Program

Join the Jewish Museum of Australia’s Terry Ashton on a self-drive tour of Ballarat, exploring its rich history and Jewish heritage. Scheduled for Sunday, 1 December, the tour includes key sites like the Ballarat Synagogue, the old fire brigade, the Ballarat General Cemetery, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial. 

Located 110 kilometres west of Melbourne, Ballarat is a city steeped in the gold rush era of the 1850s. During this period, many Jews settled in Ballarat, contributing significantly to its development. By 1857, the city had the largest Jewish community outside of Melbourne, with 290 Jews recorded in the Victorian census. 

The tour begins at the Ballarat Synagogue with morning tea, followed by visits to the Botanical Gardens, POW Memorial, and the General Cemetery, including the Jewish cemetery. A genealogical expert will provide further insights into the Jewish community’s impact on the city’s history. 

This self-drive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Ballarat’s cultural heritage, highlighting the Jewish contributions that shaped this vibrant city. Participants can bring their own lunch or purchase it at a nearby café. 

The meeting place will be sent along with your ticket.

Image: Ancient Synagogue of Ballarat photographed in November of 1984.

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