GOLDFIELDSBALLARAT AND BENDIGO

Let’s meet amongst the ghosts of the gold rush in a region renowned for its inspired mix of history, attractions and modern event facilities.

The Goldfields region celebrates a deep backstory, centred on the regional hubs of Ballarat and Bendigo.

Choose from more than 70 event and conference spaces to create an amazing, one-of-a-kind gathering. Everything from a crowd-seating stadium to a rural winery setting –and everything in between including gallery spaces, studios and quiet boutique hotels.

The locations will blow your mind. Imagine entering your meeting space 60 metres underground via an old gold mine, then enjoying a hands-on mining experience that few people ever do.

Or discovering a state-of-the-art 1,000-seat plenary space in a re-purposed gaol.

Nearby, Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill brings alive the 1850s gold diggings with award-winning interactive experiences and spacious, modern event spaces.

Beyond the conference room, there’s a thriving foodie scene to explore with craft breweries, local producers and the Pyrenees wine region on the doorstep.

Schedule in a winery lunch with a killer view and allow time for a little retail therapy. The shopping precincts are on-brand to the region, serving up a lively blend of modern plazas and out-of-the-way specialty shops crammed with collectables and second-hand treasures.

Transport to, from and around the region is a breeze thanks to freeways, road networks and railway connections. Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, and your attendees can be settling in.

Connect to the Goldfields’ palpable spirit of exploration as you bring your group back together again.

BALLARAT has a proven and successful track record of hosting international, national and state conferences and events.

Long-defined as being at the heart of Australia’s goldfields, history and heritage remain among its strongest drawcards. But the city is perpetually showcasing those products and experiences that synonymise Ballarat not only with gold, but with an array of contemporary and diverse offerings, making the city an ideal year-round option for events of all kinds.

Ballarat is an inherently creative and innovative city, which is celebrated through its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City for Craft and Folk Art. It is a city built on a rich past, from its strong First Nations culture, to a 19th century global rush for gold, to a 20th century exploration of its own story and narrative.

The city is a melting pot of diverse traditional skills in a highly intact historic city. Coupled with heritage and culture focus, the venues and gathering places on offer provide a unique experience to all involved.

Fast Facts

• More than 30 diverse business event venues to host a variety of events

• A wide array of accommodation offerings within Ballarat’s city and surrounding areas

• Home to numerous award-winning tourism attractions, including Sovereign Hill

• A quick 75-minute drive from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

• Express train services available from Melbourne Southern Cross Station

• Located 30 minutes from picturesque surrounding regions, Pyrenees and Moorabool

Business Events Concierge

A: Town Hall, 223 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350 T: 1800 446 633

E: businessevents@ballarat.vic.gov.au W: businesseventsballarat.com.au