This region of Victoria was settled in 1838 by the “Over Straiters”, settlers who came across Bass Strait from Van Diemens Land after the original settlement at Port Philip Bay by John Batman and John Fawkner in 1835.

Landing at Geelong with their flocks they soon had to move further afield and came to this area up the Moorabool River. Names such as Von Stieglitz, Covvie, Stead, Wallace and Egerton are synonymous with this area.

As the population increased Ballan grew as a service town. Initially there was the “Werribee Hunt”, a changing post for Cobb & Co, the Little Blue Store postal facilities and St Johns Anglican Parish to attend to the spiritual needs of the settlers.

Discovery of gold in the Ballarat district saw the influx of travelers passing through to seek their fortune. Gradually more business enterprises were established in Ballan to fulfill the needs of the passing parade and so the township grew. As more closer settlements were established Ballan became a service town for the farming community and remains so to this day.

Gold was found in the area in 1851 which brought an influx of prospectors during the Victorian Gold Rush. The Ballan Hotel dates from the gold rush period in 1851. The town became an important staging point for coaches travelling to the Ballarat goldfields. The Post Office in the township opened around September 1853.

• There is a Vintage Machinery and Vehicle Rally held in February, well known for its Vintage Tractor Pull.
• An Autumn Festival is held in Ballan every year in late March,
• Although there is a mineral spring at Ballan, it does not have the high profile of the towns of Hepburn Springs and Daylesford further to the north.
• To the south of Ballan are the Brisbane Ranges National Park and the You Yangs Forest Park.

The Ballan railway station opened in 1887 as the terminus of a railway line from Ballarat. It was not until 1889 the line from Bacchus Marsh opened, finally completing the current direct Melbourne – Ballarat railway used today. Before this time Ballarat was linked to Melbourne via the Melbourne-Geelong and Geelong-Ballarat railways.

Being on a single track section of track, the station served as a crossing loop, with an interlocked signal box erected in 1890. In 1893 a turntable was added, and by 1908 the station had a four road yard, passenger platform, and a goods shed and platform.

In 1967 the turntable was removed, and one of the tracks in the yard was removed in 1987, with another following in 1988 leaving the platform road and a loop. in 1996 this last loop was abolished, the signal box closed, and Ballan was no longer available for crossing trains. In 2004 the track at the Melbourne end of the station was realigned as part of the Regional Fast Rail project in order to increase the maximum speeds of trains though the curve.

Local Colour in Ballan

Diverting from the Western Freeway, 80km west of Melbourne, you find a delightful old highlands town Ballan.

Ballan is nestled in volcanic plains with the scenic Werribee River meandering through it, extensive English-style tree planting, period homes and cottages of historical significance.

First settled in the 1830′s, Ballan was named after an Irish village. On the outskirts of town is the Emily Park homestead, a link to the towns squattocracy. In the 1850′s Ballan was a changing post for Cobb and Co. Its present unique town layout shaped around these routes.

Ballan’s origins are captured in a range of architecturally different buildings built in mid to late 1800′s, such as the Ballan Court House, A Squatter’s residence, Mill House, the Railway Station, St. Paul’s Church, and four significant homesteads: Ballanee; Emily Park; Carween and Bungeelap.

These days, Ballan is best known for the activities of its artists community such as the 1000 weathervanes project, its annual festivals, and its mineral springs.

Ballan boasts two popular festivals -The Autumn Festival and the Ballan District Vintage Machinery Festival.

Caledonian Park on the eastern fringe of the town is a favoured picnicking and swimming spot. The trout in Pikes Reservoir challenge anglers from far and near.

To the south of Ballan lies the rocky outcrops and walking trails of the Brisbane Ranges National Park and the You Yangs Forest Park. The Boar Gully camping ground, which is equipped with toilets, water and a picnic area, is a comfortable base for exploring the Brisbane Ranges.

Just outside Ballan is the Paintball Skirmish. Set on 80 acres it offers ambush trails, forts and villages. Individuals and companies use the facilities for training in team work and group processes.

Ballan Autumn Festival

The Ballan Autumn festival has been held annually for over 30 years and this year will be held at the Ballan Primary School, 8 to 14 Duncan Street, Ballan 3342. It is a fun day for all the family where Ballan comes alive.

There will be bands performing on the main stage; a parade of community groups and floats; vintage cars and motor cycle riders; the local pet owners will proudly parade their animals around the ring for judging in the pet show.

Ballan Art and Craft Society and Ballan Quilt and Craft both put on hugely popular exhibitions. Photography Competition encourages anyone with a camera to illustrate the Festival theme.  Many stalls of all varieties including food.

Visit Ballan and join in the fun. Take a walk around the town and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather; stop in at the many events held during the festival.