The first thing that usually comes to mind when you think of Ballarat, is Sovereign Hill. After having been there a few times, it made me wonder, what else is there to do?
Upon exploration of the town, there's quite a few other activities that allows you to explore the town in a new and different way.
1. Take a walk
As simple as that sounds, the historic nature of the town will cause you to marvel at its appearance.
Ballarat Town Hall
If you stroll along Sturt St, and the streets that branch off it, you'll find many places close together in Ballarat and lots of shops and buildings to explore. Many display an old fashioned exterior, such as the facade below.
Ballarat Mining Exchange
My spontaneous walk even led me to
Ballarat Chocolate Shoppe: 16 Doveton Street North, Ballarat. They have everything from your everyday chocolates to rarer and harder to find brands, as well as handmade chocolates in their displays. I felt I couldn't leave without a treat, so bought some white chocolate raspberry bullets for $3.50.
Ballarat Chocolate Shop
Just another street or two away, is Ballarat's art gallery. Similarly the exterior is reminiscent of the 1800's era when it was built.
The town makes the most of preserving this olden day atmosphere with its vintage and historic buildings. This gives the impression of having been transported back into the earlier centuries.
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery
It's free entry into the gallery and you can take a look at some of the permanent art on display, such as the indigenous pieces below.
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery
This section is brief and you will eventually reach the beginning of the
For Auld Lang Syne exhibition, which looks into the role of the Scots in Australia's history.
A highlight is an amazingly bright red room with dramatic paintings and benches in the middle of the room - excellent for sitting and interpreting the paintings. Entry is $15 for adults, $10 for concession. The exhibition ends on
July 27.
3. The Lane: 27 Lydiard St Nth
The Lane
The Lane enticed me from the moment I walked past. Almost directly across the art gallery, it was busy with coffee orders on a Saturday morning.
The Lane
What really drew me in, was the artwork on the wall pictured, covering the whole wall, I felt the need to sit next to it. Other positives include free public wi-fi and a good taste in tunes - City and Colour and Cold War Kids are definitely my definition of laid-back cafe music.
Iced coffee
Even the iced coffee ($8.50, a bit pricey) came in a mug that looked a little old fashioned, with the words "ice cold drink" imprinted upon it.
Although customers were steady, the place wasn't extremely loud or boisterous. It was a steady and spacious place, allowing some peace to enjoy your coffee and free wi-fi use!
4. Forge Pizzeria: 14 Armstrong St North
This well-known pizza destination in Ballarat is also large and popular with locals and visitors.
I enjoyed the decor and how I could see the chefs putting freshly made pizzas in the wood-oven fires.
Forge Pizzeria
Even this music box container continued to provide that rustic feeling so prominent in Ballarat.
Forge Pizzeria
They had an extensive range of pizzas that were suitable for sharing, including the above special with chilli meatballs. Check out their menu
here.
5. Ballarat Wildlife Park: Fussell St, Ballarat East
Drop by the town's wildlife park and you can mingle with the kangaroos and joeys! They roam freely in the park and you can even feed them with a bag of special mix from the park.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
There are plenty of other Australian animals to see up close such as these cuddly koalas and some Tasmanian devils.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Evidently, there's quite a few things to do and many ways to explore Ballarat. You can find out more about these places and plan your trip or just take a stroll and be spontaneous for the day!
