Ballarat is approximately 105 kilometres (65 miles) west-north-west of Melbourne. With an estimated urban area population of just over 94,000 people, third largest Victoria's city, is one of the Australia's most populated inland settlements.
Ballarat derived from local Wathaurong Aboriginal words for the area, balla arat, thought to mean "resting place". The present spelling was officially adopted by the City of Ballarat in 1996.
The Victorian gold rush in 1851 transformed Ballarat from a small sheep station to a major settlement, and gave birth in many other significant cultural legacies.
Ballarat has an interesting collection of historic buildings including the stunning Italianate-styled town hall and churches.
Churches
Statues
