Saturday 2 February 2013

Ballarat

Stepped back in time and experienced the Australian gold rush era. Explored the wonders of Ballarat as well as Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Gold Museum. I had a super dooper time in this city! :)

Ballarat is a stunning town architecturally with many beautiful and different examples of Colonial Architecture. It was wonderful just wandering the streets of this place soaking up the history and the atmosphere!

If you are looking to stay somewhere where Australia's history comes to life, Sovereign Hill is a must visit when you are in Ballarat. Sovereign Hill re-creates Ballarat's first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851. It's just like stepping back in time- from the hustle and bustle of Main Street where costumed ladies and gents parade their new found wealth, go shopping 1850s-style and visit hotels, schools and a theater with goldfields entertainers. You can also see a $150,000 gold pour, venture underground on a fully- guided gold mine tour, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and watch street performers, including the Redcoat Soldiers, to the excitement of the Red Hill Gully Diggings where you can pan for real gold and it's yours to keep!

The Gold Museum is an impressive and valuable collection of gold nuggets, alluvial deposits, priceless gold artifacts 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 gold rushes. 

I love Ballarat Wildlife Park the most! :) Had an amazing visit- petting and feeding the kangaroos ( they were fluffier than expected ) and we attended the snake's show. A must see interactive wildlife experience where you can get up close and personal with the creatures of the Australia bush, and, if you dare, a crocodile at feeding time! 

Am the navigator :)


Sovereign Hill - takes you back to the Gold Rush era !





Costumed goldfields character



Red Hill Gully Diggings - where you can pan for real gold!



Ballarat Wildlife Park- kangaroos roaming free around the park  


Baby kangaroo! xx 

Benz hand-feed the kangaroo :)

And YAY ! It's me hand-feed the kangaroo :)

Aww! Super cute koala xx
Here we go - the snake show 

I really enjoyed this visit and I simply loved the whole experience. This fantastic untouched 19th century town build around a gold mine, every minute spent in learning history was worth it! A historic trip back in time to experience the Life and Times of the Gold Rush, without a time machine! :)

Love,
Steph