The rolling green hills and valleys of the Central Highlands form the backdrop for the thriving inland city of Ballarat in Victoria. The unique architecture hints at the established culture of creativity and arts in Ballarat, and further exploration of the city's galleries and exhibition centres will reveal the true depth of this culture. Combined with the distinct four seasons of the local climate this gives Ballarat a very European feel that visitors find unique to Australia and thus very refreshing. Add to this all the attractions of the Victorian Goldfields, which are just a stones throw away, and you have a rewarding and diverse holiday destination from which tourists never leave disappointed!

The centrepiece of the cultural side of the city is the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, which at over 120 years old is the oldest and largest regional gallery in the country. It has an immense collection of works dating from early colonial times right up to the present day. Perhaps the standout piece is the Eureka Flag, which has been housed here since 1895 and holds a special place in the history of the region. It was the battle flag used in the only Australian armed uprising, which took place in Ballarat in 1854, and it stands next to a number of related works. Travelling exhibitions often find their way to the gallery, which offers free guided tours and has a cafe on site. To experience local Aboriginal arts and crafts you must visit the Kirrit Barreet Aboriginal Art and Craft Centre. Established to preserve the cultural identity of the local tribes, this educational facility not only has first class indigenous art works on display, it also provides the opportunity to learn how to play the didgeridoo and throw a boomerang. Its open seven days a week and entry is free, so there are no excuses not to bring the kids down here for an educational and fun outing!

The city itself has enough beauty and character to match that inside the galleries, making a stroll through the leafy streets an intriguing experience. The Botanical Gardens have a remarkable collection of mature trees set amongst the wide grassy spaces. Be sure to give the Prisoner of War Memorial and the Prime Ministers Walk a look if you are over there. Sturt Street is the main thoroughfare through the city, and is famous for its monuments, statues and fountains. The oldest statue was built in 1893 and is of Peter Lalor, who was influential in the armed uprising of 1854. The most recent is a granite war memorial built in 2000.When you have finished browsing amongst the statues then head into the boutique and designer shops that border the tree lined boulevard, or enjoy a meal in one of the al fresco restaurants or cafes. Ballarat has a reputation as a stronghold of fine dining, and you can make the most of this at any point of the day or night. The bars and restaurants come alive in the evenings with a vibrant atmosphere that is the perfect way to end a day of sight seeing.

For a comfortable place to stay that is central to Ballarat and offers a wide range of accommodation options you cannot go past the Bell Tower Inn. Its four star facilities are spread over eight hectares of prime land, and its framed by the beautiful Avenue of Honour. The friendly and helpful staff add to the appeal of this special lodge, so why don't you check it out at www.belltower.com.au and fit it into your travel plans. Its the perfect place to explore Ballarat and its surroundings from. Another accommodation option is the Comfort Inn Main Lead, a quality boutique style, 3 and a half star hotel that has luxurious suites. Located just 500 metres from Sovereign Hill, and a short walk from central Ballarat, its ease of accessibility is complemented by its amazing facilities that include a spa, a swimming pool, a conference room and a restaurant.

The Goldfields are easily accessible from here, and their wealth of attractions make for interesting and intriguing tours in your hire car. The legacy of the gold rush of over 150 years ago is clearly present throughout the region, and there are a number of places you can visit to immerse yourself in this history. The Gum San Museum in Ararat pays tribute to the Chinese miners who came across from China and were so influential in the discovery and mining of gold. The Central Deborah Gold Mine in Bendigo offers a unique opportunity of exploring a real gold mine on one of the underground tours. The greatest tribute to the goldrush lies in Ballarat itself in the form of the living museum known as Sovereign Hill. The main feature here is a faithfully reconstructed street depictive of a similar street in the goldrush era. Costumed volunteers wander amongst the old style buildings, and there is even real gold in the creek that runs through the museum. A daytrip here is a unique learning experience that provides powerful insights into the history of the region.

Ballarat really does have everything to make your holiday complete, catering to all age groups and all interests. If you can't fill your vacation within the city confines, then the diverse surroundings are there for your exploration. With The Bell Tower Inn or the Comfort Inn Main Lead as your comfortable and luxurious base, your time here is bound to be an exciting, relaxing and fun experience.

Gavin Wyatt