Ballan

Local Colour in Ballan

Diverting from the Western Freeway, 80km west of Melbourne, you find a delightful old highlands town Ballan.

Ballan is nestled in volcanic plains with the scenic Werribee River meandering through it, extensive English-style tree planting, period homes and cottages of historical significance.

First settled in the 1830's, Ballan was named after an Irish village. On the outskirts of town is the Emily Park homestead, a link to the towns squattocracy. In the 1850's Ballan was a changing post for Cobb and Co. Its present unique town layout shaped around these routes.

Ballan's origins are captured in a range of architecturally different buildings built in mid to late 1800's, such as the Ballan Court House, A Squatter's residence, Mill House, the Railway Station, St. Paul's Church, and four significant homesteads: Ballanee; Emily Park; Carween and Bungeelap.

These days, Ballan is best known for the activities of its artists community such as the 1000 weathervanes project, its annual festivals, and its mineral springs.

Ballan boasts two popular festivals -The Autumn Festival and the Ballan District Vintage Machinery Festival (see Events Calendar for details).

Caledonian Park on the eastern fringe of the town is a favoured picnicking and swimming spot. The trout in Pikes Reservoir challenge anglers from far and near.

To the south of Ballan lies the rocky outcrops and walking trails of the Brisbane Ranges National Park and the You Yangs Forest Park. The Boar Gully camping ground, which is equipped with toilets, water and a picnic area, is a comfortable base for exploring the Brisbane Ranges.

Just outside Ballan is the Paintball Skirmish. Set on 80 acres it offers ambush trails, forts and villages. Individuals and companies use the facilities for training in team work and group processes.

Come explore Ballan and surorunds.  There's plenty to see and do.