Harmony Fest - 24th March 13 (12 - 5pm)

This Sunday 24th March 13, Ballarat will host Harmony Fest at Alfred Deakin Place, Campt Street Ballarat from 12-5pm).  It is a celebration of cultural diversity and what brings us together in our community.  Entertainment, international food, workshops, demonstrations, children's activities and markets will all feature.

For a full list of events on the day visit this site: http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/lae/events/harmonyfest.aspx

Enjoy!

Upcoming Markets the Weekend (22- 24 March 13)

Here is a list of some of the markets that will be happening here in Ballarat this weekend:

Friday 22nd March 2013 (5 - 8pm) at Urquhart Park Primary School
49 Inkerman Street, Ballarat
Entry by gold coin donation in Russell Street.
Jumping Castle, Sausage Sizzle, Giant Slide, Lucky dips, Photobooth, Bric a brac, Cakes, Plants, Craft and much more!

Saturday 23rd March 2013 (9am - 2pm) - The Designer Craft Market at Buninyong
Buninyong Town Hall - Learmonth St (A300) Buninyong
High quality handcrafted items by local talented designers and artists.

Saturday 23rd March 2013 (9am - 1pm) - Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market
Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree
A true authentic farmers market with most stallholders playing a part in the production process.

Sunday 24th March 2013 (8am - 1pm) - Ballarat Market (formerly Trash & Trivia Market)
Ballarat Showgrounds - Creswick Rd, Wendouree
Entry by Gold Coin Donation
Huge variety of stalls on offer.  Something for everyone!

Happy Marketing!

Images from Kryal Castle

On the Labour Day Weekend, I visited Kryal Castle with my family.  I bring to you some images from Kryal Castle.  The highlight of our visit was the Jousting Tournament.  A must see!

 New Look Castle Entry 

 Medieval Decorations

 Kids Playground

 Chapel - Perfect for Weddings

 Jousting Tournament

 A knight on his horse

 Another knight on his horse

 Winner of the tournament

Kryal Castle's Maze

For information about Kryal Castle visit: http://kryalcastle.com.au/

Location:  121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek (Ballarat) VIC 3352

©  All images remain the property of Margaret Benoit of Discover My Ballarat

Ballarat Begonia Festival (9th March to 11 March 2013) - Lake Wendouree

Today I ventured down to Lake Wendouree with my sister and children to check out the Ballarat Begonia Festival.  We had a fun day viewing the beautiful flowers and enjoying the many and varied activities that were available.  Enjoy my pictures from today.  Click on an image to enlarge.

Ballarat's famous Begonia's

 

 Sandpit Fun (Behind Pipers By The Lake)

A sure winner with my kids

 

 Colourful Character's

 You never know what you will find on a tree

 Entertainment

 Water based activities

 Petting Zoo

 Adam Lindsay Gordan Cottage

To find out more about the Ballarat Begonia Festival visit:  http://www.ballaratbegoniafestival.com/
On all Labour Day Weekend.  Don't forget the festival parade on Monday, 11am along Wendouree Parade (from corner of Carlton St up to the North Gardens precinct).

©  All pictures remain the property of Discover My Ballarat (Margaret Benoit)

Lot's to do over the Labour Day Long Weekend in Ballarat

Well as I think about what I am going to do this long weekend, I realise there is no need to leave Ballarat.  There is so much going on here.  Why would I want to leave?

Maybe you are sitting at home wondering what you will be doing.  Perhaps a day trip to Ballarat might be on the cards?

Ballarat Begonia Festival - Saturday 9th March 2013 to Monday 11th March 2013
Lake Wendouree - Wendouree Parade.
I have said it before.  I have many fond memories of the Begonia Festival from my childhood. 

Ballarat has been growing the Begonia flower since 1898.  This photo was taken at an event at Lake Wendouree last year.  It may or may not be Begonia's, but it gives you a great example of what you might see.  I highly recommend that you look at the flower displays located in the Robert Clark Conservatory.  Entry - Adults $7, Concession $5, children under 16 years free.

Other festival highlights include the Garden Stage with expert presenters speaking on garden topics, entertainment on the Main Stage, Central Highlands Water marquee following the theme 'Grow Your Own Food', Art & Craft, Kids Activities including a Petting Farm, Vintage Tram Rides, Pedal Boats, Zorbing & Segways.

The Courier Begonia Parade will be celebrating the community spirit of Ballarat and will commence at 11am on Monday 11th March 2013.  The parade will travel along Wendouree Parade from the corner of Carlton Street up to the North Gardens precinct.  It will feature over 52 community groups, schools and businesses from Ballarat.

For more information visit:  http://ballaratbegoniafestival.com/

Kryal Castle 
Kryal Castle is now open for business. Step back in time to a land of medieval adventure.  Featuring a Dragon's Labrinth, Torture Dungeon & Museum, Castle Arena with jousting, the Knights Round Table & Thrown Room, Oggle Watch Tower, Wizards Workroom, Fairies & Goblins Wonderland, Tooth Fairy Lolly Shop, The Maze, Jesters Theatre, Kings Britches Costume Parlour, Sword in the Stone, Village Traders, Ancient Cemetery & Chapel.

For costs, opening hours and other information visit:  http://kryalcastle.com.au/
Location:  121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek (Ballarat)

Lakeside Farmers Market (9th March 2013, 9am - 1pm)
Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree

Ballarat Market (10th March 2013, 8am-1pm)
Ballarat Showgrounds, Creswick Road, Wendouree

Enjoy and have a safe weekend.