Oracle of Delphi
Craig HillBallarat
August 28th 2008 23:39
Ballarat, in the state of Victoria, is one of the largest inland cities in Australia with a population of over 88,000 within the municipality. Originally called "Balla" "Arat" - Aboriginal dialect for resting or camping place - gold was discovered in the area in the early 1850s. This prompted a huge influx of diggers to Ballarat which was proclaimed a town in 1852, a municipality in 1855, a borough by 1863 and a city in 1870.
The city is situated in the Central Highlands Region of Victoria, approximately 110km north-west - or around 75 minutes by car - from the state capital of Melbourne. Ballarat proudly displays its golden past through stunning architecture, wide streets and magnificent statuary collections. It is this rich history that makes Ballarat the big tourist attraction it is today.
Due to its elevation at 450 metres above sea level, Ballarat experiences a climate of four distinct seasons with mean monthly temperatures averaging 2-3 degrees below those for Melbourne. The mean daily maximum temperature for January and July - its hottest and coldest month respectively - is 25 and 10 degrees Celsius respectively.
There's lot to see and do in a city steeped in such rich history and if you happen to see nothing else but The Eureka Centre, then you will have already visited the site of what is considered to be one of the most significant events in the evolution of Australian democracy - the Eureka Rebellion. Opened in March 1998, the $4 million centre is one of Victoria's most popular tourist destinations and commemorates the passionately held ideals and the sacrifices of those who lived and worked on Ballarat's goldfields. The centre is open every day of the year except on Christmas Day so anytime is a good time to visit this state-of-the-art building.
The Gold Museum is an impressive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold artefacts and gold coins. There is also a major exhibition presenting the story of Ballarat from its earliest days through to European settlement and the amazing impact of the gold rushes.
The Ballarat Observatory, situated at Mount Pleasant, is a city landmark and best for observing the night sky through its many powerful telescopes.
Ballarat Aviation Museum on Sunraysia Highway boasts a truly unique collection of flying aircraft, engines, wartime relics and equipment from the 1920's to the present day.
You can find out more about Ballarat here.
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