Ballarat Accommodation
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Where to stay in Ballarat
Exploring Ballarat
Until the Australian gold rush of the 1850s, Ballarat was just an unassuming sheep station of southeastern Australia. However, thanks to the rich, gold deposits surrounding the region, this intriguing town experienced a massive population and development boom in the second half of the 19th century. Today, many of the main tourist sights of Ballarat date from the gold-rush era, making it a living, breathing 19th-century museum.
From the likes of the Ballarat to the famous Sovereign Hill, Ballarat is a fascinating holiday destination. It sits just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, within the plains of the Great Dividing Range. Plenty of comfortable and affordable hotels and quality inns are found in Ballarat. Thousands of tourists flock here throughout the year, making the city much busier than its 84,000 resident population suggests.
Hotels in Ballarat
There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Ballarat is the 165 On Bogong, which has been booked 5 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended East 34 in Ballarat as it has been reserved 5 times.
Sightseeing in Ballarat
Operating since 1970, Sovereign Hill is among Victoria’s most interesting holiday attractions. Located in the suburb of Golden Point, this site is upon a former gold mining spot from the 1850s. Tourists are taken back in time when they arrive here, as more than 60 antique buildings, panning-for-gold activities, gold-digging reenactment shows, and guided historical tours are offered. The Gold Museum is a must-visit within the park. Visitors looking to experience the Victorian gold rush period should not look beyond Sovereign Hill.
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery is home to Australia’s finest collections of local masterpieces outside of a major capital. This splendid landmark has been operating since 1884 and houses famous pieces of work such as Tom Roberts’ Wood Splitters and Jane Sutherland’s Obstruction. It is free to enter, meaning budget travellers can enjoy the magical collections within. The art gallery is conveniently located along Lydiard Street North in central Ballarat.
Transportation in Ballarat
The easiest way to get around the city of Ballarat is via the local bus network. It connects the central district with suburban Ballarat, although routes are limited on Sundays. Tourists are also advised to experience the historical guided walking tours of Ballarat, which take an hour or two and cover some truly majestic areas of the city.
