In Ballarat, you could actually find real gold while panning at the major tourist attraction of Sovereign Hills. However, families are also finding golden lifestyles in Victoria’s biggest inland city, where affordable housing still reigns. From picnics at Lake Wendouree to museum-hopping, stargazing, gourmet dining and higher learning, this fast-growing, historical hotspot has it all.
Ballarat is a historical hotspot that has it all.
Bright educational opportunities
As we speak, a $1.25 million upgrade is underway at the Sebastopol Library.
Ballarat is experiencing an infrastructure and jobs boom, with projects in the works to propel the city into the future. One of these is the upgrade of kindergartens in town, thanks to an investment by the Victorian Government Children’s Capital Program. From early learning to higher education, Ballarat boasts over 50 primary schools, nine secondary schools, a TAFE institute and no less than two Universities.
As we speak, a $1.25 million upgrade is underway at the Sebastopol Library. New and improved features include an increased children’s collection, activity space and playground, as well as a dedicated young adult space. The community hub will offer updated technology facilities and cultural, recreational and learning programs.
Natural beauty
Nestled in the Western Victorian highlands, Ballarat provides the tree change you might be looking for. Walking tracks through nature abound, including in the Nerrina Wetlands, where you’re likely to spot frogs, waterbirds and parrots. The 641 hectare Woowookarung Regional Park offers mountain bike riding and bushwalking through a Messmate Stringybark Heath Dry Forest, home to kangaroos and echidnas.
Located in the centre of Ballarat, Lake Wendouree is a picturesque, favourite gathering place for locals. There’s plenty to do here on the weekends, with the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the Steve Moneghetti walking and running track, cycling trails, bird watching, exceptional playgrounds, cafes, barbecues and even vintage tram rides.
Family-friendly attractions abound in Ballarat, like Sovereign Hill.
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Food, fun and fantasy
Ballarat is known as a foodie paradise, bursting with fresh local produce, free-range meat, cosy cafes, friendly pubs, romantic bars and vineyards on rolling hills. So, you don’t need to head to Melbourne for a special dinner, when you live here. While the food scene is a huge drawcard, families also love the abundance of options for recreation.
Kryal Castle is an attraction that enchants, with jousting knights, puppet plays, theatre, wizards and mega mazes. At the Ballarat Observatory you’ll view planets and stars, while learning about the Cosmos. For a baby animal fix, there’s Donegan’s Farm, complete with calves, lambs, chicks and morning tea of homemade scones and jam.
To top it off there is, of course, Sovereign Hill, the open-air museum where you can pan for gold. Perhaps just moving to Ballarat is enough to feel like you’ve struck it rich - the region’s future is certainly predicted to be as good as gold.