Getting There
From Melbourne, Ballarat is a 1 1/2-hour drive on the Great Western Highway. V/Line (tel. 13 61 96 in Victoria, or 03/9697 2076; www.vline.com.au) runs trains between the cities every day; the trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The return fare is A$20 (US$18/£9) for adults and A$14 (US$13/£6.30) for children. Ask about off-peak and family-saver fares. A public bus connects the Ballarat train station with the town center.
Several companies offer day trips from Melbourne. They include AAT Kings (tel. 1300/556 100 in Australia, or 03/9663 3377; www.aatkings.com.au). A full-day tour costs A$127 (US$114/£57) for adults and A$64 (US$58/£29) for children.
Visitor Information
The Ballarat Visitor Information Centre is at the Eureka Centre, Rodier Street (at Eureka St.), Ballarat, VIC 3350 (tel. 1800/446 633 in Australia, or 03/5320 5758; www.visitballarat.com.au). There is also an information center at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, 40 Lydiard St. N. Both are open daily from 9am to 5pm except Christmas Day.
