Ballarat City: Gold Rush History, Gardens and Culture

Ballarat City brings together traces of the gold rush, a lakeside setting, historic gardens and cultural attractions. Lake Wendouree, the Eureka Centre and Eureka Stockade Memorial Park each offer a different perspective; there are also opportunities for wildlife observation, walks and art. Families can include outdoor activities, a guided mine tour and an inclusive play area in their plans to suit different interests.

Lake Wendouree, gardens and paths

Lake Wendouree is in central Ballarat, next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and close to Victoria Park. The six-kilometre Steve Moneghetti Walking Track runs along the lake. The Ballarat Tramway Museum offers a three-kilometre round trip on the original 1887 tram route, passing the gardens and Lake Wendouree. This gives you the choice of a longer walk or a ride along a historic route.

You can also learn about the stories behind the historic gardens: volunteers from the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens offer guided walks and tours, sharing the gardens’ highlights and stories. The North Garden Wetlands provide habitat for local wildlife and plants. The area is also a place to observe birds and rakali—an opportunity to focus on nature around the garden landscape.

Gold rush history and remembrance

On Sovereign Hill’s guided mine tours, access underground is by inclined tramway. The fully guided experience lasts 45 minutes. Admission to Sovereign Hill also includes gold panning and self-guided tours of the Red Hill Mine. This gives you the choice between a guided underground tour and independent activities.

At Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, the memory of the Eureka Stockade is reflected in significant trees, interpretive signs and monuments honouring those involved. The park is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and was added to the National Heritage List on 3 December 2004. The Eureka Centre focuses on the social history and cultural impact of the Victorian gold rush; it is also home to the Eureka Flag.

The Eureka Centre’s education programs give students and teachers the opportunity to see the original Eureka Flag. They include hands-on, guided and self-directed activities. As program details may change, it is a good idea to check the current offering before your visit.

Horticulture, art and crafts

The Ballarat Begonia Festival is a horticultural event centred on a rare begonia collection. Ballarat is also home to more than 120 works of public art. The Public Art Collection forms an open-air gallery of works on permanent display. If you are interested in more than exhibitions and collections, the Rare Trades Centre offers practical workshops and courses in contemporary craft and trade practices that have evolved from historic or artisanal trades.

Planning activities with children

Sovereign Hill’s mine tours are designed for children and adults. Victoria Park has an inclusive play area with several play zones and accessible facilities for people with different abilities. These are two different ways to enjoy an outing together: a guided underground experience and outdoor play areas.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bunkers Hill, Moira Shire, Yarra City, Yarra Ranges Shire, Alpine Shire, Hepburn Shire, Whittlesea City, Hume City.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.