See also: Buninyong, Haddon. Pop 88,000. (112km W Melbourne). See map on page 2?9, ref J15. Ballarat is Victoria's largest inland provincial city. It owes its prosperity to the great gold rush of 1851. Ballarat is an attractive city with wide tree-lined streets, gardens and recreational facilities. Today, the city is a thriving community of commerce, industry and education. Ballarat had its beginnings in 1837, when pioneering squatters led by William Yuille camped on the shores of the 'Black Swamp', which now has been converted into Lake Wendouree - its name Balla-Arat has the Aboriginal meaning of 'Resting Place'. When gold was discovered at Golden Point and Poverty Point, in August 1851, the peaceful pastoral district was inundated by the rush of gold seekers. Within weeks an armed escort service had been established to transport gold to Melbourne. By the following year some 20,000 diggers worked on the shallow and deep shafts of the Ballarat goldfields. One of the largest pieces of natural gold in the world was found at a depth of 180 feet at Bakery Hill weighing 2217 ounces and named 'Welcome Nugget'.
FESTIVALS: Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields (Jan), Super Southern Swap Meet, Buninyong Gold King Festival (Feb) Ballarat Begonia Festival, Ballarat Antique Fair (March), Buninyong Film Festival (May) Australian Cycling Grand Prix (Aug), Ballarat Heritage Weekend, Begonia Car Rally (Oct), Royal South Street Eisteddford (Sep/Oct), Ballarat Cup Carnival, Springfest Market Sunday, Agricultural & Pastoral Society Show (Nov), Eureka Week (Nov/Dec)
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ACTIVITIES: Art gallery, Bowls, Croquet, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Greyhound racing, Harness racing, Horse racing, Rowing, Sailing, Scenic drives, Squash, Swimming, Tennis.
ACCESS: Car via the Western Hwy. Daily rail and coach services available from Melbourne.
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On our website you will find a complete guide to accommodation in Ballarat. Select from a range of Ballarat accommodation including hotels, motels, apartments, bed & breakfasts, cottages and caravan parks. All the accommodation is star rated to help you select the perfect place to stay whether it be a budget motel, luxury B&B, business hotel or family caravan park. The accommodation is awarded a star rating between 1 and 5 stars based upon the accommodations facilities, maintenance and cleanliness, allowing you to choose accommodation in any state with confidence.
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