Ballarat Historical Tour (Self-Drive)

Join the Jewish Museum of Australia’s expert guide Terry Ashton on a self-drive tour of Ballarat & its rich Jewish heritage.

Many Jews settled in Ballarat during the gold rush era of the 1850s. By 1857, the city had the largest Jewish community outside of Melbourne, with 290 Jews recorded in the Victorian census at the time.

This self-drive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Ballarat’s Jewish past. Explore the local cemetery, botanical gardens, former rabbi's home and discover the stories of religious life at Ballarat Synagogue.

The tour includes time for lunch. Participants can bring their own or purchase at a nearby café. The meeting place will be sent along with your ticket.

Image: Ancient Synagogue of Ballarat, November 1984. JMA Collection 2132.