There are plenty of fantastic places you can visit within 1 hour from Manor Lakes. This month, we’re heading to Ballarat.

The heart of Australia’s goldfields, Victoria's largest inland city is a thriving hub of contemporary arts, events, food and wine, with a fascinating heritage, and – of course – plenty of gold-themed attractions. Here are our top picks of things to do in Ballarat.

Heritage walking tour
During the 1850s Ballarat was the wealthiest city in the world and its heritage streetscape reflects this. Explore the legacy of the gold rush on a self-guided heritage walk or join a 90-minute walking tour with Ballarat Heritage Tours.

Visit the Gallery
Another of Ballarat’s heritage buildings, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery. Opened in 1884, it boasts an impressive collection of Australian art history from the early colonial period to the present day.

Sovereign Hill
Since 1970, Sovereign Hill has been telling the tale of life during the gold rush. A living outdoor museum built on a former gold-mining site, today it’s a Ballarat icon: costumed characters and horse and carts populate a goldfields town full of shops, hotels, a theatre, schools, factories, a gold diggings and underground mines.

Culinary promises
Recharge and refuel after a day's walking at one of the town's popular eateries, breweries or cafes. The Provincial Hotel's dining room, Lola, is a standout for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a great wine list. Sip local drops at Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, sample craft beer at Hop Temple or book a table at award winning Underbar.

Eureka Centre
Visit the Eureka Centre, the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion and the home of the Eureka Flag. At this modern museum, you’ll hear the stories of the men and women who fought for miners’ rights and helped inform the development of modern democratic Australia, as well as learning about the cultural impact of the gold rush.