Ballarat Chinese Heritage Trail

Gain an appreciation of the significant historical sites of the Chinese in Ballarat during the 19th century. This rewarding 10km trail is an innovative combination of original sites, including the New and Old Ballarat cemeteries, along with contemporary sites such as the Chinese Village and Joss House at Sovereign Hill. It offers a wonderful insight into the important part Chinese people played in establishing the city's unique character.

Large numbers of Chinese diggers began to arrive in Ballarat after the news of gold discoveries reached Hong Kong in the early 1850s. By 1857 about one third of Ballarat's population was Chinese, with their main camp on the site of the present athletics track (Llanberris Reserve). Newspaper reports at the time mention Chinese music and circuses entertaining miners in the streets of the Chinese camps around the goldfields.

Chinese contributed to the health and wellbeing of miners through their use of herbal medicine and fresh vegetables from the market gardens. Chinese technology in shallow mining and water use were also significant in the evolution of gold mining during the period.

Significant sites along this fascinating trail include the Old Ballarat Cemetery where visitors can see the Burning Altar, Grave of O-Cheong, and experience an absorbing selection of touch-screen information, including translated texts from burial stones. The book Fading Links to China by Linda Brumley, Liu Bingqun and Zhao Xueru offers a rewarding insight into the Ballarat Chinese gravestones.

Visit the former site of the Old Joss House at Len T Fraser Reserve and the site of the original Red Lion Hotel.

Just across Bradshaw Street is Sovereign Hill (admission costs apply). Here the trail takes in the Joss House, Chinese Village, Woah Hawp Canton Mine and the Secret Chamber. One of the Sovereign Hill highlights is Gum Loong, an authentic Chinese fortune dragon created by the Canadian Lead, Mount Blowhard and Sebastopol Primary School communities, with support from community groups including the Ballarat Chinese Community Association. Arrange to visit Gum Loong and his family of Vietnamese Puppy Lions and Unicorn by contacting Canadian Lead or Sebastopol Primary Schools.

Start at New Ballarat Cemetery (1250 Doveton St N, Invermay Park) or Gum Loong.

Map of Ballarat Chinese Heritage Trail Route

Orange markers on the map

1. New Ballarat Cemetery - Moon Gate - Chinese Garden - Burning Altar
2. Old Ballarat Cemetery - Burning Altar - Grave of 0-Cheong -Touch Screen Information
3. Main Road - Former site of Old Joss House (Len T Fraser Reserve) - Site of the original Red Lion Hotel (Display in the Red Lion Convention Centre) - Former site of the largest Ballarat Chinese camp (Llanberris Reserve)
4. The Gold Museum
5. Sovereign Hill - Joss House - Chinese Village. -Woah Hawp Canton Mine - Secret Chamber
6. Gum Loong - Chinese Dragon (Gum Loong at Sebastopol / Canadian Lead Primary Schools)

Location

1250 Doveton Street North, Invermay Park 3350 Map