Great pure “aussie” nightlife. The botanical gardens are gorgeous in spring and summer and it’s worth the 6km walk around Wendoree Lake. Ballarat is great for anyone who is interested in history. There are heaps of original buildings and of course there’s Soveriegn Hill. If there’s anyone left that doesn’t know :) Soveriegn Hill is a re-creation of Ballarat in the 1880’s gold rush times. A mini town with all the stores from candy to photography as well as complete houses, an original gold mine and gold panning. It’s great and gets even bigger every year.