Pre-Ride in Ballarat
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The City of Ballarat welcome you!
Arrive early to explore Ballarat
Find out more about Ballarat and download loads of information about this fantastic town on the Ballarat Start / Finish page.
Welcome from the City of Ballarat
The City of Ballarat is delighted to be hosting the start and finish of the 2008 Great Victorian Bike Ride. Ballarat is a unique destination and we encourage all cyclists to take the time to explore and discover all our city has to offer.
When you arrive at the pre-ride campsite at Lake Wendouree we encourage you to visit our temporary City of Ballarat Visitor Information Centre. Here you can pick up your free copy of the new Ballarat Scenic Bike Rides brochure and the Official Visitors Guide or take the opportunity to chat to one of our helpful Visitor Information Officers. As cycling enthusiasts, the Ballarat Scenic Bike Rides booklet will be of particular interest as it outlines 10 separate bike rides.
If you are looking for a challenging scenic, safe and traffic free bike ride, try the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail; an unsealed trail for walkers and cyclists following the former Ballarat to Skipton railway line, which operated between 1883 and 1985.
The 53 kilometre trail takes you through a wonderful mix of open grasslands, eucalypt forest, historic bridges and nineteenth century towns. Completely resurfaced this year, the Skipton Rail Trail is now a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Ballarat is developing a reputation as a key cycling destination with a growing calendar of both professional and recreational cycling events.
In January 2009, Ballarat will host the Scody Australian Open Road Cycling Championships. This will feature Australia’s leading male and female cyclists who will by vying for national honours. This exciting event will take place in Buninyong which is regarded as the ultimate road race circuit for competitive cyclists.
Why not come and experience the excitement of this national event or return to Ballarat to participate in one of our recreational rides.
The 2009 calendar of cycling events includes:-
Australian Open Road Cycling Championships (January)- Ballarat Australian Cycling Grand Prix (August)
- Melbourne to Ballarat Cycling Classic (July)
- Ballarat Come to Life Cycling Classic (February)
- Ballarat Autumn Day Ride (May)
For all cycling dates and for further information on Ballarat visit www.visitballarat.com.au
If you would like information on the great range of accommodation venues in and around Ballarat or Ballarat’s tourist attractions, please call the Visitor Information Centre on 1800 656 374.
Enjoy your stay in Ballarat and happy cycling.
Social Program
Are you staying in Ballarat before the Ride or planning to? The Wildlife Park is having a special Friday night opening with bands, BBQ (sausages or hamburgers) and nocturnal tours. Discover what activities and offers are available.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Come out and have dinner and experience the wildlife park by night. The park has thrown open the doors to Great Vic riders on Friday night 28 November to offer a night of entertainment and a fascinating look at this attraction. Sit back and relax to the tunes of Low Rent (this band often plays at the Melbourne Zoo) a country folk band or if you prefer there will be a blues band. There is also a special opportunity to take part in the nocturnal tours at 7.30pm & 8.30pm. Enjoy dinner from the in-house café or grab a snag from the BBQ. Fully Licenced. Don’t forget there will be a free bus to take you from the campground to the park and return.
Ballarat Wildlife Park, Cnr of York & Fussell Street, Ballarat, 03 5333 5933
Open: 6pm – 10pm, Friday Night 28 November
Bookings preferred: Adults $27.50, Children $16.50, Conc $22.50, Family $75.00
Free Shuttle Buses
The City of Ballarat will also be operating free buses at regular intervals from the Pre-Ride Campground at North Gardens to central Ballarat and the Wildlife Park to make getting around a breeze.
