6 Things To Do In Ballarat

Ballarat is one of Victoria’s most beautiful and historic centers and if you haven’t visited yet, you should. Originally settled as a rural town, Ballarat came to symbolize gold following the great gold rushes of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. In particular Ballarat is famous as the scene of the Eureka Stockade, an armed uprising by miners protesting licensing fees that ended in 35 deaths. It’s easy to fill up a week or two roaming around this picturesque city, though if you are short on time, at the very least include these 5 ideas on your list.

Stay in Style

Ballarat Accommodation is all first class, though if you have to choose only one place to stay, try the George Hotel. Built in the 1850’s, this charming colonial style hotel is a magnificent building and will provide you with all the luxury you hope for. From polished fancy door knobs to beautiful bed linen, this hotel is like none other.

Sovereign Hill

Modeled on Ballarat of the 1850’s, this re-created gold mining town consists of over 70 buildings based on those that lined the main street over 150 years ago. For around $20 you can step back in time, feel the excitement of the Ballarat Gold Rush and even do a tour through an underground mine. Also containing the Gold Museum, Sovereign Hill is well worth the visit. Allow plenty of time to check it out properly.

The Botanical Gardens

Take a break from the history and relax and enjoy the serenity of these impressive gardens. If you are looking for a peaceful place to have your lunch or read a book, look no further. A collection of mostly native plants and flowers, these gardens are famous for their Begonias, a Ballarat specialty, with Ballarat even hosting an annual Begonia Festival in March each year.

Visit The Ballarat Fine Art Gallery

The Oldest Art Gallery in Australia, the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery is an impressive building and has an equally impressive collection of colonial era art. A particular highlight is the tattered original Eureka Stockade flag. If you are even remotely interested in art or history, it’s worth taking the time to visit this Ballarat gem.

Have A Beer

There are more than fifty different pubs in the city of ballarat, all full of charm and charater and no two are the same. Do as the miners do, and cool off in one of the historic watering holes and reflect on the lives of those who came there before you.

Pay Tribute

Walk down the Avenue of Honour, a 22 km stretch of trees planted in memory of those who fought in World War Two. This beautiful and somber boulevard is a stunning memorial inspired by the many Ballarat men and boys who went off to fight for our freedom.

Enjoy Ballarat! It is a city full of history, character, friendly locals and is the perfect place to get away to from the city. You’ll not only enjoy your stay, but you’ll leave knowing both more about the area and also about what it means to be Australian.

Great Places To Go On A Cruise

One of the most relaxing ways to totally unwind and enjoy your self is to take off on a luxury cruise. There is no shortage of spectacular destinations so the hardest part is going to be deciding where you want to go. From the super active youngster looking to party, to the retiree hoping to relax and unwind, cruises offer something for absolutely everyone. One of the following cruises is sure to be exactly what you are after.

Malaysia

Cruising around Malaysia will have you living it up on a magnificent vessel and stopping in for some once in a lifetime experiences. If you are an animal lover you will have to stop by the Elephant nursery at Kuala Gandah or spend an afternoon visiting the Sandakan Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Facility. These incredible animals will win your heart and leave you wanting to take them home with you. For a tasty and exciting side trip, spend some time enjoying the local cuisine in Kuala Lumpur, have a Laksa, and spend the night at one of the luxury Malaysia hotels.

Fiji

Consisting of 330 islands, there is plenty to cruise around here and the locals are probably the friendliest people on earth. This tropical paradise includes 4000 square miles of reef, so this is the perfect place to do a little snorkelling or even scuba diving. The water here is clearer than almost anywhere and is guaranteed to be warm no matter what time of year you visit. Fiji holidays are amazing in any form, though there is no better way to see this incredible part of the world than from the deck of a luxury cruise boat.

Alaska

For a completely different kind of cruise, head north into the cold waters off Alaska .You will feel a million miles from home as you navigate these stunning waters, sharing them with hundreds of seals and dozens of whales. Your stops on land will be equally thrilling as you’ll have the chance to hike across glaciers, check out volcanoes, go on a dog sled ride and walk through glacial waterfalls. Magnificent bald eagles will also never be far away. This northern wonderland is an amazing place to do a luxury cruise.

Caribbean

For the classic summer cruise experience, you can’t go past a Caribbean adventure. This is truly a heavenly area with incredibly beautiful people, and is that perfect holiday that you’ve been waiting you entire life for. Sparking blue waters will entice you into them at every chance, with swimming, snorkelling, diving and jet skiing some of the better excuses to dive in. There are heaps of amazing reefs to explore underwater, then on land get your fill of historical wonders by visiting some ancient Mayan pyramids. A cruise in this part of the world really does have it all.

For a holiday that provides total relaxation along with lots of opportunities to see something new, you can’t find better than a luxury cruise holiday. Relax, get comfortable and enjoy!