Historical and Other Notes

  Victoria Park :  This expansive park, covering 130 hectares, is situated at the intersection of Sturt and Gillies Streets in Ballarat, Australia. Its layout has remained largely unchanged since its initial design and planting between 1890 and 1910. Originally, the land was considered a necessary public reserve, and in 1861, the Ballarat Council sought to specifically reserve it as a park. During that time, it was locally known as   “Royal Park.” Crown Grant:  In 1888, the Crown Grant officially reserved the land as   Victoria (Royal) Park , covering 325 acres. It was vested in the   Mayor, Councillors, and Citizens of the City of Ballaarat   for the purpose of a public park and related facilities. Mining Interests  Despite its primary purpose as a public recreation facility, mining interests were also present within Victoria Park. Various companies explored gold within its boundaries, including the United Hand-in-Hand and Band of Hope Company. In 1866, they even sank a shaft within t

  CLICK HERE FOR AN  INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE ROUTE                                                          Steam Train at Daylesford Railway Station ABOVE : A Daylesford to Ballarat Steam Train looks like it has a bit of speed up as it has just descended the 1 in 40 down to the Jubilee Lake bridge, some well dressed walkers seem oblivious to thte trains passing. Circa 1930.  (SLV collection) Ballarat Bound! The disused platform at Wombat in 2011 Trestle Bridge just west of Wombat Newlyn, April 25 1969.  (photo courtesy Andrew Cook) A lengthy Daylesford bound train mixed passenger and freight pauses at Allendale, 1922.  (courtesy Frank Wright) Kingston circa 1930.  (from PROV collection) Researched and compiled by Andrew Parker 2024