Ballarat and Surrounds
As Victoria's third largest city, Ballarat has enjoyed a rich and prosperous heritage thanks to the Gold Rush which began in 1851. News that the Ballarat region was home to the richest alluvial goldfield in the world resulted in a population explosion as people came from all over the world seeking fortune. By 1855, Ballarat had grown to a city with a population of 100,000 people. Impressive buildings sprung up, built from wealth generated by the diggings.
These days, long after the gold has run out, the city retains much of its rich gold heritage in the form of opulent buildings, fountains, and tourist attractions which celebrate the city's history. Sovereign Hill is the most popular of these attractions, being a recreated gold township of the 1850s where you can experience life back in that era. Also of interest is the Eureka Centre which is located close to the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion where miners and officials engaged in a bloody battle over miner's rights.
An important asset to Ballarat is Lake Wendouree, located a couple of kilometres west of the town centre. This man-made lake covers over 200 hectares and is an oasis for local bird life. The Botanical Gardens are situated next to the lake, and feature an avenue of bronze busts of all the Australian prime ministers. The annual Begonia Festival is held in the gardens during March. |
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