What better way to celebrate Australia Day than with Part 2 of our blog on the most family friendly regional cities in this fantastic country!
Ballarat
Ballarat is located on the Yarrowee River in the state of Victoria, approximately 65 miles north-west of Melbourne. With a population of 85,935, it is the third most populous urban area in the Victoria. Ballarat is renowned for its cultural heritage, decorative arts, and beautiful buildings that hark back to its past as a gold rush town. There is a moderate oceanic climate with four seasons, and key areas of business include tourism, hospitality, retail, professional services, government administration and education. Ballarat is most notable for the award-winning open-air museum known as Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s gold mining settlement opened in 1970, consistently rated among one of the best outdoor museums in the world. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens are recognised as the finest example of a regional botanical gardens in Australia, and are home to many heritage listed exotic tree species, a modern glasshouse and horticultural centre, and the Prime Ministers Avenue, featuring bronze busts of every past Australian Prime Minister. There are also a number of large parks, sport fields, organised sporting clubs and associations for those who prefer an outdoors lifestyle.
Bendigo
Bendigo is a city in Victoria, Australia, located approximately 93 miles north west of the state capital, Melbourne. Bendigo experiences an oceanic climate, typically dry and mild with cool to cold winters. It has a population of more than 100,000 with a diverse history – the riches from the 1880's goldrush days being evident through beautiful streets and historic buildings. Wide streets lined by opulent buildings are interwoven with laneways and arcades that create a vibrant energy across the city. Modern day Bendigo has great food, wine and shopping experiences set against a stunning heritage backdrop. The Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia's oldest and largest regional art galleries, hosting numerous exhibitions throughout the year. The city hosts the Victorian event of the annual Groovin' the Moo music festival, which regularly sells out and brings many big Australian and international acts to the city. The Bendigo Easter Festival is held each year and attracts tens of thousands of tourists to the city over the Easter long weekend, with attractions including parades, exhibitions and a street carnival. For fans of horse racing, the Bendigo Cup is a prominent annual event drawing crowds from all over Victoria.
Mackay
Mackay is a laid-back coastal city in Queensland with a population of over 80,000. It has a tropical climate with summer lasting from December to March. Summer is hot and humid, and the rest of the year, blue skies, sunshine and cool nights. It has an active arts community, holding regular festivals, and selling work at the weekend arts, crafts and fresh produce markets. Mackay has public and private primary and secondary schools, a technical college (TAFE) and two Universities. There are a large number of activities for Children of all ages including a Forest Flying Fox, Sensory Circus for Toddlers, Children and Adults, cinemas, libraries and pools. As well as spending time in the Cities many restaurants and cafes, you can walk along the Marina and spot dolphins. Or drive half an hour out to the National Park which has rainforest walks where (if you’re very lucky) you can spot a platypus! Or just head to one of the many local beaches for a swim.
We often have roles available in these lovely, family friendly, cities so, if you're thinking about a change of scene in 2015, check out our latest jobs now!
Want to know more about the other family friendly cities which make the Top 10? Then check out Part 1 of our blog now!
For further information on all of the fantastic locations we recruit to browse the rest of our blog or visit our homepage.