Ballarat, Australia - A Travel Review

Have you ever been somewhere so special that you wanted to tell the world all about it? That's how you'll feel about Ballarat, Australia. Blythwood Grange Vacation Resort is one of the destinations available from WorldMark The Club, operated for the timeshare owners by Wyndham Resorts.

WorldMark isn't one of those Timeshares where you can only visit one spot one or two weeks per year. This is a program that offers credits that you can spend to visit hundreds of resorts worldwide. The more vacation credits you own, the more time you can spend vacationing in many different locations any time of year.

I'm not trying to sell you a timeshare. But purchasing this one may end up being one of the best decisions you'll ever make. It is a choice for a quality lifestyle and future. It is insurance that you won't spend life all work and no play. If you have trouble saving for vacation, this is a good way to make sure you do.

Depending on from where you are flying, be warned. You could be in for a 22 hour plane ride. Seriously consider upgrading to Business Class or take sleeping pills along to help you relax during the flight. Once you touch down you forget all about it. The pain of the long flight is well worth the reward when you reach your first destination.

About Ballarat, Australia
The Goldfields district of Victoria is located 90 minutes Northwest of Melbourne. If you enjoy the city life, take some time to explore the cosmopolitan tastes of Melbourne. As you ride the train to Ballarat take in the beauty of the countryside dotted with picturesque farms. Each town boasts an historic town square in the European style. You'll find them just off each train stop along the way. The train is comfortable and spacious and the ride's over before you know it.

Ballarat is rich in national history and is the birthplace of Australia’s democracy. It was once a gold-mining town and contains many historic attractions. Experience a vivid re-creation of the gold-mining era at Sovereign Hill, visit the birthplace of Australian democracy at the Eureka Stockade Center, or check out the Gold Museum.

Sovereign Hill is one of Australia's most popular outdoor museums in which to experience Australia's Gold Rush days. Built on a site linked with the richest gold rush in the world, Sovereign Hill and it's employees faithfully depict Ballarat's first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851.

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When you visit Sovereign Hill you'll be amazed at how many parallels exist between the California Gold Rush and the Australian Gold Rush. See how they processed the Gold. Learn about how they made candles. Watch a real Blacksmith at work. The gift shops offer treasures you won't find anywhere else. All Park employees do not break character giving your experience authenticity. See a play at the Theater. Actors walk the dusty streets and re-enact famous gunfights. The food and entertainment are top-notch.

When exploring surrounding areas, be sure and rent a car. There's too much ground to cover. Ballarat hosts a thriving dining, arts and music scene with a variety of nightclubs and live-music venues. Browse the boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. You'll find a surprisingly wide selection of cafes, restaurants and wineries and vineyards.

While driving around and exploring you may come across a field of grazing Kangaroos or spot a Koala Bear. Australia is an expansive country and it is not all Outback. The coastlines are similar to that of the Monterey Coast in California. Cypress, Oaks and Eucalyptus trees adorn the green hillsides and pastures.

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Her Majesty’s Theater is Australia’s most historic theater building, and the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery offers the oldest and largest public art collection in Australia. Festivals are often and plenty, from the bright colors of the Begonia Festival (late February to early March) to the ceremonies surrounding Eureka Week, which honors the strike that fought for Australia's democracy.

And who doesn't enjoy the outdoors? Take in the natural beauty of the area. Stroll around the shimmering Lake Wendouree in the heart of city or bush walk through the Grampians National Park. Visit the city zoo and pet the Kangaroos and see wildlife you won't see anywhere else like exotic birds and Tasmanian Devils. Learn about the aboriginal culture that inhabited the land before the white man came.

About Blythwood Grange
WorldMark's Ballarat Resort is situated in historic Blythwood Grange, a National Heritage Site. The resort estate consists of 55 acres of manicured lawns, picturesque gardens, a stunning tree-lined lake as well as an old-time chapel adorned with gorgeous stained glass. The main building consists of a house that was built in 1878 and two extending wings built at different times in the last century. The older wing was built in the early 1900s and was used as a Catholic boys school till the late 1960s. The place has a fascinating and rich history.

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In the photo below you can really appreciate the beauty of the manicured grounds. Close your eyes and imagine it's your mansion while sipping tea on the lawn. Walk the paths by the pond while breathing deeply the smell of the pasture after a light rain. You may see a red fox dash across the green hills checkered with farms. Australia is much unspoiled, and the stunning beauty that graces the landscape proudly display that magic.

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The WorldMark Ballarat’s striking combination of Victorian and Federation architecture make it one of the region’s grandest mansions. It sits in the country, adding to its charm.

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Offering peace in a chaotic world. It does a body good to stroll the pond in the mornings or evenings and take in the beautiful nature that surrounds the place. After some time spent here, you'll return to your world refreshed and alive.

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