Group sees Ballarat with a difference

MEMBERS of the National Trust’s Casey-Cardinia branch recently toured Ballarat, seeing parts of the regional town that few people do.
The trip started with quizzes aboard a luxury coach and a morning tea of freshly baked scones on arrival.
The local Ballarat National Trust branch hosted the tour, taking Casey-Cardinia members to places which aren’t open to the public.
The tour of the Female Refuge, and steam laundry was fascinating, adding a level of understanding to the gold rush days that is often overlooked.
The Former Female Refuge took in women who were destitute and pregnant and provided them with a safe place to give birth.
There was a visit to Craig’s Royal Hotel where members enjoyed a delicious light lunch and a “behind the scenes” tour of the recently restored hotel.
A guided tour of the town was then in order. The tour titled “The Development of Ballarat with Emphasis on Architecture,” started with an overview of the city from Brown Hill.
Members also visited many notable places including the Old Curiosity Shop, the Botanic gardens, Lake Wendouree, and P.O.W. war memorial.
They then settled into the motel where they enjoyed happy hour before dinner.
The next day, members embarked on a tour at Alfredton of the historic property Lauderdale (1856), a magnificent privately owned blue stone building.
They then went to Ballarat Station in time to see the Steam Train arrive. Lunch in the recently restored cafeteria of the station followed. After lunch many of the members visited the Art Gallery to see the Hans Heysen exhibition, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, or explored heritage buildings which aren’t usually open to the public.
The return trip was via Bacchus Marsh for afternoon tea, another quiz with prizes and nibbles.
The Casey Cardinia Branch provides an opportunity for local members and friends to participate in heritage outings and to enjoy the National Trust fellowship.
Membership is open to everyone. Discounts are available when people join at the Berwick Heritage Centre and Trust Shop in Pioneers Park, Peel Street, Berwick.