Discover Australia’s largest collection of rare and out of print books at Clunes Back to Booktown
	Enjoy Ballarat’s beautiful and historic buildings during Ballarat Heritage Weekend
	Explore Ballarat by bike during the Ballarat Autumn Day Ride

Architecture connoisseurs, food lovers, runners, riders and readers are invited to Ballarat this May to enjoy the final days of autumn with a host of family friendly events. From the Clunes Back to Booktown and Ballarat Heritage Weekend when Ballarat and its historic villages come to life, to the Sovereign Hill Challenge and Autumn Day Ride amongst the fallen golden leaves, visiting Ballarat in May is a great way for visitors to immerse themselves in a slice of the region’s beauty and culture. Located in the Victorian Goldfields region amongst the beautifully sculpted buildings and picturesque trees, Ballarat and its historic villages is the ideal destination for a relaxing and affordable regional getaway.


Events and activities taking place in Ballarat and its historic villages this summer include;

Clunes Back to Booktown
Booklovers will find Australia’s largest collection of rare, out of print and second hands books at the annual Clunes Back to Booktown event. Over 60 booksellers from around the country gather in Clunes each May turning it into a European style book town. Visitors can enjoy free Writers' Talks, street theatre, the Australia Fair Grand Concert Street Organ, wine, food, live music, a special Children's Booktown quarter and numerous opportunities to engage with guest writers. The historic town of Clunes is located an easy 30 minute drive northwest of Ballarat.

Date: Saturday 5 till Sunday 6 May 2012
Where: Clunes, a pleasant and easy 90 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD

Ballarat Autumn Day Ride
The annual Ballarat Autumn Day Ride is a cycling challenge in and around the heart of Ballarat which includes courses ranging from 25 to 50 to 100 kilometres. This highly anticipated event sees between 800 to 1,000 riders of all ages and abilities enjoy the excellent bicycle network that surrounds Ballarat and its historic villages. The event, now in its 22nd year is organized by the Ballarat Bushwalking and Outdoor Club with all courses starting and finishing at Pleasant Street Primary School beside picturesque Lake Wendouree.

Date: Sunday 6 May 2012
Where: Pleasant Street Primary School, by Lake Wendouree

Ballarat Heritage Weekend
History comes to life during the Ballarat Heritage Weekend, which is held annually in Ballarat over the Mother’s Day weekend. Ballarat’s grand buildings, enchanting gardens, historic private residences and wonderful collections of heritage memorabilia are unveiled to the public during the weekend long celebrations. In 2012, the event will focus on 'Your Childhood Memories' with a focus on the past 50 years. Visitors will be able to create their own piece of history at the recording studio set up in the Ballarat Mining Exchange, view old footage made on cine film, ride a carousel and travel around the city by vintage bus.

Date: Saturday 12 till Sunday 13 May 2012
Where: In and around Ballarat

2012 Victorian and Australian Masters Rowing Championships
The prestigious Victorian and Australian Masters Rowing Championships will this year be held on Ballarat’s picturesque Lake Wendouree. Around 1000 competitors and support staff will spend up to a week in Ballarat, with the Victorian Masters running from the 19th until the 20th, and the Australian Masters Rowing Championships commencing a few days later over the weekend of the 24th until the 27th May. Spectators will have the opportunity to support some of Australia’s leading rowers, including Rowing Olympians Peter Antonie, Jim Lowe and Chris Shinners who will be competing.

Date: Saturday 19 till Sunday 20 May and Thursday 24th till Sunday 27th May 2012
Where: Lake Wendouree, Ballarat

Sovereign Hill Challenge
Australia’s favourite outdoor museum, Sovereign Hill, will deliver their third annual Sovereign Hill Challenge in Ballarat on the last Sunday in May. Participants will join Sovereign Hill’s cheeky miners as they compete in the 2.5km, 5km or 7.5km circuits. Participants will find themselves weaving and winding their way around a technical course within the historic museum, running by the set of the Blood on the Southern Cross, through the gold mines and along Sovereign Hill’s iconic Main Street. All funds raised during the Challenge will go to the Ballarat Cancer Research Centre.

Date: Sunday 27 May 2012
Where: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat