Ballarat and the Midwest

Towns: Ballarat, Creswick, Colac , Forrest, Birregurra, Buninyong

Attractions: Historic Towns, Grand Architecture, Sovereign Hill

Ballarat and the Midwest

This region's largest town is Ballarat, one of Victoria's most popular tourist towns offering a plethora of attractions, amusements and activities. Ballarat is world famous for the 1851 Gold Rush which echoed throughout the world, bringing 20,000 miners of many nationalities to the area. This charming town still has many fine establishments dating from the 1850-1900 era. Ballarat offers numerous museums and galleries including Tramway, Aviation and Gold Museums plus the James Egan and Post Office Galleries. Don't miss the unique Sovereign Hill, an experience that people travel near and far to undergo. Creswick is about half an hour drive north of Ballarat and offers historic buildings including the miner's union where the main stay of the famous Eureka Stockade was, back in the 1850s. The towns of Colac and Winchelsea are also worth investigating. About half way between Melbourne and Ballarat is the quaint town of Bacchus Marsh a perfect place stop and stay, or stop for a coffee break.

Links:
Wildlife Park - Ballarat
Historic open air gold rush museum - Ballarat
Adventure Park - Ballarat
Historic Train Trail- Ballarat
Restaurant - Ballarat
Cafe - Ballarat
Restaurant and Trout Farm - Smeaton