I first got introduced to Ballarat at a very young age because i grew up in bendigo and ballarat and bendigo compete against each other, kind of like Shellbiville and Springfield in the Simpsons. I went to Ballarat to go to the Wolfmother concert. it was freezing. Soverign Hill is a great interactive centre to learn about the gold rush in ballarat. it's very informative. Ballarat is a spectacular place to visit

Be sure to check out Sovreign Hill and the Eureka Stockade

Definately the place to go if you are interested in history. This is a tourist attraction which shows what life in Ballarat was like during the gold rush of the 1850's, not only do you see what the buildings and streets were like but you also see how the people dressed as the staff all dress up in period costume. Another feature of Sovereign Hill is the Blood Under The Southern Cross play nightly which shows events that led up to the Eureka Stockade uprising. You can always try your hand at gold panning. Definately worth it.