Plus there's plenty of family-friendly, hands-on activity, including old-fashioned sweet-making, candle-dipping and metal-spinning. Sovereign Hill also hosts the nightly sound and light spectacular, Blood on the Southern Cross.
The dramatic spectacle showcases the 1854 Eureka Rebellion which forced the colonial establishment to recognise the rights of miners and gave rise to democracy in Australia.
To compliment the nightly show, take a leisurely walk on the Eureka Trail, which meanders around the historic sites that are threaded into the rebellion story. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more elegant freeze-framed environment than Lydiard St, which is richly blessed with beautifully preserved, gold rush-era buildings, including the railway station, the Mining Exchange, the former jail and courthouse, and Craig's Royal Hotel.
Her Majesty's Theatre is worth a stop. Built in 1896, it is Australia's oldest continuously operating, purpose-built theatre. Green-fingered aficionados will be enthralled by Ballarat's Botanic Gardens, established in 1858 and configured in classical style.
The city is synonymous with tuberous begonias, hosting the Begonia Festival in March.
Rooms fit for royalty
Historic Lydiard St is crowned with Australia's top gold rush-era hotel. Craig's Royal Hotel has been on the frontlines of much of Ballarat's history, and certainly at the centre of the city's social scene.
The extensive list of famous guests to have graced the hotel is dizzying.
Mark Twain, Queen Victoria's second son, Prince Alfred, the Duke and Duchess of York ( later King George V and Queen Mary), Lord Kitchener, Sir Don Bradman and Dame Nellie Melba, to name just a few.
In 1865, the hotel hosted the Shenandoah Ball, organised by the Confederate Navy, who were in town to enlist recruits to fight the American Civil War.
The owners, John and Mary Finning, have completed a painstaking renovation of the property, which is positively gleaming, gorgeous and faithful to its Victorian roots. The grande dame offers 41 luxury rooms, furnished with period antiques, artworks and decorative features.
With a proud history as Ballarat's meeting place, the variety of bars, restaurants and banquet rooms within the hotel adds to its charm. The bluestone cellar is also a gem.
Ballarat is rightly proud of its legendary establishment. Be sure to experience it for yourself. www.craigsroyal.com.au
TOP TIPS
Jetstar offers great-value direct flights from Auckland and Christchurch to Melbourne, with starter economy fares from just $129 one way. See www.jetstar.co.nz
Thrifty Car Rental is the only Australian-owned international car rental brand, and it offers exceptionally good deals from 210 locations across the Tasman. See www.thrifty.com.au
