On today’s menu was a 1.5 hour drive west to the Gold Rush city of Ballarat, population 102,230. Gold was discovered there in the 1850s, and it was once fabulously wealthy. It was also the site of the famous Eureka Rebellion in 1854, a storied chapter in the development of democracy in Australia. The city is filled with charming examples of Victorian architecture that the community has wisely chosen to preserve. There is also a first rate art gallery with a fine permanent collection. And…there were two quilt shops to visit, one in Ballarat itself, and the other in nearby Ballan.
On our way back to Melbourne, we took the road less travelled and drove through prime agricultural country, a highlight for Bill. Such beautiful countryside!
We’re scheduled to fly to Hobart tomorrow, where we’ll be staying until next Tuesday.
I hope you enjoy these eclectic images of Ballarat!
Gail's Patchwork Emporium
Gail and Bill
Gail's Purple Mini-Van
Larry, thank you so much for the wonderful peeks at this fascinating country. Yes, Ballarat could easily fall onto my to-do list. Travel safe. Greetings from the wet coast.
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