The Games Cove - "Where Learning is Fun" as their motto states is a games and puzzle shop we visited while in Ballarat. We were looking for a type of educational toy for our grandkids - and we found some - a good array, but unfortunately at this time of our holiday, money was a little low so we decided to see if the same type of item was available back in Adelaide. This shop has heaps of jig saws of all sizes, games and puzzles for all ages as well as educational and learning toys for the kids. We did not find out until we got back home that this venue also has staff available to arrange parties for the kids. catering for food, games competitions etc to make a kids party one to remember. I wonder how many local people know the range of services this shop provides, it will be well worth looking into.

We went into the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre looking for information regarding the bus destinations,routes and timetables and we found the staff there to be most helpful. The chap concerned procured a tourist map of the city and asking us where we were intending to go, indicated on the map where to catch this particular bus. Most helpful. While we were there we browsed around looking at the various souvenirs and items of interest pertaining to the local areas. This establishment had all the required knick knacks etc including caps, stubby holders, pens and a myriad of other keepsakes to remind you of the trip to Ballarat. It is very easy to spend heaps in this place. Well worth a look.

Four of us were staying in apartments in the area and we decided to get fish and chips for tea one night. between the four of us we ordered five pieces of fish and $3 minimum chips. When we saw the size of the fish we all nearly died. The size was enormous - about twice the size of any one else's, we were astounded. I usually have two pieces of fish and eat it comfortably but I could only get through one and a half pieces with only a couple of chips. The others left half of their fish also. In the end we wasted the equivalent of two pieces of fish between the four of us. The fish was great, just a tad dear but the size made it well worth it other than the waste. I might suggest that the reviewer "Jack20" try this place again and we hope he will be pleasantly surprised this time. I must agree with other reviewers though that we have tasted better chips.

The 180 shop as the name might suggest is a specialist dart shop which stocks all things required for the dart enthusiast and also offers the service of dart re-pointing. This store also stocked snooker and pool accessories, fridge magnets and water pipes, figurines and novelties as well as fashion jewellery. The salesman was a rather affable English Gentleman who did not mind stopping for a friendly chat and an occasional joke with customers. A great stop for the different or unusual as well as dart gear.

This shop in Ballarat is probably one of the only privately owned and franchised Darrell Lea shops that will continue to trade once the parent shop and other stores Australia wide cease to operate. The proprietors have stated that their business is still doing well and is supported by the local shoppers, and will continue to trade despite the demise of the main company. The chocolates and goodies in this shop are very reasonably priced and will assure that chocolate addicts in the area will continue to be able to acquire their regular fix. We bought a number of items from here as our Adelaide shops have now all closed and we were surprise but elated to know that this store is beating the odds. Well done Ian and Jill.

The Ballarat Tramway Museum is situated at the southern end of the Botanical Gardens and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and with the assistance from the City of Ballarat, maintain the trams, the track and the overhead wires. The museum has an extensive collection of archives and photos which can be viewed at the depot by prior arrangement. We were fortunate to arrive at the depot a little early just as the crews were getting the trams ready to roll, so we took advantage of this time to view the trams in the depot and the museum before boarding. The trams travel along the western side of Lake Wendouree, reverse and return at a meagre price of $4 each. The museum's collection comprises of one horse drawn tramcar, 14 former Ballarat electric tramcars and three newer Melbourne trams. Well worth including this ride in your adventure to bring back the memories of past nostalgia.

The Adam Lindsay Gordon Craft Cottage is situated in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and is operated by the Crafts Council of Ballarat. Entry is free but any donations and the profit from the sale of items go to the running of the cottage. Some of the art and craftwork available includes textiles, scarves, bags and hats, soft toys and an extensive range of jewellery. Other items for sale are babies and toddlers wear, paintings in water colours, pastels and oils, a wide selection of cards, calligraphy and photography as well as woodwork, leadlight and glassware, leatherwork and folk art. The cottage is staffed by volunteers and is open 10am to 4pm daily from mid June to September, including weekends, public and school holidays.

We had already been to the Beechworth Bakery in Echuca and we knew there was one in Ballarat it was just a matter of finding it. Once we did we knew the reputation of the food and coffee etc of this bakery and we weren't disappointed. There is an unenviable array of pies and pasties, sandwiches and a seemingly never ending range of cakes and sweet and creamy stuff. It is obviously a very popular and well supported venue as both the times we went there it was crowded, but the service was surprisingly prompt which was helped by the beepers advising when the order was ready. It was also interesting to see a baker adding the finishing touches to a variety of his wares. The prices are very reasonable considering the quality and reputation this bakery has. There are also souvenirs and other items available to remind you of your experience. A truly yummy place to keep in touch with your fellow inside.

The Gold Museum Sovereign Hill is an informative and interesting part of Ballarat and the gold fields. The displays depict the hardships endured by the miners and prospectors in their search for a new beginning and/or wealth. The displays show the sizes and values of some of the famous and not so famous nuggets found, some of which were just recently. Some of the pictures, images and exhibits really enhance the cruel, stifling and harsh conditions the workers had to endure in search for the valuable yellow metal. You can also buy some goldy stuff and other memorabilia in the shop. Well worth a look if and when you are in Ballarat.

This was by far one of the best apartments / apartment complexes we have been to for a long time. As soon as we walked through the door we were astounded by the ambience of the establishment. The tall ceilings with electrically operated windows just below provided ample light and brightness in the main kitchen/lounge area. This area was open and very spacious with loads of room to move about. There were hydronic heaters in the main room and both bedrooms which provided ample warmth during cold spells. Air conditioning was also installed together with a fully equipped kitchen, LCD TV and DVD player plus many more features which made this place a home away from home. Not only was the apartment, spacious, bright, and modern but the complex was just across the road from the bus stop, 500 meters from Sovereign Hill, plenty of eateries in the area including Asian, Indian, pizzas, fish and chips and a hotel just up the road. The bus provided just a short ride into the Ballarat CBD. Thank you Wilma and Gary for making our stay in Ballarat an extra special adventure.