Bartrop Real Estate

Historic Ballarat combines the best of country and city living in a remarkable setting: it's handy to Melbourne for business and entertainment (just over an hour's drive), but far away enough to have established an incomparable lifestyle. One of Australia's largest inland cities is a world of its own, a predominantly green one. The city of 81,000 people is home to numerous parks, public gardens and lakes that are perfect for picnics and relaxing. Ballarat also boasts four distinct seasons, much to the envy of many other residents of country Victoria.

The streetscapes are more than attractive, too. As well as splendid examples of Victorian architecture, the gold boom of the 1850s left a legacy of wide roads that make getting around a breeze. Safe streets, a 24-hour taxi service and a comprehensive public transport system also help take the worry out of travelling. Ballarat hosts a thriving alfresco dining, arts and music scene (its nightclubs and live-music venues are guaranteed to suit every taste and age).

Her Majesty's Theatre is arguably Australia's most historic theatre building, and the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery boasts the oldest and largest public art collection in regional Australia. Each year the city stages several exciting festivals, including the Begonia Festival, Springfest, Organs of the Goldfields, Heritage Week, Royal South Street Eisteddfod and Arts in the Park. The community also enjoys an extraordinary variety of services.