Ballarat v Geelong

We are staying halfway between these 2 cities – about a 50 minute drive to both, but oh they are so different.

Ballarat is inland and reknown for goldmining, the Eureka stockade and Soverign Hill – a tourist theme historical mining town village with an entrance fee of $42 pa for the day. Having spent over 7hrs exploring Ballarat we ran out of time to visit.

But we had a great day in Ballarat-dropped the truck off for a service and we were driven into the city dropped at the historical railway station, then we walked the streets of Ballarat. The town is on a hill and the flat parts remind us of Cambridge, NZ with the tree lined streets and old Victorian houses.

The main street is a wide 2 lane, one way system, built on a hill so one way is stepped. Many many old buildings still exist. The art gallery was a great stop and extremely well stocked with art depicting the Eureka Stockade and the gold mining era.

A decandant lunch at the local chocolate café saw us revived to continue exploring, eventually we ended up on a bus going to Creswick-we were treated to a personalised tour of the small town by the bus driver. Creswick is reknown for its woollen mills.

Picking up the truck we headed for the botanical gardens.  Botanical gardens are generally much the same but these were unique with their avenue of Prime Minister busts. Julia Gillard is not there!

Being a hot day we took a short refreshment break at Pipers Restaurant on the lake and watched the rowers and swans.

Many thanks to Bruce and Eunice for pointing out the ‘best’ spots to visit in Ballarat.

Now for Geelong – what a contrast – Geelong is a port city on the coast. Loved the esplanade and the painted bollards, the sea pool, and the general freshness to the city. Wouldn’t recommend the Watershed for lunch – a rude rip off. 

 But we were in Geelong for the rugby trial match between the Chiefs and the Rebels. It was the first time a rugby game had been played on the footy oval. A good crowd of around 10,000 fans – saw many cuzzie bros – the kiwi hot dogs were gross! and the chiefs won 36 to 0!