Hi Clay, welcome to IISpace ,, .
There is an Astro Club at Snake Valley, which is about 15klms west of Ballarat ? Google map from what I can estimate - Ballarat is approx 100klms sth of Bendigo, , , You would have a much better idea of that tho !
Below is a Link to the Snake Valley Astro Association if it helps, a nice bunch of fellas down there, and will certainly help with very experienced advice !
Well worth the trip for the 1st time in your case - just follow through their web page to find out further info - location, meeting times etc
LINK -->
http://ballaratman.wix.com/svaa#!about