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.
As with the many tourist sites in Victoria, this city offers a broad array of accommodation options.
There are backpacker hostels that will even help travelers look for local, temporary work.
There are hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
Luxury, history, or value for your money are all available to you.
Food and drink are part of every tourist trip, and Ballarat is no exception.
Spend a day on the Great Grape Road, a series of wineries that include some in this city.
There are a lot of fine dining restaurants worth checking out during your stay.
There are steak houses and lakeside restaurants for that special night out.
There are a lot of restaurants that are perfect for family dining.
Before you read about the special attractions here, rest assured that you will have access to the usual recreation attractions.
Spas welcome the weary traveler who needs to relax on their vacation.
The local swimming areas can help you beat the heat during your stay.
There are many golf locations, and some even offer golf equipment for hire so you do not have to worry about bringing your 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.
Sovereign Hill is a magnificent museum.
It is an open air recreation of the gold rush.
Over 60 historically accurate buildings and costumed volunteer actors give the museum a wonderfully anachronistic atmosphere.
You can pan for real gold in a creek, or take a guided tour of one of the mines.
There is an exhibit called Trapped, which shows the history of the worst mining disaster in Australian history.
Walk the main street and enjoy the variety of shops and workshops.
Blood on the Southern Cross covers the history of the Eureka Stockade.
For families, consider a visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park.
The park hosts a variety of classic Australian wildlife including koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and free roaming kangaroos.
You can take a picture with a koala or explore a historical recreation of a Bushman Hut.
They even offer a special price for families (two adults and up to four children on one discount ticket).