Almanac Cultural Activities: Ballarat In September/October

 

 

Despite what a couple of my friends think, I don’t work or take a back hander from the Ballarat Tourist Commission if there is such an organisation.

 

We’ve lived here for two years now and there’s no doubt it was the best decision we ever made. Nothing has waned in terms of what we loved about the town when we first arrived, only heightened as we familiarise ourselves with work, and play.

 

The re-opening of The Regent Theatre by Palace Cinemas has been a boon for movie lovers and the percentage of sunny days has surprised even the hardiest of locals. The legendary chill is still there when the wind picks up but the expected snow hasn’t arrived … yet.

 

I just wanted to mention a couple of things if you can get to Ballarat in the next couple of months.

 

The first one is the International Foto Biennale which runs over both months. We first saw the Biennale when we lived in Melbourne and we made a weekend of it. It’s a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the town along with some incredible art.

 

This is our third one and we recommend a full pass. The exhibitions are strewn all over town so you get taken to some of the best cafes/bookshops/architecture in Ballarat.

 

Ballarat is growing quickly and the quality of food and coffee has improved exponentially. Here’s a couple of recommendations as you wander around:

• • Cornerstone Café.
  • L’Espresso. 417 Sturt St,Ballarat
  • Café Lekker. 11 Doveton St Nth, Ballarat Central

 

There’s some excellent bookshops in town but none better than Everybody Knows Books who are also hosting an exhibition.

 

Last night we saw two comedians Geraldine Hickey and Lloyd Langford at Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat.

 

First opened in 1875 it has spent the last couple of years being fully renovated. Pardon the pun but it is truly majestic.

 

It’s about a 900 seater and nothing has been left to chance. I’ve been lucky enough to visit most of Melbourne’s theatres over the 20+ years living there and they’re all special.

 

The only negative I found with those theatres was when a big bloke with a huge bonce came and sat in front of you.

 

That can’t happen at Her Maj because the rows of seats all are laid like staggered bricks, and on a slight incline. You are never directly behind a head and thankfully for anyone behind me, the same applies. Everyone in this theatre which is the oldest on mainland Australia, has a perfect view.

 

There has been an enormous variety of artists perform at Her Maj since the re-opening. Lots of bands, plays and comedy on a regular basis.

 

Her Maj reminds me of something from a Shakespearian era. Intimate and full of history. If you’re going to The Biennale, you could stay overnight and see a show perhaps? There’s even foot warmers for every seat in the house! See below.

 

 

 

It’s $5 each way to travel by train to Ballarat now from Southern Cross. A damn fine investment I reckon. Hope we see you soon.

 

And for a bit of fun, why not check out Ballarat’s Best Pie which is back for round three this winter.

 

 

More from Ian Wilson can be read Here.

 

 

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