In Town
Sovereign Hill This is the main destination for visitors to Ballarat and a good place to get a taste for what life was like on the Victorian goldfields. Spread over 60 ha, Sovereign Hill is a replica goldmining town, complete with authentically dressed townspeople. Panning for gold is a popular activity, while in the evening the Blood on the Southern Cross show re-enacts the Eureka Rebellion. Bradshaw St; (03) 5337 1100.
Eureka Stockade Centre: a uniquely designed building, with information about the infamous battle; Eureka St. Ballarat Botanic Gardens: an impressive collection of native and exotic plants; Prime Minister Ave features busts of all of Australia's prime ministers. Ballarat Wildlife Park: houses native Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, quokkas and crocodiles; cnr Fussel and York sts. Ballarat Fine Art Gallery: holds a significant collection of Australian art. The original Eureka Stockade flag is also on display; 40 Lydiard St. Gold Museum: details the rich goldmining history of the area; opposite Sovereign Hill. Historic buildings: include Her Majesty's Theatre, built in 1875 and Australia's oldest intact, purpose-built theatre, and Craig's Royal and the George hotels, with classic old-world surroundings; Lydiard St. Vintage Tramway: via Wendouree Pde; rides weekends, and public and school holidays. Avenue of Honour and Arch of Victory: honours those who fought in WW I; western edge of city.
