23/05/2026
A Lost Ballarat Treasure Returns
In the summer of 1853–1854, Ballarat was a booming gold mining settlement. Thousands of prospectors from around the world pitched tents and built makeshift shelters across the open landscape, transforming the region into one of Australia’s most significant gold rush towns.
This painting captures early Ballarat in full gold rush chaos, a sprawling tent city, busy diggers working the earth, Yarrowee Creek winding through the dust, and Mt Warrenheip standing watch over it all.
More than 40 years ago, this painting was discovered hidden on a Ballarat restaurant wall, saved from demolition, then tucked away and forgotten for decades.
Recently rediscovered by one of our stallholders, who has lovingly cleaned, framed, and restored.
You’ll find it hanging proudly on the cafe wall at the Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market.
A piece of local history rescued, revived, and ready to be admired over a good coffee.