The Gold Fields

 

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Stretching from the Goulburn River in the east, the Grampian Mountains in the west, the Murray River flats in the north and south to the Macedon Ranges. This is the Victorian heartland and one of the centres of Australia's gold mining history. 

Authentic gold mines and living museums allow today's generations to experience the world of their forefathers. An area steeped in history much of which is preserved and/or recreated for future generations. Historic sites, gold mine towns, relics and recreations, prospecting, fossicking, music and theme festivals, theatre, shearing sheds, Cobb & Co coachs, hot air balloons, hang gliding, hot mineral springs, fishing, water skiing, Captain Melville's bushranger hangout, underground mines, heritage sites and buildings everywhere you look.

Ballarat - located about 120km (75 miles) west of Melbourne is the gateway to the goldfields and one of the major towns of the region. The City of Ballarat is located in the Central Highlands Region and is one of the largest inland cities in Australia and has a population of 80,000 and area of 739 km².

Ballarat is rich in history, heritage, and culture.It was here in 1854 that miners and troopers faced each other in a battle etched in Australian history, the Eureka Rebellion.The heritage is evident today with wide tree-lined avenues and spacious parks and gardens, grand buildings and one of the countries most intact Victorian streetscapes. 
With an incredible range of sporting facilities and major events and festivals conducted regularly throughout the year, Ballarat attracts approximately 3 million visitors to the region each year.

Sovereign Hill

Tips: Southern Woolshed is Australia's largest working shearing shed. Visit the nearby Ballarat Wildlife and Reptile Park. Tour through Eureka Street and the Stockade Precint, sites of the civil uprising battle. Historic town recreation at Sovereign Hill. Ride a Cobb & Co coach or a paddle steamer on Lake Wendouree. View the excellent period architecture in Lydiard Street. Explore the relics at Lal Lal and the water wheel at Andersons Mill. Local wineries produce some well known labels. Nearby Buninyong hosts the annual Gold King Festival in February. Arts, crafts, galleries and antiques all year round.

Bendigo - Bendigo is located in the geographic heart of the Southern Australian State of Victoria, 150km north west of Melbourne.

It is set in an environment of natural Australian bush land, with some of the state's most unique flora and a belt of quality agricultural land including some of Australia's best wine growing country.

The Bendigo region has developed from a history of enormous wealth injected into the area from huge reserves of gold actively mined for over 100 years, producing more than 20 million ounces of gold. This famous historic field which is ranked 7th in the world and 2nd only to Kalgoorlie in Australia is being restored to its rightful preeminence as a world class gold producer.

The legacy of this golden era can still be seen in the city's many grand Victorian buildings, baroque mansions, gothic cathedrals and Georgian style homes.  Now as we prepare for the next century gold mining is returning to the area to compliment Bendigo's rich infrastructure which supports modern industries and diverse agriculture.

Bendigo enjoys a mild climate all year round which combined with the regions natural beauty, fine food and wine and superb range of accommodation, tourist attractions and experiences makes it a fantastic destination for short or long stays.

Tips: Take a tour on the vintage Talking Tram to get your bearings and see the architecture of Australia's best preserved Victorian streetscape. Go underground at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Enjoy yourself at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre. Compare the old and new at the Bendigo Pottery, Australia's oldest and a popular visit. Excellent art from the gold rush period at the acclaimed Bendigo Art Gallery.

For some different culture, visit the Golden Dragon museum to better understand the role played by Chinese in the history of Bendigo. See "Sun Loong" the worlds longest Chinese Imperial dragon who awakens for each Easter Monday parade. The Chinese Joss House is open to visitors.

See the mohair production cycle at the Bendigo Mohair Farm. Ride a camel into the bush. Bushwalking and cycling tracks in the local state parks.

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