A taste of Ballarat's Heritage

A taste of Ballarat's Heritage created by nicwiz

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Summary

A short walk to discover Ballarat’s beautiful heritage and arts precinct . Wandering off route and stopping for refreshments is strongly encouraged.

Description

Not just for heritage lovers, this stroll around the central business district of historic Ballarat will appeal to people of all ages.

The approximate 40-minute round trip starts from the gorgeous Ballarat railway station offers a taster of Ballarat’s historical centre and arts precinct with opportunities to divert to nearby shopping in the Bridge Mall, Central Square and Sturt Street or to stop for a snack or lunch along the way.

If you are walking with children, Alfred Deakin Place is fun to explore with its steps and grassy slopes ideal for running around (and rolling down).

The Federation University’s SMB campus is full of interesting walkways, with some well- established gardens, and a mixture of buildings new, adapted and historical including the former Ballarat gaol, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore the campus.

A suggested entry point is to walk along Albert Street and cross Grant Street at the roundabout, then head up the hill crossing back over to SMB via the footbridge that connects the Trade School to the rest of the campus. This will give you a central entry point to start exploring the grounds.

Don’t forget on the Sturt Street crossing points to look around the median strip. In total, the Heritage listed Sturt Street gardens consists of 13 blocks featuring trees, bandstands, statues and fountains with some of the most spectacular viewable from the suggested crossing points.

The picturesque Lydiard Street streetscape is home to many fine Victorian era commercial and public buildings including the ornate Craigs Hotel and Ballarat Art Gallery. It was also a popular filming spot for the long running Doctor Blake mini-series.

NOTES

While this walk is rated as easy it does include some steps throughout the SMB campus as well as in incline heading from Albert Street up the Hill towards Lydiard Street.

To keep the walk interesting and avoid passing the same area twice, in departing the station at the start of the journey and again moving from Camp Street across to Albert Street the crossing points chosen do not have traffic lights or pedestrian crossings.

Given both Mair Street and Sturt Street are busy roads and have deep bluestone guttering people with mobility difficulties or travelling with young children are advised to cross at the nearby lights.

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Points of Interest

1. Ballarat Railway Station

Beautiful station built in 1862

2. Alfred Deakin Place

Behind the Ballarat Art Gallery Alfred Deakin Place is a public open space featuring permanent and temporary art works. You can access the gallery via Police Lane which runs off the square.

3. Camp Street

Camp Street is home to several historical buildings including the old law courts, sheriff's office, post office and library. Many now form part of the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts.

4. School of Mines and Industry

Now part of Federation University the School of Mines Ballarat was established in the early 1870s due to a shortage of mine managers on the goldfields in the area.

5. Ballarat gaol

Within the Federation University SMB campus is the remains of the Ballarat Gaol. Established in 1862 this former maximum security prison operated until 1965.

6. Craigs Royal Hotel

The historic Craig’s Royal Hotel was established during the gold-rush era and has been beautifully restored. It’s well worth poking your head inside for a look at the interior.