Heritage

The municipality of Ballarat has a rich and living heritage.

At least 40,000 years ago the Wadawurung and Dja Dja Wurrung Indigenous people called this country home. Their words 'balla arat' mean 'resting place' or 'bent elbow'.

The first white settler - Archibald Yuille - called his property 'Ballaarat' in 1837 and gold was discovered at Buninyong in 1851.

The Eureka Rebellion, one of Australia's defining historic and democratic moments, took place at daybreak on 3 December 1854 when 120 gold miners were attacked by a government force of British soldiers and Victorian police at Ballarat.

We recognise this heritage through:

• the Ballarat Heritage Awards
• heritage grants and loans to help preserve and restore properties
• our Heritage Advisory Committee

View our Heritage database.

You can search using:

• place name
• street name
• heritage overlay

We have many heritage places protected by a heritage overlay. Learn about their heritage significance, history, physical description and photographs.

Visit the Ballarat Planning Scheme to see what planning controls affect a property.

Want more information?

Email eservices@ballarat.vic.gov.au

We offer grants to restore eligible heritage places through the Victoria Heritage Restoration Fund.

You can check your eligibility and apply for a grant.

We offer zero or low-interest loans for restoration works to commercial and residential properties listed within a Heritage Overlay.

How to apply

1. Check the Ballarat Heritage Database to see if your property is located in a Heritage Overlay
2. Read the restoration loads information sheet and restoration loans terms and conditions
3. Complete the restoration loans application form
4. Email the form to info@ballarat.vic.gov.au