subject: The fascinating historic site of Ballarat in Victoria Australia [print this page] If you are looking to vacation, you have a variety of great choices in the state of Victoria, Australia. Ballarat is an excellent choice to settle on. It is at the base of the Great Dividing Range, in the Central Highlands. The site is historically important, due to its part in the development of Australian democracy.
Most tourist friendly cities have a variety of accommodation. This city is no exception to that rule. There are luxury 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.
For food and drink, you are also covered here. The Great Grape Road, as it is nicknamed, will take you through a series of wineries in the city and the surrounding area. Fine dining is easy to find. Steak houses and lakeside restaurants may be the right choice for your night out, and there are many family friendly restaurants for those with children.
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.
Ballarat is the home of many icons important to Australian history. The flag from the battle of the Eureka Stockade, also known as the Eureka Flag, is on display. Stroll down the Prime Ministers Avenue in the Botanical Gardens. It has a bronze statue of every Australian prime minister. While you are here, you can pay tribute to the military by visiting the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial.
The Eureka Stockade is considered one of the first movements towards democracy in Australia. It was a rebellion of miners against the government. They fought unfair taxation laws, license fees, and for price controls on mining gear. Although the rebellion was violently put down and did not last long, it gained public attention and support. The movement that followed lead to complete male suffrage to one of the houses of parliament. There are memorials in the city in the Ballarat Old Cemetery and the Eureka Stockade Gardens.
If history interests you, or if you are just looking for a fun way to spend the day, check out the open air museum, Sovereign Hill. It recreates the gold rush town with 60 authentic looking buildings and volunteer actors in costume throughout the museum. There is a creek where you can pan for real gold, or you may consider a tour. You can tour the mines or an exhibition called Trapped, which retells the story of the worst mining disaster in the country. The main street is full of sights to see; it has recreations of workshops to illustrate old trades and shops where you can buy goods and souvenirs. An evening show, Blood on the Southern Cross, explains the significance and history of the Eureka Stockade.
Families should consider the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The park is reasonably priced, with special tickets available for families (two adults and up to four children per ticket, with additional children discounted as well). It hosts some of the most iconic animals. They offer the chance to take a picture with a koala. The kangaroos are free roaming, and there are also wombats, Tasmanian devils, and reptiles. The park has another historic recreation: a typical Bushman Hut.
The fascinating historic site of Ballarat in Victoria Australia
