Ballan, VIC 3342

Ballan is a small country town with a population of around 3,000 people, located approximately 70 km's West of Melbourne along the Western Highway, It is the next town after passing Bacchus Marsh on the way to Ballarat, It is a hidden beautiful, small country town that has all the major services that are needed for a young growing family to settle, grow and live together, The town has Childcare facilities, A Primary School, Hospital, Police, Fire and Ambulance Station, It has a small but growing population because of its close proximity to other major regional towns like Geelong 50 km's away, Ballarat 35 km's away and Bendigo 60 km's away. it is geographically centrally located making it a very attractive regional town and it is only 70 km's from Melbourne which has trains every 1/2 hour to the City .There are also plenty of recreational facilities like a Golf course next to the town, local Fishing reservoirs, Lawn bowls,Tennis Courts, Horse riding nearby and a Gym in the town. I would highly recommend this town to all those that are wanting to find a relaxed country town with all services nearby.Check it out you won't be disappointed.

We have been here for 18 months with our 2 kids and love it here.. we used to live in Melbourne suburbs but did not enjoy having to drive in traffic for half an hour to move 5km and the lack of space as well as the increased crime. We can walk easily into town to the playgrounds, out for breakfast at the cafes or down to the library. Everyone is very friendly. Yes it gets cold but you do get used to it, it is also pretty central 15 min to bacchus Marsh , 20 min to ballarat, 30 min to Melton. Train is under an hour to the city. The town always has things on such as markets twice a month, festivals annually. It has everything you need so we don’t travel out of town more than twice a week except for work. There is 2 schools in the town and a kindergarten. 2 medical centres with a hydro pool that runs activities. Nice area to walk around in with pretty scenery, lots of playgrounds. It would be nice to have a gym in town , maybe one day!

Having lived in Ballan for 5 years i can honestly say it is a very beautiful and safe place to live with great schools and community feel :)

Being only nineteen years old, I can't exactly say I've experienced living in a variety of places. I am a born and bred local, having lived in the same house my entire life, on an acre, roughly five minutes from the main street and local business/retail center. But I must say this; To any young families out there considering the country lifestyle, I recommend researching Ballan. I am truly grateful to have grown up in such a homely and welcoming community.

The bustling local atmosphere of the day is energising, whilst the serene landscape during the evening is relaxing and rejuvenating. Small local pubs and eateries, two "Op shops" and the local supermarket (at which I have been contently employed at these past three years) along with the occasional fresh food market create opportunities to meet the locals. The local daycare, kindergarten and two primary schools providing education for the younger ones and three local churches for those of faith. The accessibility to healthcare is convenient with a local Medical Super Clinic, and transport to and from Melbourne's CBD is an hour's commute via the freeway, with the alternative option of the local V/Line train station.

In terms of recreation, one could look no further than the beautiful landscapes of the Caledonian Park and Werribee River, home to the Ballan Swimming Pool, open seasonally, although Ballan has much to offer its residents. The town has its own AFL Football, Netball and Cricket clubs with a recreational reserve that includes an oval, netball courts and tennis courts for all those who value exercise and sport. For those considering slower paced sports, the community is also home to a golf club, an accompanying golf course and a bowling club. And for those more culturally inclined, a small library can be located behind the local Mechanics Hall and the local Art Gallery holds occasional exhibitions.

From someone who has lived in the area their entire life, I must highly recommend it to anyone wishing to seek a quiet, rural community lifestyle. I can honestly say I have never once considered living elsewhere and could not imagine living in a more suburban area as I grow older. Ballan is a lovely, peaceful town, with friendly locals, an inviting atmosphere and a stunning landscape. Be sure to take a glance the next time you're driving past on the freeway. It is well worth your time.

My wife and I moved to the Moorabool Shire 4 years ago as we recognised the central location of the Shire - a hub for easy access to other areas. Our criteria was commutability to Melbourne, easy access to airport (we travel for both work and pleasure), coffee shop, housing value for money.

After researching many areas in and around the outer areas of Melbourne, we moved into a rental property in Bacchus Marsh to make sure the general area met our expectations before we committed to a more permanent arrangement. It did, so we set about finding a place to buy. The additional criteria was the house must be within 10 minutes drive of either Bacchus marsh or Ballan train station, and be on a large block with some distance to neighbours.

We found a perfect place in Ballan on an acre. We moved in recently. The birdlife, atmosphere, friendliness, lifestyle and value far out weighs all the 'Cons' people have mentioned. Yes it is about 4C colder than in Melbourne, but we are in the hills at 500 metres, and as someone on the train station quipped "we often get kissed by the clouds". We still do weekly grocery shopping in Bacchus Marsh (15 mins away), and major item shopping in Melton or Ballarat (both 25 mins way). Daylesford and Creswick are around 30 mins away, and Geelong makes a good change (55 mins away).

Ballan is self sufficient from an everyday living point of view - hospital / medical centre, child care, fire station, ambulance, police, supermarket, butcher, post office, bakery, coffee shop, take away food, electrician, plumber, glazier, shire offices, primary school, kindergarten, hardware store, train station (about 60 mins to Melbourne - mostly express). The drive to Melbourne via the Western freeway is about an hour (45 minutes to top of Westgate Bridge) but there are other routes that work well (eg via Diggers Rest and the Calder Freeway). Housing options range from older style on small or medium to large blocks to more modern (new) on small or medium blocks. The farmers market, 2nd Saturday of each month, is a great place to wonder around and get some local produce, meet the locals, and have morning tea or lunch.

Dining out options are available within the town or local nearby pubs, or for more choice, Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh. If going out in Melbourne, last train from Southern Cross is 9.54pm M-F (plus 11.24pm Fridays), and around 10.10pm or 11.50pm on Saturdays (check with Vline for accurate timings). Very do-able with a little planning.

Ballan is meeting our expectations. It won't suit everyone, but we are all different and we see merit from our own perspective. It certainly ticks all our boxes.

l have lived in Ballan for 7 years, l have found it to be a wonderful country atmosphere. We have made many friends and are involved with a community group that has made us feel part of the community. We live in a quiet area near the Caledonian Park, Golf Course and Pool. We also have all the shops for everyday needs plus we have 2 wonderful opshops who support our local community. We are extremely happy with our tree change, Ballan offers all we need and then some. l would recommend this town to anyone who is looking for a more relaxed and quiet lifestyle.

After moving to Ballarat from Richmond 5 years ago, we decided it was time to move a bit closer back to the big smoke (work reasons). Ballan it was! Only 50 mins to the City and 25 back to The "Rat"

Pros" Slow growth property prices, peace and quiet, utilities, amenities, Police Station (24/7), Ambulance station (24/7), Well manned and supplied CFA Station Hospital - 2.4 million dollar upgrade occuring as I write, Super Clinic, Supermarket, Very friendly locals, Middle of everywhere, Local shire council is based in Ballan, River runs through it, Golf course etc...

Cons: Can hear trains if wind blowing right way, but not imposing at all. The world of Ballan shuts at 7:30, lol - quaint but painful if hungry and lazy after work (Maccas and KFC are 5mins away on highway, but still...)

For the size and population of the town - it is extremely well serviced and very friendly.

My family has lived here for the past 11 years, friendly, neat and peaceful. Great public transport, close to Ballarat for a shopping trip, or travel to Melton. Bacchus Marsh 23 km away has a number of great stores and fantastic fruit markets.

Geelong is 60km away to the beach. Great location to raise kids and everyone is happy to help you out. Great sporting teams and facilities. As I said, Why live anywhere else.