Kryal Castle
by Kate-Me
Many years ago, a man, Keith Ryal (hence the Kryal) wanted to build his own Castle, and managed to get permission to build it on Mt Warrenheip, approx 15 kms out of Ballarat.
In the beginning there were all types of mediaeval displays, tournaments, events, even lions, but things changed when lions were no longer allowed to be kept there. There are still mediavel displays, but I don't know about the events any more. In recent years the place has changed - it has become less known as a tourist attraction and more known for its Mediaeval weddings and, more recently, twice a year or so they stage huge rave parties here and thousands gather to party big time.
Weather bashing, Melbourne Vs Ballarat
by Kate-Me
In Melbourne, you might hear a lot of talk about how Ballarat's weather is Freeezing and always raining compared to Melbourne....but especially with the drought these days, it's just not true. Poster is from a recent Ballarat expo which was held in Federation Square recently - indicating that we have the same winter temperature as Nice, France.
Some people scoffed as they walked past the huge banner, but there are figures to back it up.....
Geelong
by keeweechic
Geelong is the second largest and most livable city in Victoria and is only one hour's drive from Melbourne. Its name originates from the Aboriginal word for bay - Jillong, meaning "a place of the sea bird over white cliffs" and since that time, Geelong has continued to have strong links to the water from its north facing bay front, to its rugged coastline and the Barwon River, which runs through the city centre and suburbs. Geelong is almost completely surrounded by water.
Eastern Beach had the first sexually segregated baths which were built in 1844. The foreshore underwent a reconstruction from 1924 - 1940 and a shark-proof enclosure was created after a woman lost both arms in an attack. The beach was then restored again in the early 1990s and now has terraced lawns, palms and pools. Across from the beach are the Botanic Gardens.
Bollards : Currently there is a $150 million project with the redevelopment of the Waterfront of Geelong. What has become a landmark addition is the 100 or more brightly painted bollards, created by local artist Jan Mitchell, which document characters from Geelong's history.
Sovereign Hill
by TexasDave
Arrangements are made for groups of school children to stay here and experience first-hand a day in the life of a youngster in the late 1800's. They attend a one-room shcoolhouse and if they behave well they get to go buy some "lollies" at the sweet shop. You can watch candies being made the old-fashioned way. Educationnal for them and for us as visitors, too!
Panning For Gold
by keeweechic
One of Sovereign Hills features is a Diggings area which is to represent the streams and creeks in the area during the 1850’s. You can try your hand at panning for gold in a stream. Its fun to do but don’t really expect to find anything but I guess you can realise how frustrating and laborious such a task must have been back then to even find one small piece of gold.
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Nice bar, but it's just for looking at!
The Monument
ultramodern student accommodation
Attractive from any angle
