Living in Ballarat: The Joys of Victoria’s Hidden Treasure

Located in Victoria about 105 kms from Melbourne, Ballarat is home to roughly 94,000 residents. The area was settled in 1837 by Archibald Yuille, a Scottish squatter who took the city’s name from two Aboriginal words that are thought to translate to “resting place.” Ballarat’s name is still appropriate today. The beautiful city has a temperate oceanic climate and experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. With a rich cultural heritage and all the conveniences of modern life, Ballarat is popular with both residents and tourists. If you’re thinking about living in Ballarat, consider the joys you can experience in this wonderful Victoria city.

Be a Part of Ballarat’s Rich Heritage
Ballarat began as a small sheep run, but the area quickly transformed into a major town during the Victorian gold rush. While the resources in other nearby towns were depleted quickly, miners continued to find substantial amounts of gold in Ballarat for decades. City developers believe there are still some untapped resources in the area today. Residents strongly value the city’s heritage, and a number of Ballarat buildings and sites have been restored in recent decades. Places like the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Craig’s Royal Hotel and the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery have been important parts of the city’s landscape since the 19th century.

Take Advantage of Victoria’s Affordable Housing
Victoria is one of the most affordable states for housing prices in Australia. As one of the fastest growing cities in Victoria, Ballarat has drawn many residents from larger cities like Melbourne who want nicer properties for the money they can afford to spend. Your dollars stretch further in a smaller but still highly populated town like Ballarat. Inner Ballarat suburbs such as Soldiers Hill and Ballarat East are typically more stable investment choices than some of the outer suburbs like Lucas and Sebastopol because the latter areas are still developing.

Enjoy Easy Commutes and Low Traffic
Ballarat has an extensive network of high-quality, well-designed roads that minimise traffic and shorten commute times for residents. It’s easy to get from one part of the city to another in a short amount of time, and residents can also easily access Melbourne and other nearby locations like Bendigo and Geelong. The Ballarat Transit public bus service and Ballarat’s passenger rail service offer convenient transportation options for residents without cars. Additionally, Ballarat is home to a large cycling community. The city has several designated bike routes and separate trails for commuters who prefer the exercise and eco-friendly nature of bicycle transport.

Find All the Amenities You Need
Ballarat is a very family-friendly city. Many of the suburbs are located close to the downtown Ballarat area, giving residents convenient access to all of the city’s amenities and utilities. The city has two major hospitals, a specific facility that focuses on cancer treatment and a wide network of public libraries. Students can choose from several highly-rated public and private institutions, including Ballarat High School, Ballarat and Queens Anglican Grammar School, Damascus College and Loreto College.

Get Involved with Numerous Cultural Events
Residents of all ages enjoy a number of festivals and cultural events all throughout the year. The city has a large theatre community and several large performance venues, including The 1870 Founders Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre. You can also see one of the best and most extensive collections of early Australian art at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. Each year, Ballarat hosts popular community events like the Ballarat Agricultural Show, Ballarat Heritage Weekend and the Begonia Festival. When you live in Ballarat, you’ll have access to plenty of entertainment and cultural attractions.