About Ballarat's Heritage

The municipality of Ballarat has a rich and living heritage.  

From at least 40,000 years ago the Wadawurung and Dja Dja Wurrung Indigenous people call this country home.  Their words 'balla arat' means 'resting place' or 'bent elbow.

The first white settler - Archibald Yuille - called his property 'Ballaarat' in 1837 and gold was discovered at Buninyong in 1851. 

At daybreak on the 3rd of December 1854 120 gold miners were attacked by a government force of British soldiers and Victorian police at Ballarat. The Eureka Rebellion became one of Australia’s defining moments.

"We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties"  (Eureka Oath, November, 1854)

Ballarat's heritage is part of the rich tapestry of who we are as a place and a community and its survival is integral for future generations.  Tomorrow's heritage is also evolving today through its young people, residents, new community members, and business community. 

 In this section:

• Ballarat Heritage Awards
• What is Heritage?
• Heritage Events & Opportunities
• What can I see and do?
• Heritage Studies

Download:

Ballarat Historical Timeline (62KB)