This blog today is all about moving to Ballarat. We have been featuring many different cities across Australia including moving to the top cities in Victoria. Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city and is the 3rd largest city in the state. It is on the Yarrowee River a little over an hour (114 km) north west of Melbourne and is located in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. It gained popularity during the gold rush era and was one of the biggest Victorian era boomtowns in Australia. The population is approaching 100,000 residents. There is a mix of different cultural groups that live here. There are two large hospitals, 7 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, and 3 university of TAFE campuses.
Lydiard Street Photo Credit: VisitMelbourne.com
Victory Arch Ballarat Photo Credit: “Victory Arch Ballarat – panoramio” by Lobster1. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons
Mount Buninyong Reserve view from Lake Wendouree Photo Credit: “Mount Buninyong, Ballarat” by Ed Dunens – https://www.flickr.com/photos/blachswan/17305935115/. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Commons
Ballarat Skyline hidden behind Mount Warrenheip across Lake Wendouree Photo Credit: “Mount Warrenheip Victoria” by Peterdownunder – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons
Hiring a Moving Truck in Ballarat
Ballarat Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Ballarat Truck Hire Map Photo Credit: BudgetTrucks.com.au
When you are moving to Ballarat, there are multiple Budget Truck locations in Victoria where you can find a moving truck or moving van. There is a Budget Truck Rental location in Ballarat. You can also hire a moving van in Melbourne at one of the many convenient locations there. Check out our website for moving deals and we can also help you with moving supplies and moving tips too. If you are moving from a different state, look for one way deals. If you are moving within the state, check out weekday, weekend, overnight, and hourly special pricing as well.
Ballarat Economy
Ballarat Panorama from Black Hill Lookout Photo Credit: “Ballarat panorama from black hill” by Biatch at English Wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons
View over Sturt Street from the Town Hall clock tower Photo Credit: “Aerialviewgardens” by Gervo1865 at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Commons
’Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Photo Credit: “Morning Flight (12581075443)” by Ed Dunens – Morning Flight. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Commons
Now, in present day, Ballarat’s main industry is service driven. The service economy is driven by tourism, hospitality, retail, and professional services. Government and education are also important factors in Ballarat’s economic landscape. Manufacturing, mining and agriculture also play a role while information technology and renewable energy are emerging industries for this “old” Victorian city. The local government is the Ballarat City Council.
Ballarat’s Heritage
Ballarat Town Hall Photo Credit: “Ballarat Town Hall 2011 004″ by Mattinbgn (talk · contribs) – Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Commons
Ballarat Railway Station Photo Credit: “Ballarat railway station” by Mark Hassed – http://www.flickr.com/photos/hassed/5301801114/. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons
Ballarat Post Office Photo Credit: “Postoffice lydiard ballarat” by Gervo1865 at English Wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Commons
Ballarat is a cultural hub for both historical culture as well as modern culture. Many of the historic buildings have been restored and are protected from demolition. Restoration of historic buildings is incentivized through a low interest council Heritage Loans Scheme. Some of the oldest historic buildings in Ballarat include the Town Hall, the former Post Office, the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, Reid’s Coffee Palace, the Mechanics’ Institute, the Provincial Hotel, Craig’s Royal Hotel, and the Queen Victoria Wards of the Ballarat Base Hospital, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat Fire Station, the Ballarat railway station, and the Jewish synagogue. All of the from 1800’s dating back between 1860 and 1888 and many of the structures represent the oldest of their kind in Victoria and Australia.
Ballarat Art & Culture
Ballarat Botanical Garden Photo Credit: “Ballarat botanical Garden” by Nagarjun Roy – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons
Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat Photo Credit: “Ballarat Her Majesty’s Theatre 001″ by Mattinbgn (talk · contribs) – Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Commons
Ballarat residents get to experience more than just the historic culture of the city, They also are treated to a variety of modern cultural experiences and events some of which are inside the historic buildings themselves. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are known as the best representation of regional botanical gardens throughout all of Australia. The gardens include a modern glasshouse and horticultural centre. Ballarat is also home to the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, which is home to one of the most extensive and largest collections of early Australian art work. This is the best Australian art collection outside of any major capital city. The former post office is home to the Post Office Gallery, which is operated by the Federation University Australia. There are numerous theatres and performing arts venues in the city. Events such as the Ballarat Agricultural Show, the begonia Festival, the Ballarat Swap Meet, Ballarat Heritage Weekend and the list goes on. These all attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city every year. There are also attractions that are great for the family including Kryal Castle Adventure Park, the Tangled Maze & Mistydowns Nursery, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
Ballarat Climate
Ballarat Climate Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Ballarat’s climate is a moderate oceanic climate and residents experience all four seasons. The temperatures average several degrees cooler than Melbourne because it is at a higher elevation. The average high temperatures in the summer range between 19 °C and 25 °C. The average low temperatures in winter range between 3 °C and 4 °C.
Tips for Moving to any City in Australia
These are some general moving tips and advice if you are moving to any city in Australia. The important thing is to plan ahead, get organised, and don’t wait for the last minute when you are moving.
Make sure your passport is valid and up-to-date. Obtain a visa if you are going to need one.
Get an international free email address so that you will be able to keep in touch. Checkout Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail.
Connect with a relocation agent to help you find a job and a place to live.
Start going through your clothing and other belongings to see what you can sell or giveaway before it’s time to pack.
If you are moving from another country, check the compatibility of your appliances. Australia uses voltage 220-240 volts.
Start to inventory the items you are taking and see if you have receipts for those items.
Start getting quotes for renting a moving truck or hiring a moving company and decide which one is best for you.
Ask about the cost marine insurance. This is based on the value of the things you are taking.
Take pictures of everything you are moving, especially the more expensive items to keep a record for insurance purposes.
Make a checklist and a calendar and stick to them.
Here are some other city spotlights we have covered for other cities in Australia:
City spotlights in Queensland: Brisbane, Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast.
City spotlights in New South Wales: Sydney, Wollongong, Maitland, Newcastle, and Tweed Heads.
City spotlights in Victoria: Melbourne and Geelong
City Spotlight: Canberra
City Spotlight: Perth
City Spotlight: Adelaide
City Spotlight: Darwin
City Spotlight Alice Spring
City Spotlight: Hobart