Must See Sights and Landmarks in Bacchus Marsh Area

"One of the most famous things to do in Ballarat with kids is to visit Sovereign Hill and you should set a whole day aside just for this attraction. Step back in time to the Goldrush days in Ballarat when you visit Sovereign Hill, Melbourne’s most amazing outdoor museum. Pan for gold to see if you find a lucky gold nugget, and if you do it’s yours to keep."

"Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, Ballarat. It portrays the first 10 years of Ballarat after gold was discovered there in 1851. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it."

"This monument, put up just after the First World War near the southwest corner of Prince of Wales Park, is the largest commemorative arch in Australia. The arch of Victory commemorates those who served in the Great War, and honours the Allied Victory. It stands 16.5 metres tall and 19.2 metres wide and was later updated to mark the Second World War, Korean War and the Vietnam War."

"The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church as well as a historical building in Ballarat. It was the only Parish Church when it was established in the early 19th century and later became a part of the Diocese of Ballarat when it was formed. The church building is still the same as that of the Victorian Era."

"Located on the Serviceton line in Victoria, Ballarat Railway Station is one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring heritage railway stations. The railway station showcases the architectural and historical magnificence of Ballarat. This 19th century railway station has most of its features intact and is registered in the Victorian Heritage Register."

"Arrive in Balarat by train and you’ll be given a stately welcome. The railway station is a wonderful piece of heritage in a staggering state of preservation. The building, with a portico, pediment and Italianate tower, has changed little since it opened in 1862, and there are tons of details that have stood the test of time."

"For over 30 years, Animal Land has made little one’s farm dreams come true, and it’s only a mere 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD!. It gives children an authentic, hands-on farm experience where they can hold, pat, feed, ride and immerse themselves amongst a host of animals. Ride tractors, milk cows, ride ponies, collect eggs, feed ducks, and meet the beautiful Maggie the cow and Penny the sheep."

"Home to a water play area, multiple large play spaces that provide activities for all abilities. Large Sandpit, swings, areas to climb, balance, slides, rope ladders. Beside one of the play spaces there a great collection of musical instruments, drums, xylophones, cymbals, and bells."

"Victoria Park is a great space to go and burn off some built up energy. Featuring an all-inclusive playground, it is a fabulous place to spend some time outdoors in Ballarat. Kids will love the swings, slide and double flying fox, as well as the imaginative water precinct."

"Known as the Rocket Ship park, for the large rocket ship shaped tower that is visible right through the reserve. The rocket ship is home to a tall twisty slide, and there is also flying foxes and climbing equipment for older kids. Buckingham Reserve Playground, Buckingham Crescent, Sunshine West"

"Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. But, there is one more thing quite popular to the tourists who come to cherish the unexplained beauty of Ballarat- the Black Hill Reserve.An empty space of almost 260 acres- Ballarat is one of the best places you could go to if you want to be close to nature. Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here."

"Bring them out to Black Hill reserve to try out their mountain bike moves. Dirt tracks wind through bushland giving kids thrill as the ride downhill. Parents, bring along a picnic and sit at one of the picnic tables on site."

"Situated in the centre of Ballarat is the picturesque Lake Wendouree. This beautiful lake was not only home to the rowing in the 1956 Olympics but continues to be used for many recreational and competitive events. The Lake has a circumference of 6kms and is home to the Steve Moneghetti walking and running track and every day come rain, hail or shine you will see people walking, running and cycling around."

"Originally a stream and then a swamp, this urban lake was first used recreationally in 1864. Since then, Lake Wendouree has hosted rowing and canoeing events in the 1956 Olympic Games and the 2014 World Masters Rowing event. Today, the lake offers a variety of activities including the 6km (3.7 mile) Steve Moneghetti walking and cycling track, bird watching, a playground and barbecue facilities."

"Adjoining the Botanical Gardens, you’ll find Lake Wendouree. Get your heart racing on the 6km Steve Moneghetti running and walking track or enjoy a picnic by the water with public BBQs – the day is yours. The lake is also a great spot for fishing, sailing and rowing, and the kids will love the adventure playground."

"This monument, put up just after the First World War near the southwest corner of Prince of Wales Park, is the largest commemorative arch in Australia. The arch of Victory commemorates those who served in the Great War, and honours the Allied Victory. It stands 16.5 metres tall and 19.2 metres wide and was later updated to mark the Second World War, Korean War and the Vietnam War."