of bringing their own.
There are many icons that you should see before you leave Ballarat. The Eureka Flag is the battle flag used at the Eureka Stockade (discussed below). In the Botanical Gardens, make sure you check out the Prime Ministers Avenue, which displays bronze statues of every prime minister in Australian history. The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is a national tribute memorial also worth seeing during your stay in the city.
The Eureka Stockade was a rebellion of miners. The miners fought against taxation without representation, license fees and price gouging of mining materials. The rebellion was quickly put down, but had an ongoing effect in Australian politics. It gained enough public support to inspire a movement leading to complete male suffrage for at least one house of parliament. It is considered the first step in Australian democracy. While here, you can visit the memorials at the Ballarat Old Cemetery and the official memorial in the Eureka Stockade Gardens.
Check out the Sovereign Hill open air museum. It is a recreation of a gold rush city, complete with 60 buildings and costumed actors that help with the historical feel. The museum allows you to pan for gold. Consider a guided tour of the mines or the Trapped exhibit, which chronicles the worst Australian mining tragedy. There are shops and workshops along the main street, which give a little glimpse into old trades. There is a show, Blood on the Southern Cross, that shares the story of the Eureka Stockade.
The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a great place for families. Get up close and personal with koalas and free range kangaroos, or take a look at the Tasmanian devils, wombats, and reptiles. There is a recreated Bushman Hut. A special price for families (two adults and up to four children), but it is still affordable with or without the discount.
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