- published: 26 Nov 2015
- views: 2431
Ballarat ( /ˈbæləræt/) is a city in the state of Victoria, Australia, approximately 105 kilometres (65 mi) west-north-west of the state capital Melbourne situated on the lower plains of the Great Dividing Range and the Yarrowee River catchment. It is the largest inland centre and third most populous city in the state and the fifth most populated inland city in Australia. It is the largest settlement and administrative centre of the City of Ballarat, which encompasses both the urban area and outlying towns spanning an area of 740 square kilometres (290 sq mi) and an estimated population of 97,810. Inhabitants of Ballarat are known as Ballaratians.
It was named by Scottish settler Archibald Yuille who established the sheep run called Ballaarat in 1837 with the name derived from local Wathaurong Aboriginal words for the area, balla arat, thought to mean "resting place". The present spelling was officially adopted in 1996.
It is one of the most significant Victorian era boomtowns in Australia. Just months after Victoria was granted separation from New South Wales, the Victorian gold rush transformed Ballarat from a small sheep station to a major settlement. Gold was discovered at Poverty Point on 18 August 1851 and news quickly spread of rich alluvial fields where gold could easily be extracted. Within months, approximately 20,000 migrants had rushed the district. Unlike many other gold rush boom towns, the Ballarat fields experienced sustained high gold yields for decades.
I know I can't hide this fear inside
Still my friends understand
Things have worked out
Much as you had said
Ain't no mystery what I need
Is understanding
And your sweet sympathy
A steel string guitar and a little weed
And someone to keep me company
Someone to keep me company
Down the alley and
Through the stage door
Sometimes I wonder
What I
What I do it for
Ain't no mystery what I need
Is understanding
And your sweet sympathy
A steel string guitar and a little weed
And someone to keep me company
Someone to keep me company