Christmas Wonderland and snow in the Hills
By National Travel
For many of us living in the lucky country, Christmas invokes memories of warm, summery gatherings, backyard BBQs and cool beverages. While the Northern Hemisphere rugs up, we look forward to our long summer evenings and beach holidays. We wouldn’t have it any other way but there is a curiosity that creeps in when seeing those we know overseas exploring snow-lined streets, and delighting in a ‘traditional’ wintery Christmas – what would that be like? A mid-year getaway to Ballarat and Mt Buller can provide a glimpse into this magical world, with an Australian historical twist. Bring a sparkle to the dreary winter months by exploring the region’s restaurants, museums and art galleries throughout the mid-winter months, and engage in the festive celebrations that come to life during this popular time of year for travel.
Home to many moments of historical significance and birthplace of the Victorian gold rush, the town of Ballarat has no shortage of stories to uncover. Starting out as a small, insignificant settlement, Ballarat quickly exploded into a 19th Century boomtown when gold was discovered, attracting enterprising miners from all over the world. Like many other goldrush hot spots, the region grew to be a wealthy provincial city, and is now a regional centre, maintaining its beautifully preserved colonial-era architecture.
Bringing to life stories hidden in the shadows of the city streets, Sovereign Hill is a living museum and a fabulous place to appreciate the region’s history in a way that’s fun and engaging. Amongst beautifully restored 1850s stores and underground mines, costumed characters wander the streets, interact with crowds and offer traditional coach rides, immersing visitors in times gone by. With 250 locals volunteering their time to dress up and delight visitors in addition to the large number of permanent staff, Sovereign Hill museum is a source of pride for locals, and a must see for any visitor to the region.
Although a delight to visit any time of year, Sovereign Hill hosts a magical Christmas in July celebration each year where streets come alive with lights, colour and music. Called Winter Wonderlights, the festival lets visitors experience that magical, frosty, festive feeling we don’t often stumble across in Australia. For a few weeks each year you could be forgiven for thinking it’s Christmas in Paris or New York. By day, street markets sell unique Christmas decorations, locally made treats, and handcrafts. Enjoy a hot chocolate on the go while browsing stalls, while costumed musicians recreate traditional tunes, creating an atmosphere of celebration. By night, the famous architecture of Main Street is beautifully illuminated and projections of colour and sound reverberate throughout the vicinity. Stroll along and let your senses explore as brass bands echo Christmas carols throughout the streets, and faux snow falls on shoulders.
It’s not just Main Street that comes alive during Winter Wonderlights, 18km of fairy lights weave throughout the vast expanse of Sovereign Hill enticing visitors to explore further. Meander from Main Street outwards, via Speedwell Street and Bightview Gardens to a picturesque lake that reflects the surrounding lights as if they were stars. Venturing out into the dark, old-fashioned streets fringed by twinkling lights is a little spooky, but the journey is an enchanting winter adventure not to be missed. Continuing the after-dark experience, visitors are treated to a haunting night-time mining reconstruction and soundscape. Complete with an open fire and hearty food, visitors are transported back in time to experience a typical night on the diggings. Complete with sing-a-longs and police raids, it’s a multi-sensory, historical experience not to be missed.
To learn more about the history of mining in the region, visit the Eureka Centre, one of Ballarat’s most significant cultural destinations. Commemorating the Eureka Rebellion in 1854, the Centre honours the stories of those who risked their lives to fight for miner’s rights, in addition to exploring the wide-reaching impact of the gold rush. Some see the Eureka Rebellion as the birth of Australian democracy, and to see the original flag and visit the scene of the event can be a powerful experience.
Winter can also be a beautiful time to slow down, rug up, and spend some time in quiet contemplation. A rainy afternoon is the perfect time to explore the expansive collections within the Art Gallery of Ballarat. The Heritage Listed building hosts the oldest and largest regional art collection in Australia, and the gallery is a cultural hub beloved by locals. Ballarat’s creative roots run deep, with founding members of the region establishing the gallery in 1884, firmly believing that residents of any modern city needed to be able to look beyond their everyday lives and be artistically inspired. Aspiring to present a diverse and vibrant expression of Australian regional and national art history, the gallery is arranged thematically, with visitors encouraged to consider collections of Home, Country, Belief and Disruption to name a few. Escape the elements while exploring the many beautiful paintings and sculptures on display, and take the time to connect to each piece.
If there is a season made for culinary indulgence, it’s winter, and hearty meals packed with local goodness can be found aplenty in Ballarat. With its grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings refitted as cafes, restaurants and breweries, dining in Ballarat also has plenty of ambiance. The local restaurant scene has exploded in recent years, and the city is a favourite weekend destination for serious foodies visiting from Melbourne. Exploring Ballarat’s leafy streets and rustic alleyways, visitors can discover renowned establishments and local gems alike. On a sharp winter’s day, stay central in the main city block, and enjoy a hearty lunch in a cozy fire-warmed pub, followed by a lamplit wine bar in the evening to reflect and relax. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, the outskirts of Ballarat provide no shortage of local produce to enjoy, and nothing satisfies like a glass of local organic pinot to round out a day of adventures.
No mid-Winter break would be complete without experiencing some genuine snow, and nearby Mt Buller provides the perfect opportunity to do so. Driving up the mountain through an icy forest, watching sun sparkle and reflect on the pristine white surrounds is an experience in itself, and the three-hour trip from Melbourne is a picturesque delight. Nestled into the mountain some 1600m above sea level, the Mt Buller village is a collection of snow-covered thatched buildings and challets, the perfect vantage point for further activity in the area. After a recent snowfall, the bars and restaurants dotted across the hilly landscape amongst frosty trees look other-worldly, and the charming village has plenty to explore. With open, outdoor fires aplenty, and freestanding lamplights lining pathways, exploring the village is particularly beautiful in the evening, and could easily be described as a fairytale experience.
For the adventurous keen to explore the area on foot, ski or otherwise, Mt Buller is a playground. Featuring the largest ski lift network in Victoria and a huge 300-hectare terrain, visitors are free to ski or snowboard throughout the snowy trails, discovering special places along the way. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a gentle slope, or an experienced snow-chaser looking for a challenge, Mt Buller has the perfect contours to match any skill level. There’s nothing like a vibrant sunny day on the mountain, and fresh powder underfoot. Tobogganing is another wonderful way to enjoy the snow, and Mt Buller has two special areas set aside where visitors can enjoy the rush of zipping down the mountain on a toboggan, without the need for any prior training. Bring out your inner child and give something new a try. To really take the winter wonderland experience to the next level, there is the option to explore the snowy slopes by dog sled. Transport yourself back in time, and glide along on a sled through the stunning mountainous scenery, led by a band of husky dogs. A truly unforgettable experience and one that sums up the magic of a winter wonderland experience.