Ballarat

Our Aquinas campus is where country life meets city convenience. The campus is set on sprawling grounds and boasts stunning gardens, open spaces and historic buildings. With a broad range of facilities and services, both on campus and nearby, you'll uncover a big life in this country town.

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Location

The Ballarat Campus (Aquinas) is in the town of Ballarat, 125km west of Melbourne. Nestled between Lake Wendouree and the commercial centre of the town, it’s perfectly positioned so you can make the most of Ballarat’s cafes, restaurants and outdoor experiences.

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Getting around

Ballarat is easy to get to and get around. For those driving in, we recommend carpooling with other students, but once you’re here everything you need is within walking or cycling distance. 

You’ll probably only ever need to cycle, walk or take the bus to our Ballarat campus. But, if you do need to drive, here are the directions from Melbourne:

  1. Turn off the Western Highway at the first exit sign into Ballarat – 500m beyond the Big Woolshed/Brewery Tap Hotel.
  2. Proceed west into the city and through the built-up area for about 4km.
  3. Turn right at the Hungry Jack’s traffic lights into Mair Street and follow this road, which swings around to the left.
  4. Proceed west along Mair Street for approximately 3km.
  5. Pass under the connecting overpass between Base Hospital (left) and St. John of God Health Care (right).
  6. Our Ballarat campus is 300m beyond the hospitals on the right. 

Limited off-street parking is provided on campus property. Street parking is subject to council parking restrictions.

 

Regular daily train services are available to Melbourne and most country centres.

You can find more information – and plan your journey – on the Public Transport Victoria website.

From Monday to Saturday, bus services run throughout the Ballarat area. The closest bus stop is at Talbot and Sturt Street, which is one block away from the campus. 

Find out more about Ballarat bus services at the Davis Bus Lines website.

Life on campus

People talking on footpath

Our Aquinas campus brings big life to small town living. Set in beautiful, sprawling grounds and close to Lake Wendouree, there is plenty to do both on campus – and right outside our door.

Take part in sports clubs and student societies, join in the many free social events on campus, or head to the lake for a ride or run in a beautiful natural setting. You’ll find cafes, restaurants and bars nearby, as well as quiet spaces in the gardens to get stuck into your books. 

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Facilities

Recreation room

Take a break from the books and relax with other students in the Forbes Student Centre. You can play pool, table tennis or foosball, or just hang out between classes. 

Parent room

Parents with small children can make use of our dedicated parent room with change tables and facilities for nursing mothers. The parent room is adjacent to the Forbes Student Centre.

Canteen

Feed your body while you feed your brain at the Ballarat cafe. Located in the Forbes Student Centre, the cafe sells well-priced food and drinks. Snacks can also be purchased from the library.

Campus facilities

We’re here to help you make the most of your studies. That’s why there’s a lot more on offer at Ballarat. Explore all the facilities available to you when you join us at Aquinas.

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Sports clubs

Get active with our student sporting clubs. Whether you take your sport seriously or are just looking for a casual game, our clubs are a great way to keep fit and make friends.

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Venue hire

If you have an event, we have a space. Our campuses have galleries, lecture halls and even gyms that can be hired for events of all sizes. Talk to us to find the right space for your event.

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Ballarat lifestyle

People playing pool at Ballarat campus

Ballarat is a picturesque rural town of 96,000 people, and a living museum of Australia’s gold rush period. With historic buildings, gardens, cafes and art galleries spread across the town, it offers ‘small town’ living with a contemporary heart. On the weekends, browse the farmers’ or flea markets, join in local sports or hang out in some of the town’s restaurants and bars. 

Ballarat’s weather is similar to Melbourne. You can expect hot summers and slightly cooler temperatures in winter.

Campus tours

Take a personalised tour of our Ballarat campus for a taste of our courses, facilities and grounds. 

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History

Our Ballarat campus has a long and fascinating  history, dating back to the town’s heady gold rush days. Discover more about its past and our university’s history.

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Safety 

We take your safety seriously. Read this vital safety information to know who to contact in an emergency and what support is on hand.

Stay safe

Services

Succeed in your studies by taking advantage of our range of services, from academic skills development to multifaith chaplaincy to counselling.

Grow with us

Stay with us

Living in one of our off-campus or managed student accommodation options is an ideal way to maximise your university experience.

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