About Me

Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
In 2012 I moved back to my home town of Ballarat in Victoria, Australia. Join me as I re-discover Ballarat, one of Victoria's largest inland cities, famous for the Goldfields. You may be a resident, tourist or new comer to Ballarat. I hope to provide you with useful information about Ballarat as I re-discover my home town. I will also provide information on places which are a short drive from Ballarat. So residents and visitors come and discover Ballarat with me.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Spring Creek Organics - Certified Organic Vegetables

Every now and then I find little gems in Ballarat and here is one that I want to share with you. 

Recently my friend was raving about a business called Spring Creek Organics who grow and sell certified organic vegetables.  Rachel showed me her vegetables and I was impressed with her collection.

Now to be totally honest with you, I don't normally buy organic vegetables.  However, this time I was curious and just had to check it out.  I went for a drive with the family in tow one Saturday afternoon. Out through Eureka Street we drove, out to Navigators just outside of Ballarat.  On the way out to the farm, you cross over this gorgeous old bluestone bridge.  I believe the trip was worth it just to see that bridge!  After a few turns we pulled up at the farm gate where nearby there was this cute little portable building, with the gorgeous veges inside.

Now just to warn you.  Don't get caught out! Make sure you take change (small notes and coins) so you can pay the exact amount of cash as there is no change.  This arrangement relies on an honours system, as no one mans the shed.  Make sure you write in the book what you have bought and how much, and then take your pickings with you after making your payment.  Here is my gorgeous collection of vegetables including pumpkin, spaghetti squash, turnips, beetroot, daikon radish, carrots, brussel sprouts and potatoes. 

Certified Organic Vegetables from Spring Creek Organics
Can you guess what I have cooked?  A nice lamb and vegetable soup was first on the menu.  We had gorgeous roasted beetroot in the Webber one night and I can't wait to make my spaghetti squash recipe that was displayed at the shop (add butter, garlic, parsley or basil to the baked squash - yummo!!).
A variety of pumpkins
Inside the Spring Creek Organics Farm Gate Shop
Certified Organic Vegetables straight from the farm to you!
My verdict?  Worth the drive to Navigators to pick up some vegetable goodness!!  It was also worth the drive to see the gorgeous scenery and spend time with the family.  It is great for kids to see where food comes from.

Kielys Road - Open 7 days
For a map of how to get there visit the Spring Creek Organics Facebook Page

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

2013 City of Ballarat Christmas Street Party - Friday 6th December 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Christmas Street Party 2012
FREE family activities and stage entertainment; tasty food options plus of course plenty of Christmas atmosphere!

Kids Activities include Christmas Bag Making, Festive Biscuit Decorating, Finger Puppet Decorating, Reindeer Hat Making, Christmas Mask Decorating, Letters to Santa…and much much more.

Enjoy Live Music, Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts Dance Group, The Kazoos and one of Santa’s favourite kids entertainment groups…the Mighty Buzzniks!

Dress as your favourite Christmas Character for your chance to win spot prizes.

Shop at the Pop Up Shop Ballarat which will be open during this event.

Location:  Camp Street, Ballarat

Pop Up Shop Ballarat


Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Gold Rush Mini Golf & The Amazing Mill Markets - Ballarat



Hole in one!
This week, my gorgeous family of four visited Gold Rush Mini Golf and The Amazing Mill Markets.  Mini Golf is a great family activity and at Gold Rush Mini Golf, they have both an indoor and outdoor course (both 18 holes), so that you can play regardless of the weather.  I can proudly say that I scored the best this time round and my 6 year old Sean got a hole in one!
The indoor course can get a little scarey for the youngsters with it's glow in the dark parts, big gorilla, dinosaurs and pirattes, but we just encouraged our almost 2 year old to go on and we helped her have her turns.  I am looking forward to better weather to use the outside Gold Rush course this Summer.  It looks great.

Did you know that Gold Rush Mini Golf also has an Arcade room, outdoor seating with BBQ facilities, function/conference room and 30 seat cafe with fire place?  Well it does!  Plus they also provide tourist information for those visiting Ballarat.
Once we left Mini Golf, we walked across the gravel road to the Amazing Mill Markets where they have Australia's largest mix of collectables, retro fashions, antiques, vintage, industrial, art & home decor and jewellery.  I was amazed and interested at the things we saw.  In some stalls, it was like stepping back in time. There are so many stalls all undercover and they even have a cafe if you want to spend some time there. I came home with a nice little piece for my coffee table and I will definetly go back there again. 




If you are interested in visiting, here are the details:

The Amazing Mill Markets - Ballarat
9367 Western Hwy, Warrenheip
Ph: (03) 5334 7877     http://www.millmarkets.com.au/

Next Door is Gold Rush Mini Golf  Ph: (03) 5334 8150   http://www.goldrushgolf.com.au/

Friday, August 2, 2013

Family Book Lunch by Learning that's Fun - Sunday 4th August 13 (2-3pm)



A visit to the Jack 'n' Jill Children's Market - July 13

It was a rainy day, but that did not stop residents and visitors from visiting the Jack 'n' Jill Children's Market last weekend at St. Patricks Hall, Ballarat.  I bribed the kids so I could do my 'bloggy' thing. I said, "If you are good and let mummy do her 'work', I will get you Maccas and let you play on the playground".  That seemed to work just nicely.

The Jack 'n' Jill Children's Market is full of gorgeous handmade, unique and boutique children's products.  We had a nice time wondering and browsing.  It was so clear, the time and effort that is placed into making these products.  I picked up a few goodies for myself and enjoyed speaking to the lovely business owners who were more than happy to share information on their craft.  The vast product range is a great credit to the market coordinators. It is nice to go to a market that has variety.

I took so many photo's at the market.  It has been lot's of fun going through them all and picking out the best.  I hope you enjoy. 

Sammi's Hand Made Hair Accessories
Featuring a wide range of character & non character hair accessories for your princess
https://www.facebook.com/SammisHandMadeHairAccessories
HOT PRODUCT!  No not my son Sean, the Kutter!
Kiddies Food Kutter - "The knife that Cuts Food Not Fingers"
Safety Food Peeler also coming soon - order now!
http://kiddiesfoodkutter.com.au/
PVC Covered Nappy Wallet with detachable change mat.
Boy, Girl and Neutral Fabrics Available
https://www.facebook.com/NeetnTidy
Kids polar fleeced lined jeans & matching jumper by Fionsy Few Clothes
https://www.facebook.com/FionsyFewClothes
Personalised Super Hero Capes by Fionsy Few Clothes
https://www.facebook.com/FionsyFewClothes
Roma Lily Handmade by Alisa
Original, one of a kind children's gifts...wall arts, cushions, softies and personalised products
https://www.facebook.com/RomaLilyHandmade
Play! Fun for little ones
Making fun handmade things for little ones.
https://www.facebook.com/PlayFunForLittleOnes
Spots on Blocks
Decorative blocks.  They are gorgeous!  Large range of patterns available
https://www.facebook.com/Spotsonblocks
Spots on Blocks
Customised blocks.  Add your favourite photo and choose a pattern.  Great gift idea!
https://www.facebook.com/Spotsonblocks
Carman and Craven
Unique paper crafts, cards and gifts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carman-Craven/369087076472849
Carman and Craven
Unique paper crafts, cards and gifts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carman-Craven/369087076472849
Jewellery made for mummas to wear and babies to chew.
https://www.facebook.com/MummawearBabychew

NEXT MARKET - Sunday 13th October 2013 (10am to 4pm)
                          St.Patricks Hall, Cnr of Sturt St & Daswson St Ballarat 

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/JacknJillChildrenMarket

More more information on holding a stall at this market email:  jacknjillchildrensmarket@gmail.com


All photos were taken with permission and remain the property of 'Discover My Ballarat'.  Every effort has been made to acknowledge all artists/designers of the above products correctly.  If you know of any errors, please email discovermyballarat@hotmail.com  Thank-you to Glenda for welcoming me to the market.  I enjoyed talking with the stall owners, it was great to meet you all.  Unfortunately I cannot list all stall owners on my blog.  However, I may see you at another market.