North Melbourne’s first competitive hit out for 2014 will take place in Ballarat on February 15.
The Roo’s NAB Challenge match against Carlton won’t be the only thing to do, with plenty of other attractions in the City of Ballarat.
From digging for gold at Sovereign Hill, interacting with some of Australia’s native wildlife or dancing the night away at the Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival, there’s something to suit everyone and NMFC.com.au has all the information you’ll need to make it a weekend to remember.
NMFC v Carlton NAB Challenge Match – February 15th
The Kangaroos are set to unveil a new look side at Eureka Stadium with the addition of Saint Nick Dal Santo, father/son selection Luke McDonald and former Tiger Robbie Nahas.
More details can be found here
Ballarat Cycle Classic – February 16th
Take a 50km, 60km, 85km or 100km route along the Australian National Road Cycling course. The 6km relay ride around Lake Wendouree is the most popular for families and allows you to do as many laps as you like in the two and half hour time frame.
Ballarat Cycle Classic website
Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival - 13-16 February
The Ballarat CBD will step back in time to the 1950s with the rockabilly festival featuring international music acts, classic cars and hot rods, illustration artists and themed market stalls.
Some of the headline entertainers will include: The Delta Bombers, The Rhythm Shakers, Alex Vargas, Gizzelle, Josh Hi-fi Sorheim, CC Jerome, Lucky 7, Rusty and the Dragstrip Trio, and burlesque artist Nellie Minnelli.
Visit the Ballarat Beat website for tickets
Sovereign Hill
Arguably the most popular of Ballarat’s many attractions, you can experience the magic of the goldrush from the 1850s. Watch $150,000 of gold pour, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and see street performers, including the Redcoat Soldiers who march and drill before firing their muskets. For the daring, there are underground mine tours with an inclined tramway ride.
Sovereign Hill website
Ballarat Wildlife Park
The Wildlife Park offers a unique opportunity to meet Australia’s native animals in an up close and personal, hands-on environment. Spread over 32 acres, the park houses a collection of kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils and eagles. The Reptile collection features snakes, lizards, turtles, giant tortoises and frogs.
Meet ‘Crunch’ the 5 metre salt water crocodile or have your photo taken with one of our more cuddly friends, the koalas.
Wildlife Park website
Kryal Castle
This 40-year old theme park resembles an impressive 700-year old castle. The recently renovated Adventure Park and Resort is the country's only medieval adventure park, and recreates a legendary land of myths and medieval adventure with knights, dragons, wizards, kings, queens, princesses and fairies.
Kryal Castle website
M.A.D.E
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) is Australia's newest museum that opened on 4 May 2013 on the site of the Eureka Rebellion. With the evocative 158-year-old Eureka Flag as its centrepiece, M.A.D.E's interactive and immersing exhibitions explore the evolution and the future of democracy.
M.A.D.E website
Dining
The Ballarat region possesses some of the best local produce including organic vegetables, farmhouse cheeses and chocolates - much of which is utilised by local restaurants and matched with wines produced just a few kilometres away.
The Forge Pizzeria has quickly established itself a reputation for superb wood fire pizza. A mix of local and authentic ingredients and beer and wine makes it one of Ballarat’s most popular eateries.
The Forge Pizzeria website
The Lane Restaurant is a contemporary space providing a stylish, casual dining experience. Enjoy an innovative menu consisting of fresh local produce, accompanied by an impressive wine list.
The Lane website
More of Ballarat’s best dining options
Accommodation
Choose from a majestic historical setting, practical apartment, guesthouse, country homesteads, quaint B&B, boutique hotel, restored cottage and premier holiday park.
