The Eureka Flag
by Kate-Me
This is a copy of Ballarat's famous Eureka Flag, made and first raised during the 1854 goldfields Eureka Rebellion Uprising in Ballarat.
What remains of the original flag is on display in the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery.
Australian states each have their own flag, and the Aboriginal people have their own flag, but I don't know of any other Australian city which has its own flag like this. It's rather special and our city is proud to fly it. Ballarat even has issued a limited number of its own car number plates bearing the Eureka Flag.
The flag represents the southern cross star constellation.
Packing is easy
by Kate-Me
You can bring whatever luggage you like. I guess it depends on the length of your stay and what type of holiday you're going to have, whether you'll be camping at caravan parks or staying in motels. Weather in Ballarat these last few years (drought) has been rather dry, even in winter, so 'just in case' weather gear is probably all I'd recommend.
We have more extreme summer temperatures than winter, so bring less winter stuff unless you'll be visiting between June & September/October.
If spending a lot of time outdoors in the summer, you may want to bring some mosquito repellent. Some years for this are worse than others.
Normal clothing and shoes go ok. You should be able to buy anything you want in Ballarat. Some chemists are always open late, ie till 8 pm (like UFS) so you can get medications after business hours. The best place I find for reasonably priced camera film (100 - 400 ASA) is the Target Department Store, within the Central Square shopping complex in Doveton St Sth. There's also a photo developing store beside target inside the centre. Bring your own with you if you can carry it, I guess, or you can buy some here. Beach gear is probably cheapest to buy here rather than bring.
There is a large camping store Ray's Tent City opposite McDonalds on Bakery Hill, and another smaller camping/army store at the McDonalds end of the Bridge Mall.
Dead trees around Lake Learmonth
by Kate-Me
Dead trees with trunks bleached white by the harsh sun are commonplace around Australia, almost anywhere, not just the desert.
As the water disappeared from Lake Learmonth 2 years ago, the half dead trees 'gave up the ghost' as we say, and died. But they still serve an important purpose, as hollows for native birds, and their now still roots still help hold the soil together, I guess.
The Flight from Pompeii and other fine works
by dlandt
In the Central Park there is a small building which houses some Italian sculpture, purchased around the troubled times of the Risorgimento, probably for a song. There aren't a lot of sculptures, but they are excellent and exquisitely cared for. I have a thing for Pompeii, but there are several very nice pieces on display that could be pictured here in its place.
Sovereign Hill
by dlandt
As I can quote "Its about the closest thing to a tourist attraction we have around here". What this is is a theme park where they have recreated the image of a gold camp, complete with Chinese Quarters, Redcoats, recreated shops, and the mine. Its a great place to bring kids as they can pan for gold and visit the lolli (candy) store. It was a fun place for adults as well, though the bakery sells out of pies just after noon. Or earlier if I go :)
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The water wagon at Sovereign Hill
Becky 's very hospitable Golden Retriever
during the Games
Grand building, grand location
