Getting There -- From Melbourne, Ballarat is a 1 1/2-hour drive on the Great Western Highway. V/Line (tel. 13 61 96 in Victoria, or 03/9697 2076) runs trains between the cities every day; the trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The return fare is A$28 (US$22/UK£11) for adults and A$14 (US$11/UK£5.60) for children. Ask about off-peak and family-saver fares. A public bus connects the Ballarat train station with the town center.

Several companies offer day trips from Melbourne. They include AAT Kings (tel. 1300/556 100 in Australia, or 03/9663 3377). A full-day tour costs A$118 (US$94/UK£47) for adults and A$59 (US$47/UK£24) for children.

Visitor Information -- The Ballarat Visitor Information Centre is at The Eureka Centre, Rodier Street (at Eureka St.), Ballarat, VIC 3350 (tel. 1800/44 66 33 in Australia, or 03/5320 5758), and is open daily from 9am to 5pm. There is also an information center at the Ballarat Town Hall, open weekdays from 9am to 5pm except public holidays.