2.45pm, Friday 30 March
Ballarat Cemeteries Tour – Ballarat Genealogy society - $7 per person

Tours of the Ballarat Cemeteries give a snapshot of life in the 1850s to the development of Ballarat as the city it is today.

There are many burials in the Old Cemetery which give the visitor a picture of life at the time of the discovery of gold. The graves of the soldiers and miners who died at Eureka are the most noticeable. Among those visited are, the ordinary miner; the doctor who played a major role at Eureka; successful businessmen – one being a butcher who became a wealthy hotelkeeper; the property owner who became Ballarat’s  first millionaire and the fascinating story of the successful music business which had its beginnings at the goldfields, as well as the Chinese and Jewish sections of the Cemetary which give an insight into the contribution made by different communities to the development of Ballarat.

Further information & bookings: phone 03 5330 7005 or email ndunstan@ncable.net.au

Time to be confirmed, Friday 30 March
Tour of Ballarat’s Historic Quarter by Eerie Tours - $10 per person

One hour professional tour of Lydiard and Camp Streets. Explore the heart of Ballarat's historic quarter with local guide and Historian Nathaniel Buchanan.  Listen to stories from the Goldrush while visiting such important locations as the now underground New York Bakery, Craig's Royal Hotel and the remains of the Ballarat Gaol.

Further information and bookings 1300 856 668

Time to be confirmed, Friday 30 March
State Library of Victoria – Collection Store
Tour of the library’s offsite Store at the University of Ballarat's Mount Helen Campus
Limited places available.

Further information & bookings: email sslade@slv.vic.gov.au

2.45pm-4pm, Friday 30 March
Ballarat Fire Brigade Tour

The Ballarat Fire Brigade was formed in 1856 and has operated on its current site on the corner of Barkly and East Sts since 1858. The station has a collection of fire fighting memorabilia along with an extensive collection of trophies and photos relating to the brigade dating to its earliest days. The highlight of this historic collection is the fully restored 1938 Dodge fire engine. Tours up the historically listed bell tower built in 1864 run every hour on the hour. The Ballarat Fire Brigade continues to operate to this day and is run by volunteers.

Further information & bookings: email - david.elms@members.cfa.vic.gov.au

Time to be confirmed, Friday 30 March
The Ballarat Mechanics Institute - Guided Tour
117 – 119 Sturt Street, Ballarat

Tour includes the Humffray Room, a beautifully restored original library room, the historic book collection in the Batten Room, the Auditorium, the Library and an overview of the magnificent building.

Further information & bookings: phone 03 5331 3042

Times to be confirmed, Friday 30 March
Tours run by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) – Ballarat branch

Lydiard St walking tour (45 minutes)  - $10 per person
Ballarat’s Lydiard St is one of the most intact heritage streetscapes in Australia. So many stories revolve around all of the buildings. Take a walk along several blocks with local National Trust members who can share the features of the street.

Bluestone tour (45 minutes) - $10 per person
Lydiard St and surrounds are a true representation of the tradesmen’s craft. Let local national Trust members show you the special aspects and variations of the buildings. From the grand to the utilitarian.

Treasure Hunt (1 hour) - $10 per person
Central Ballarat has lots of little hidden treasures. This is a true observation walk that gives you clues on what you might find. Gather together a group and see how good your powers of observation really area.

Further information & bookings: phone 03 5330 7005  or email ndunstan@ncable.net.au   

3pm to 3.30pm Friday 30th March
Tour the Art Gallery of Ballarat & see the Eureka Flag - Free Tour

Explore Australia's oldest and largest regional Gallery. Take the chance to see one of Australia's great treasures - the recently conserved Eureka Flag!

Representatives from the Gallery and the Eureka Flag Showcase designers, builders and lighting consultants will be there to answer your questions.

To join this free tour meet your guide at 3pm in the foyer of the Art Gallery at 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat

Further information & bookings: contact the gallery (03) 5320 5858

Other Tours

Old, Cold and Gold: a literary and artistic podtour by ABC Ballarat

Downloadable mp3 audio, text and images uncovering the rich literary history of Ballarat.

On this walk you'll hear the voices of Ballarat's literary legends, both past and present, guided along the way by local story teller Anne E Stewart, noted Ballarat thespian Peter Freund and ABC Ballarat station manager Dominic Brine. Additional interviews looking into the backgrounds and careers of some of our local literary legends as well as a detailed bibliography are also included here should you wish to explore Ballarat's literary history in more depth.

Download from: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/04/17/2203763.htm

28 – 31 March
Night Ghost Tour OR Night Cemetery Tour - special $18.00 for conference delegates

Eerie Tours presents the Ballarat Ghost Tour and the Ballarat Old Cemetery Tour. Established in 2007, Eerie Tours has become one of the most popular tour providers in the state. Be regaled with Eerie stories from Ballarat's dangerous Goldrush era. The Ballarat Ghost tour travels through underground buildings, back alleyways and the Old Ballarat gaol with lots of Eerie History and local ghost stories. The Old Cemetery Tour is a historic journey through Australia's premier Goldrush cemetery, providing a collection of unusual and eerie stories from Ballarat's past.

Further information and bookings: phone 1300 856 668

For conference delegates staying in the region over the weekend

Saturday 31 March & Sunday 1 April
Anderson Mill 150th Anniversary & Festival

The historic 5 storey bluestone mill situated in Smeaton will again be the venue for the 2012 Anderson’s Mill Festival. The festival has been conducted for the past 17 years and is a celebration of local foods, wine and music and for 2012 it will coincide with the 150th Anniversary of the Mill.