A Day In Ballarat

My late October surprise in Ballarat was seeing water in Lake Wendouree.  No where near full, but at least it looked good, great in fact.  The lake is being slowly filled with a combination of recycled water and storm water as well as the normal inflows.  There is nothing like sitting at a cafe overlooking the Lake with a fresh cappuccino at hand.  Not only are they filling the lake but there is a lot of work being done around the lake.  First impressions are very impressive but there is still around a metre more to fill the lake.  Stay tuned.

You can't take a trip to Ballarat without taking in it's history.  The best way to do this is by visiting Sovereign Hill.  Sovereign Hill is a recreated 1850's goldmine and one of the best attractions in Australia.  You can experience our goldrush past by panning for gold, shopping in the authentic streets and eating at the original restaurants. There is also Blood on the Southern Cross, the Eureaka Stockade and the Ballarat Gold Museum.

Must Try Dining

Oscar's Hotel & Café Bar
Oscars would be my favorite place for a meal in Ballarat. Meals are very good at a reasonable price (mains around $20.00), my favorite being the beer battered fish and chips. They have coffee and cake all day and are open 7 days.  I particularly like the high backed cane chairs in the dining room.  Oscars is a art deco boutique hotel opposite the main shopping centre in Ballarat.
18 Doveton South St      Ballarat     Phone 03 5331 1451  more on dining

Must Try Shopping

Such & Such
Yes I have listed this under dining but it offers a lot more.  From potplants, to clothing, to gifts, to baskets, to incense.  Got the idea, it offers a little bit of everything housed in a renovated shed (tastefully done I must say).  You can't beat a place offering good ideas for your house and can feed you when you have finished.
811 Sturt St      Ballarat     Phone 03 5332 4024  more on shopping

Must Try Attraction

Lake Wendouree
Unfortunately Lake Wendouree is more of a spectacle for it's lack of water than the large expanse it normally shows.  A large lake surrounded by parkland, cafes, restaurants and more, it is still worth a look to see what the drought and mismanagement can do to a beautiful lake.  more on attractions