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Ballarat Highlight Tour​

Ballarat highlight tour will journey through historic and natural landmarks. Explore panoramic lookouts, historic streets, notable mining sites, serene gardens, and captivating museums. 

Visit Ballarat Highlights

Join us on this half day tour taking in the iconic places of the city, visiting heritage and historic buildings / homes and locations of the 1850’s gold rush, which gives you a greater understanding of why this is one of the great goldfields cities of the gold rush.

View panoramic vistas of Ballarat from the Blackhill & Golden Point lookouts. Visit Lake Wendouree and take a walk in the Botanical gardens to see the Prime Ministers Avenue, floral gardens, statues and imposing trees.

Walk down Lydiard Street Heritage walk, enter the Fine Art Gallery to view outstanding Australian art, and then have morning / afternoon tea at Craig’s Royal Hotel.

Entry to the Eureka Centre is included in the tour, which interprets the miner’s democratic struggle leading up to the Eureka Rebellion, the only armed conflict between miners and the Government forces.

See, the Arch of Victory is one of the most historic war memorials of WW1 & the Avenue of Honour, Australia’s largest.

Highlights

  • Blackhill & Golden Point lookouts,
  • Lydiard Street Heritage walk,
  • Morning / Afternoon tea in the historic Craig’s Royal Hotel
  • Historic Red Hill mining site, where they found the 69kg Welcome Nugget
  • Lake Wendouree & Botanical gardens
  • Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour
  • Entry to the Fine Art Gallery,
  • Entry to the Eureka Centre, the site of the Eureka Stockade rebellion
  • Entry to Ludbrook House, Ballarat Orphanage Museum.

Details

  • Blackhill & Golden Point Lookouts: These scenic vantage points offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. At Blackhill, experience the rugged beauty of the terrain, and at Golden Point, witness the expansive vista of historic gold mining sites, possibly catching a glimpse of a gold prospector or two.

  • Lydiard Street historic walk, including morning tea at the famous Craig’s Royal Hotel: Lydiard Street is a treasure trove of Victorian-era architecture. On a leisurely stroll, you’ll pass heritage buildings, churches, and quaint shops. The experience culminates in a morning tea at Craig’s Royal Hotel, a stunning example of Gold Rush era opulence, where you can savour delicious pastries and sip aromatic tea in the grandeur of its luxurious interior.

  • Buninyong historic town & Mt Buninyong: Explore Buninyong, one of the oldest inland settlements in Victoria, rich with 19th-century architecture and charming, rustic landscapes. A visit to the extinct volcano, Mount Buninyong, offers picturesque forest walks and panoramic views from the summit.

  • Wild nature of Woowookarung Regional Park & Union Jack Reserve: Discover the untouched beauty of Woowookarung Regional Park and Union Jack Reserve. These wilderness areas offer an array of hiking and biking trails that pass through a variety of ecosystems, providing opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and immersive nature experiences.

  • Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour: This imposing arch stands as a poignant memorial to the Australian soldiers of WWI. The Avenue of Honour, lined with over 3,500 trees, provides a tranquil and humbling walk, each tree planted in remembrance of a soldier who served.

  • Lake Wendouree & Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a peaceful day exploring the serene Lake Wendouree, perfect for boating, fishing, or picnicking along its shores. Adjacent to the lake, you’ll find the lush Botanical Gardens, home to an array of native and exotic plants, creating a perfect setting for relaxation and nature photography.

  • Entry to the Eureka Centre: The Eureka Centre sits on the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade rebellion, a pivotal event in Australian history. Through interactive exhibits, you’ll learn about the gold miners’ struggle for rights and the significant impact of this event on Australia’s democracy.

  • Entry to the Fine Art Gallery: Spend time exploring the vast collection of Australian and international art at this prestigious gallery. It houses both contemporary and traditional artworks, providing an enriching experience for art lovers of all kinds.

  • Entry to Sovereign Hill: Step back in time at Sovereign Hill, an outdoor museum presenting a re-creation of a Gold Rush-era town. You can pan for gold, explore the underground mines, watch artisans at work, and experience the hustle and bustle of 1850s life.

  • Entry to Ludbrook House – Ballarat Orphanage Museum: Visit Ludbrook House to delve into the heart-wrenching stories of the orphaned and destitute children who once lived there. The museum brings to light the often harsh realities of the past, providing a deeply moving and educational experience.


Booking Information

Availability

  • Tours are available 7 days a week
  • Not including Public Holidays

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • Morning/Afternoon tea is included
  • Pickup/Drop off –Ballarat / Creswick accommodation,
  • Melbourne customers
  • Pickup/Drop off
  • Ballarat Railway Station
  • Please refer to our Terms and Conditions before booking

Gallery

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