Ballarat and its historic villages are fast becoming a sporting mecca with the region hosting a number of leading cycling, golfing, AFL, rowing and canoeing events throughout 2012.  Located just 75minutes drive from Melbourne in Victoria’s Goldfields region, visitors can witness exciting sporting events before playing on the pristine golf courses, cycling championship routes, exploring the region’s antique stores, quaint cafes, galleries and enjoying the country hospitality.

CYCLING
Kicking off in January, Ballarat comes to life for the prestigious Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships, held for the third consecutive year in Buninyong, a short 10 minute drive from Ballarat (Thursday 5 – Tuesday 10 January). The cycling events continue during February with the Come to Life Cycle Classic and Spokes Festival(Saturday 11 - Sunday 12 February) and later in May with the Ballarat Autumn Day Ride (Sunday 6 May).

GOLF
Golfing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the iconic Victorian PGA Gold Championships in February (Monday 13 - Sunday 19 February).   Held at the Forest Resort Golf Course Creswick, visitors are invited to attend this prestigious event to support the 144 professional Australian golfers competing for the $120,000 prize.

CANOEING & ROWING
Lake Wendouree will host the second of a two-leg Australian Canoeing Sprint Grand Prix series (27-29 January), the last international regatta event before the Oceania spring championships and London Olympic Games qualifiers in March. Lake Wendouree will also be the venue for the long awaited return to the lake for the Ballarat Associated Schools Head of the Lake 100th anniversary (Sunday 4 March), both National and State Masters Rowing Championships (19-20 May Victorian Masters Rowing and 24-27 May Australian Masters Rowing)  and the Canoe Victoria Winter Marathon series (Sunday 3 June).

AFL
AFL fans are invited to visit Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium to cheer on North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs as they go head to head in the second round of the 2012 AFL NAB Cup competition (Sunday 11 March).