Exploring the Eclectic East Side

Exploring the Eclectic East Side created by nicwiz

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Summary

This is a walk for anyone who loves exploring urban areas. Bring the dog, and with a playground at the start and end of the route, kids should enjoy it too.

Description

This walk starts at the historical Eureka Stockade Gardens, National Heritage Listed for their association with the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion. The gardens feature commemorative monuments, a lake and excellent playground. Also located in this precinct is the Eureka Centre where you can learn about the history of the region’s gold rush, view the iconic Eureka Flag and relax in the café.
From the Eureka Stockade Gardens cross-over Eureka Street and head down Kline Street until you reach the Warrenheip Gully Trail. From here you head west along the trail. While not always the prettiest of tracks, there is something appealing about a route that trails through suburbia with surprising pockets of nature, and hints of the residential and industrial past.
Follow the Warrenheip Gully Trail along Callow Street. Just before Callow Street bends to the right, cross over the bridge and follow the Pennyweight Gully trail ending at Pennyweight Park. Pennyweight Park is a large, open, grassy space that includes a children’s playground. At the time of writing the new fenced off-leash dog park situated on the site is nearing completion.
You can choose to complete the loop by following your tracks in reverse or choosing any number of streets to wind through. The walk mapped here heads back to Callow Street and then north up Montrose Street. If mobility is not an issue, you can then head up the dirt laneway (for added variety) until you get to Dodds Lane. From here head on to Eureka Street. As with much of Ballarat East, Eureka Street is home to an eclectic collection of houses representing nearly every decade from around the turn of the nineteenth century onwards. If open, it’s worth a stop for a sugary treat at The Little Cupcake on the corner of Eureka and Otway Streets before continuing down Eureka Street to complete the walk.

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Points of Interest

1. Eureka Stockade Gardens

The Eureka Stockade Gardens have a strong association with the Eureka Stockade Rebellion . Situated on the site is the Eureka Centre, home to one of Australia's most cultural icons the Eureka Flag.

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2. Warrenheip Gully Trail

The Warrenheip Gully Trail forms part of the Yarrowee River Trail network. These tracks are a great way to explore the South East of Ballarat on foot.

3. Pennyweight Park

Pennyweight Park has lots of open grassy space for running around or kicking a ball, an inclusive playground, fenced off-lead dog park, shelter, seating and public art.