Plan Book Travel Australia

Main Attractions

The Eureka Stockade centre, located within the Eureka Reserve is a multi-million dollar interpretive centre. Many visitors come to Sovereign Hill, where the townsfolk have recreated Ballarat's first 10 years as an early gold town. This outdoor museum offers visitors the chance to purchase a licence, pan and wash for gold and shop in businesses just like those in the period 1851-1861. Or, there is the 27m-underground mining museum with the sound and light show, Blood on the Southern Cross, a re-creation of Eureka Stockade events. Adjoining Sovereign Hill is the Gold Museum, housing a unique collection and exhibits of the history of goldmining in the area. Australia's oldest (est 1884) and largest provincial gallery, the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, in Lydiard St, has a truly impressive collection of Australian art, it also houses the original Eureka Flag. Montrose Cottage, in Eureka St, was the first mason-built cottage on the goldfields and is now an award-winning attraction. Ballarat Wildlife and Reptile Park, on the corner of York and Fussell sts, features native animals in a natural habitat; the park is allied to Melbourne Zoo.