ballarat tourist information center

10 Things to Do in Ballarat Visitor Information Centre

•  Exhibitions
•  Gold Rush Town
•  Lakeside Walks
•  Walking Trails
•  Animal Encounters
•  Ballarat Antique Centre
•  Ballarat Aviation Museum
•  Ballarat Botanical Gardens
•  Ballarat Farmers Market
•  Ballarat Fine Art Gallery
•  Ballarat Ghost Tours
•  Ballarat Heritage Carousel
•  Ballarat Heritage Services
•  Ballarat Heritage Walk
•  Ballarat Heritage Weekend
•  Ballarat Lake Wendouree
•  Ballarat Mining Exchange Gold Room
•  Ballarat Regional Tourism
•  Ballarat Show
•  Ballarat Tramway Museum
•  Ballarat Visitor Information Centre
•  Ballarat Wildlife Park
•  Kryal Castle
•  Sovereign Hill

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Ballarat Visitor Information Centre

Tourist information & services ballarat , ballarat , victoria.

The Ballarat Visitor Information Centre is located in the heart of Ballarat.

The Ballarat Visitor Information Centre greets visitors to the region with a warm welcome and personalised service sharing the full range of experiences that are on offer in Ballarat – along with information on surrounding regions and Melbourne. The Made of Ballarat shop showcases local artisans and producers within the local region, ensuring you complete your visit to Ballarat with a memorable souvenir.

Additional visitor facilities include free visitor parking (including caravan or large vehicle spaces), public toilets, free Wi-Fi and PowerPoints for charging any of your devices.

Internet Access

Disabled Assistance

Accreditation

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Ballarat Visitor Information Centre

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Ballarat Visitor Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sat - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• (0.10 km) Craig's Royal Hotel
• (0.17 km) Oscar's Hotel & Cafe Bar
• (0.16 km) Quality Inn Heritage on Lydiard
• (0.08 km) Hotel Vera
• (0.11 km) The Ansonia on Lydiard
• (0.05 km) New Mr Rice Ballarat
• (0.17 km) The Forge Pizzeria
• (0.09 km) Brown Grain Thai Restaurant
• (0.15 km) Schnitz Ballarat
• (0.17 km) Hop Temple

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Visitor information
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3 By plane
• 3.2 By public transport
• 3.3 By bicycle

Ballarat is a city about 110 km (68 mi) north-west of Melbourne in the Goldfields region of Victoria . Ballarat is most noted as a former goldmining town with excellent examples of Australian colonial architecture, and as the site of the famous miners' revolt at the Eureka Stockade in 1854. With a population of approximately 117,000 it is the third largest city in Victoria.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

The traditional owners of the land are the Wadawurrung people. Ballarat was named in 1837 by the Scottish settler Archibald Yuille who established the first settlement, a sheep run called Ballaarat, with the name derived from local Wathaurong Aboriginal words for the area, balla arat , thought to mean "resting place". The present spelling was officially adopted by the City of Ballarat in 1996.

It is one of the most significant Victorian-era boomtowns in Australia. Just months after Victoria was granted separation from New South Wales, the Victorian gold rush transformed Ballarat from a small sheep station to a major settlement. Gold was discovered at Poverty Point on 18 August 1851 and news quickly spread of rich alluvial fields where gold could easily be extracted. Within months, approximately 20,000 migrants had rushed the district. Several Australian mining innovations were made at the Ballarat diggings including the first use of a Chilean mill in 1851 and the first use of a mine cage in 1861. Unlike many other gold rush boom towns, the Ballarat fields experienced sustained high gold yields for decades.

The Eureka Rebellion began in Ballarat, and the only armed rebellion in Australian history, the Battle of Eureka Stockade, took place on 3 December 1854. In response to the event the first male suffrage in Australia was instituted and as such Eureka is interpreted by some as the origin of democracy in Australia. The gold rush and boom gave birth in many other significant cultural legacies. The rebellion's symbol, the Eureka Flag has become a national symbol and is held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka in Ballarat. Other nationally significant heritage structures include the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, established 1857, the best example of a regional botanic gardens in Australia with the greatest concentration of public statuary including the official Prime Ministers Avenue; the longest running lyric theatre building, Her Majesty's, established 1875; the first municipal observatory, established 1886; and the earliest and longest memorial avenue, the Avenue of Honour, established between 1917 and 1919.

Proclaimed a city in 1871, its prosperity continued until late in the 19th century, after which its importance relative to both Melbourne and Geelong rapidly faded with the slowing of gold extraction. It has endured as a major regional centre hosting the rowing and kayaking events from the 1956 Summer Olympics. It is the commercial capital of the Central Highlands and the largest city in the Goldfields region of Victoria—a significant tourist destination. Ballarat is known for its history, culture and its well preserved Victorian era heritage.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• -37.5622 143.8566 1 Ballarat Information Centre , 43 Lydiard St N ( opposite Ballarat Art Gallery ), toll-free: 1800 44 66 33 . 9AM-5PM, open daily except Christmas Day . Free .  

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Ballarat is an easy 90-minute drive from Melbourne on the Western Freeway (M8). Alternatively, from Geelong take the southern section of the A300; from Bendigo and Castlemaine take the northern section of the same highway.

By train [ edit ]

The train station is in Lydiard Street in the centre of the city. Take a look around as Lydiard Street has one of the best examples of Victorian-era streetscapes in Australia.

• -37.539624 143.82005 2 Wendouree train station , Gillies Street . Most V/Line trains also continue to Wendouree, which is a station serving western Ballarat. ( updated May 2023 )

By plane [ edit ]

Ballarat is not served directly by commercial passenger flights. You therefore need to fly to Melbourne . There is an Airport Shuttle Bus between Ballarat and Melbourne's main domestic and international airport, Melbourne airport ( MEL  IATA ), also known as Tullamarine on some booking sites. The shuttle bus costs $30 for adults, $76 for families, $16 for children 3 to 16, and children under 3 are free. For more information on Tullamarine see Melbourne airport .

There is no direct connection between Melbourne's secondary Avalon airport ( AVV  IATA ) and Ballarat, and the options are to either hire a car, or get the SkyBus into Melbourne's Southern Cross train station and then the train to Ballarat, which will take 3-4 hours in total.

Get around [ edit ]

Most visitors will rent a car from Melbourne to travel in and around Ballarat. Car rental is also available in Ballarat through Budget & Thrifty.

By public transport [ edit ]

• CDC Victoria , 804 Norman St , ☏ +61 3 5331 7777 , [email protected] . CDC runs the local bus network. All parts of Ballarat are served by the network with most buses stopping at the Ballarat Train Station in Lydiard Street. The standard frequency on almost all routes is one bus every half hour. A couple of routes have only one every hour. In the evenings and on Sundays services on most routes are infrequent, while less important routes have no services. As with public transport in Melbourne, passengers will need a Myki card to use the buses in Ballarat.  
• V/Line . Ballarat has two train stations, Ballarat Station and Wendouree Station. Most tourist destinations are situated near one of the two stations. ( updated May 2023 )

By bicycle [ edit ]

You can get around Ballarat by bicycle. There are two options for bicycle hire.

• Bicycle Centre Ballarat , 24 Armstrong Street Nth , ☏ +61 3 5334 4388 , fax : +61 3 5331 8155 .  
• Welcome Nugget – Bicycles for Hire , 128 Lydiard Street Nth , ☏ +61 423 268 618 , [email protected] .  

See [ edit ]

• Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial . Cnr Wendouree Parade and Carlton Street, south end of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The 170-metre-long granite wall has the names of more than 36,000 prisoners-of-war carved into it.  

• Blood on the Southern Cross . M-Sa evenings and some Sundays. Times vary . An 80-minute sound and light show depicting the Eureka Uprising. $35 adult, $19 child .  

Do [ edit ]

• Ballarat Antique Fair , Ballarat Exhibition Centre, 501 Dowling St, Wendouree . Annual fair every March Labour Day weekend. Australia's longest running, and largest antiques and collectibles fair. The 2016 Fair, in its 46th year, will be held on Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th and Monday 14th March, 2016. ( updated Jun 2015 )

Buy [ edit ]

Ballarat has several markets held throughout the week which offer great shopping for antiques, bric-à-brac and various local products such as plants and confectionery.

• Ballarat Bridge Mall Farmers Market , ☏ +61 410215247 , [email protected] . 9AM-1PM . Bridge Mall, Ballarat. Held 1st Saturday of each month, free admission. ( updated Feb 2017 )
• Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market , ☏ +61 3 9553 0601 , [email protected] . Wendouree Parade, opposite the Botanical Gardens. Held 2nd and last Staurdays every month, 9AM-1PM. Free admission.  
• Ballarat Sunday Market , ☏ +61 418 518 106 . Ballarat Showgrounds, cnr Howitt Street and Creswick Road, Wendouree. Run by the Rotary Club of Ballarat South. Every Sunday from 8AM-1PM, entry is by gold coin donation. ( updated Dec 2017 )
• Bridge Mall . About 120 shops, cafés and restaurants in and around a former through street now closed to traffic. Free parking. Includes Big W, Coles and Woolworths. Top end of Bridge Street has several restaurants. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Central Square Shopping Centre , Armstrong St. Sth . Three-storey shopping centre with Myer, Target and several cafés/eateries. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Stockland Wendouree , Gillies St, Wendouree . About 90 shops, all under cover, with plenty of free parking. Includes Coles, Woolworths and Kmart. ( updated Jun 2015 )

Eat [ edit ]

• Ballarat Curry House , 113 Bridge Mall , ☏ +61 3 5331 7361 . Traditional Indian. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• The Bean Barn , 217 Sturt St , ☏ +61 3 5334 4449 . A small cosy coffee shop which sells many types of beans as well as making arguably the best espresso in Ballarat.  
• Crazy Asian , 107 Bridge Mall . Good value Chinese, Indian and Thai. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Da Vinci's , 29 Sturt St . Italian, with gelato bar at the front. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Dino's on Sturt , 212 Sturt St . Italian cuisine. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• L'espresso , 417 Sturt St , ☏ +61 3 5333 1789 . Formally a music store, this place serves some of the best coffee in town, along with quality Italian-based fare that is interesting and reasonably priced. Choose a CD from the wall to listen to, and try the housemade icecream.  
• Eureka Bistro , 316 Sturt St . Italian institution. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Europa , 411 Sturt St , ☏ +61 3 5338 7672 . A great surprisingly mid-priced cafe, with a wide range of meals, from the tastes of Italy to Asia, also good for dropping in for a coffee or wine & watch the Ballarat foot traffic of Sturt St.  
• The Forge Pizzeria , 14 Armstrong St Nth . Creative toppings and dessert pizza, served in an industrial-chic space with exposed-brick walls. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Golden Crown Restaurant , 101-105 Main Rd , ☏ +61 3 5332 2169 . Chinese cuisine. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Jacksons & Co , 201 Mair St. Corner of Lydiard St. Nth . Renovated to restore the Victorian-style façade. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Jasmine Thai Restaurant , 213 Sturt St , ☏ +61 3 5333 2148 . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• The Main Bar , 28 Main Rd . Café and grocery. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Mr. Rice , 214 Sturt St . Chinese, Thai, Malaysian. Great value with daily lunch deals. Eat in or take away. Very popular. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Oscars , Doveton St ( opposite target, in the CBD ), ☏ +61 3 53311451 . Oscar's Hotel & Café Bar is a unique art deco, boutique hotel in the heart of Ballarat's CBD. Now privately owned and operated, Oscar's used to be the Criterion Hotel, a popular venue in the gold rush days.  
• The Pancake Kitchen , 2 Grenville St. Sth . The original Pancake Kitchen. All Pancake Parlours are franchises of this; original and the best. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• The Provincial , 121 Lydiard St. Nth . It has been renovated to its former glory. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Thai Fusion , 106 Sturt St . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Tokyo Grill House , 109 Bridge Mall , ☏ +61 3 5333 3945 . Always gets great reviews! ( updated Jun 2015 )
• The Unicorn , 131 Sturt St . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Zaragosa , 102 Sturt St . Spanish and Mexican. Very popular. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Coliseum Walk , off Bridge Mall . Ballarat Mocha Shop, Hudsons Coffee Shop and Cafe Meigas (Spanish). ( updated Jul 2015 )

Drink [ edit ]

There are numerous pubs and nightclubs in Ballarat including:

• The Bended Elbow . This venue has several dance floors, an eating area as well as downstairs stage and nightclub.  
• The Karova Lounge ( cnr Field and Camp Streets ), ☏ +61 3 5332 9122 . 9PM till late .   The best place for live music in Ballarat, with many popular Melbourne bands making the trip to perform there. Cover charge can vary depending on the band.
• George Hotel , 27 Lydiard St. Nth . Popular; with front bar, dance club in the rear, and a gaming room. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Freight bar & restaurant , Corner Mair and Peel Streets . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• The Provincial , 121 Lydiard St. Nth . It has been renovated to its former glory. Directly opposite train station in an Edwardian icon. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• The Bluestone , 101/103 Mair St . ( updated Jun 2015 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many options for all budgets throughout Ballarat. Book ahead especially when there is a major event planned.

• Oscars Hotel , Doveton St. Sth ( opposite target, in the cbd ), ☏ +61 3 53311451 . Renovated hotel built in gold rush days, with 13 modern rooms, restaurant, bar and courtyard.  
• George Hotel , 27 Lydiard St. Nth . Bunkroom $30, singles from $50 (tariffs include light breakfast). Nightclub may cause noise in the rooms till 4AM F-Sa nights.  
• Craig's Royal Hotel , 10 Lydiard St . Sth. A Ballarat icon.  
• Heritage on Lydiard , Lydiard St. Nth . 4-star hotel in historic bank building in Lydiard Street, in the heart of one of the grandest Victorian streetscapes in Australia. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Comfort Inn City Views , 101 Curtis St . 4-star hotel. Central location with ample off-street parking. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Mid City Motel , 19 Doveton St. Nth , ☏ +61 3 5327 7588 . Centrally located, with off-street parking. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• -37.579929 143.868591 1 Mercure Ballarat , 613 Main Rd, Golden Point , ☏ +61 3 5327 1200 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . On garden grounds with a lake is 4-star accommodation a short 10 minute walk to Sovereign Hill. $110-180 . ( updated Oct 2021 )

Go next [ edit ]

Hire a bike, and cycle the 53 km off-road Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail. Download the free Bike. Walk. Ride. App from http://www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au

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Top 12 things to do in Ballarat

Imogen Eveson

30 October 2023

From timeless experiences to the cutting-edge, here are the top things to do in Ballarat: a city built on gold that’s in the midst of a creative regeneration.

History is never far from your fingertips in Ballarat: it’s there in its grand architecture and immersive experiences that transport you back to the heady days of the gold rush. But there’s a new energy pulsing through the wrought-iron-trimmed streets today: in recent years Victoria’s third-largest city has been undergoing something of a cultural renaissance , with chefs, artisans and creatives tapping into its rich heritage to invent it anew.

Experience this through its thriving dining scene, by sipping some local wine or by joining a workshop with a local maker. Here, our pick of Ballarat’s timeless and contemporary charms.

1. Take a heritage walking tour

Built on gold wealth, Ballarat was the wealthiest city in the world at one point during the 1850s and its wonderfully preserved heritage streetscape reflects this. Get to know the history of this gold-rush town through its architecture by signing up for a 90-minute walking tour with Ballarat Heritage Tours or take a Heritage self-guided one via Ballarat Revealed .

Learn about the beginnings of Ballarat from the corner of Sturt and Grenville streets and take in buildings ranging from the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, which has been edifying and entertaining locals for more than 150 years, to the long-running Her Majesty’s Theatre and sites including Ballarat’s very own Turkish Bath House – now a skate ramp.

Ballarat was built on the wealth derived from the gold found there, as the preserved heritage streetscape reflects.

2. Visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat

Another of Ballarat’s truly grand heritage buildings, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is, in fact, Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery. Opened in 1884, it boasts an impressive collection of Australian art history from the early colonial period to the present day. Today its collection is presented alongside touring and temporary exhibitions across its elegant 19 th -century rooms and contemporary architectural additions. The gift shop is great, too, selling art books and products by local artisans.

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery.

A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s collection.

3. Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill

Since 1970, Sovereign Hill has been telling the tale of life as it was in 1850s Ballarat, during the greatest shallow alluvial gold rush the world has ever seen. A living outdoor museum built on a former gold-mining site, today it’s a Ballarat icon: costumed characters and horse and carts populate a goldfields town full of shops, hotels, a theatre, schools, factories, a gold diggings and underground mines.

A new immersive theatre experience, Aura, launched last year to add to the experience. This light and sound show unfolds through hundreds of projections that follow the story of gold from its very beginnings, incorporating the Wadawurrung creation story, right up until the current day. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package.

Costumed characters populate a gold rush town at Sovereign Hill, a living outdoor museum.

4. Have a history lesson at the Eureka Centre

Visit the Eureka Centre to experience another important part of Australian history: the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion and the home of the Eureka Flag – one of the nation’s most important cultural artefacts. Through art installations and digital technology at this modern museum, you’ll hear the stories of the men and women who fought for miners’ rights and helped inform the development of modern democratic Australia, as well as learning about the cultural impact of the gold rush.

5. Experience a festival

Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. White Night Ballarat takes place in spring and sees the city’s iconic buildings, cultural institutions and streets brought to life with projections, installations, performances and music. Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights brings similar illumination to the depth of winter.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale presents a showcase of photographic exhibitions, talks, workshops and events every two years in spring.

6. Take an artisan masterclass

Tap into Ballarat’s rich history of craftsmanship by signing up for a workshop or masterclass with one of its local artisans. Ballarat’s Lost Ones Gallery, housed in an old masonic hall, hosts a Makers Studio with leatherwork and jewellery-making workshops, while Adam Parker of Parker Knives hosts much in-demand knifemaking workshops throughout the year. And keep an eye on colourful ceramicist Ruby Pilven ’s website for upcoming workshops.

Or head 15 minutes south out of the city centre to the country town of Buninyong, where master green woodsmith Paul Ryle is keeping traditional woodcrafts alive. Join an outdoor spoon-carving workshop for an introduction to green woodworking (which uses freshly cut, unseasoned woods as well as energy-efficient, unpowered hand tools) and take the fruits of your labour home.

Choose from one of the many masterclass and artisan workshops on offer in Ballarat.

7. Sample Ballarat’s wine region

In addition to a flourishing dining scene , Ballarat is home to its own boutique wine region, which specialises in cold-climate wines like pinot noir, chardonnay and delicate sparklings, as well as riesling and shiraz.

Don’t miss a tasting at Eastern Peake Vineyard , 20 minutes north of town at Coghills Creek, where second-generation winemaker Owen Latta, Gourmet Traveller ’s Australian Young Winemaker 2018, has been making waves with the family-run property’s eponymous label and his own natural LATTA Vino label.

Look out for his wines served at the best spots in town, including Mitchell Harris Wine Bar , which – as well as producing its own wines – acts as a cellar door for the region and hosts tastings and other events.

Make your way to one of Ballarat’s first class wineries.

Ballarat is home to its own boutique wine region.

8. Have an unforgettable dining experience

You’ll definitely find Owen Latta’s wines at Underbar , the pièce de résistance of Ballarat’s foodie renaissance . Located in an unassuming space with no sign at the door, Underbar is a 16-seat fine-dining restaurant that opens on Friday and Saturday evenings to serve a seasonal tasting menu shaped by the surrounds courtesy of chef Derek Boath. Reservations open on the first day of each month and get snapped up quickly.

Committed foodie? In addition to sampling Ballarat’s ever-growing wining and dining scene, time your visit to coincide with Ballarat’s Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Regional Edition in November. Expect to find the region’s best chefs curating a unique dining series served within some of the city’s most historic buildings.

Book well in advance to dine at Ballarat’s fine-dining restaurant, Underbar.

9. Spend an afternoon at Lake Wendouree

Take a walk around Ballarat’s picturesque Lake Wendouree, originally a swamp and now one of the nicest ways you can spend a sunny afternoon. After a botanic garden was laid out on its western shore in the 1850s, the lake itself saw a transformation and by the 1870s it had two rowing clubs and pleasure craft to recommend it as the recreational hub it remains to this day.

Have a casual bite at the Yacht Club , admire the quaint and historic Lake Wendouree boat sheds and then take to the water for a trip back in time onboard the replica Golden City Paddle Steamer . This 45-minute cruise takes in scenic views and the history of the lake, operating on Sundays from November to May each year.

Lake Wendouree is one of the best places in Ballarat to spend a sunny afternoon.

10. Explore Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Wander through the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the western side of Lake Wendouree: regional Victoria’s oldest inland botanic gardens is a medley of mature trees and marble statues set within colourful flowerbeds. Covering 40 hectares, it’s also home to the Robert Clark Conservatory, a striking modern build harbouring an oasis of seasonal displays that’s a hub for the Ballarat Begonia Festival held each March.

The gardens are also home to the Ballarat Tramway Museum , which provides the chance to ride in one of the 100-year-old trams that provided Ballarat’s public transport until 1971. A 20-minute ride, it journeys through the gardens and alongside Lake Wendouree.

Step inside the the Robert Clark Conservatory inside the Botanical Gardens in Ballarat.

11. Drive out to Tuki Trout Farm

Whether you’re an avid fisher or not, a trip to Tuki Trout Farm offers a unique experience and rural idyll 40 minutes from Ballarat – set at the end of an unsealed road on top of a hill with verdant valley views.

The ponds here are stocked with rainbow trouts and visitors are guaranteed a catch; you can then have it cooked in the restaurant. Dishes here include such pond- and paddock-to-plate offerings as fresh-baked rainbow trout served bone-free with crushed green peppercorn dressing, roast potatoes and locally baked bread, and cut-of-the-day lamb.

The property also has its own on-site accommodation, Tuki Retreat, which offers cosy stone or weatherboard cottages with open fires.

Fish for rainbow trout at Tuki Trout Farm.

12. Meet the animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park

Family-run Ballarat Wildlife Park is home to a large variety of native Australian animals and other exotic creatures, including free-roaming kangaroos, eight resident wombats and a colony of little penguins. Meet Maneki and Satu, the park’s resident Sumatran tigers, and choose from a number of animal encounters with meerkats, koalas and even a giant tortoise who’s over 80 years old.

For more family fun, check out Kryal Castle : an adventure park and accommodation based in a replica medieval castle a little further east out of town from Ballarat Wildlife Park.

Keep planning your holiday with our travel guide to Ballarat.

Imogen Eveson is the editor of Australian Traveller and International Traveller’s print titles. Whether exploring a regional Aussie town or a Barcelona barrio, she loves getting under the skin of the places she visits and reflecting that feeling back to readers in her writing.

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Things to do in Ballarat: A Ballarat Travel Guide

Posted on Last updated: February 10, 2020

During an exciting winter weekend trip this year, Ballarat really did prove to be a worthwhile travel destination in Victoria. There are so many things to do in Ballarat, and it’s only just over an hour’s journey from Melbourne. This Ballarat travel guide will outline some amazing places I got to experience, with even more possibility in the surrounding areas as well.

When I heard about the Ballarat Winter Festival, I knew that I had to plan a weekend trip from Melbourne. I may have hung up my clothes from attending tons of amazing Aussie music festivals over the summer, but the colder winter months meant planning some more cozy getaways – learning some history, exploring more nature, and discovering gems in regional Victoria.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when planning my visit to Ballarat. I usually tend to be more of a beaches + nature person (but let’s be honest, I’ll explore just about anything). But when I learned about all the rich history out here and fun things to do in Ballarat in any season, I knew I had to check it out.

Visit Ballarat was able to help me with the absolute perfect weekend itinerary. It included LOTS of delicious and trendy eateries (more than I knew existed out here!), some awesome wintertime activities as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival, wildlife, gorgeous views, and more places to visit in Ballarat.

As soon as we checked into our luxurious apartment looking out over Lake Wendouree, I knew I was going to be sold on this city… and with our first delicious meal, it was sealed!

Hey! This guide to all the best things to do in Ballarat is pretty long. Why not pin it to your Pinterest boards to save for later?

Things to Do in Ballarat

Sovereign hill.

Sovereign Hill is perhaps the most notable of the things to do in Ballarat – it’s a must-do for all ages! This replica gold rush town has actually been constructed from real drawings/paintings of artists who lived in Ballarat during the gold rush that began in the 1850’s. They have done a fantastic job recreating it!

Sovereign Hill has some great accommodation options that look over the old town, and the buildings have recreated the same ones that would have been there in the 1800’s. There are eateries, post offices, gift shops, craft markets, plumbers, general stores, and more! You can even  explore an old mine!

If that’s not looking back into history, I don’t know what is. Walking around Sovereign Hill really makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time, whether you’re a small child or a full-on adult (adults can have fun, too!).

Ballarat Gold Mine Tour

Once inside Sovereign Hill, you can also tour a real Ballarat Gold Mine. Venture underneath the ground to explore the passageways of an old gold mine, similarly reimagined to look as it would have while it was in use. You can take a self-guided tour or also a few different tours that trace the experiences of real people in the mines long ago.

The Red Hill mine at Sovereign Hill may be open to visitors, but believe it or not, there’s actually a REAL mine not too far away. The Ballarat Gold Mine can be found a few kilometers away, within a protected industrial area.

There are actually over 5km of underground mine tunnels underneath the city, but you’ll have to be very special to find your way in there. I would just stick with the Ballarat gold mine tour at Sovereign Hill if I were you!

View from outside the Gold Museum

Gold Museum

Before you visit Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, you’ll definitely want to check out the Gold Museum. I say ‘before’ because the Gold Museum gives you a lot of the background facts and information that will help you understand different parts of the replica town.

The Gold Museum is actually situated atop a hilltop point that was actually once one of the most prolific areas to mine gold in the area (and there’s not a bad view, either!). Inside you’ll learn all about different sizes of gold nuggets found in the area, what gold was/is used for, history about the gold rush and massive immigration to the area, and even see the pictures that Sovereign Hill was created from.

Coming from someone who is sometimes iffy about museums, this one was really fascinating. You really get to learn all about the event that made Melbourne/Victoria boom to an international and multicultural city, and there are tons of fun facts!

Feeding a mumma with a baby in her pouch!

A KOALA CUDDLE!! If that’s not the cutest thing in the world, I don’t know what is.

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Next, the Ballarat Wildlife Park is another of the must-do places to visit in Ballarat. This park isn’t the same as your other, run-of-the-mill wildlife parks where you can gaze at kangaroos behind a fence. I mean, some of the animals are behind fences (and reasonably, too… no thanks, crocodile ), but here dozens of kangaroos, wallabies, and emus run completely free.

You can wander through lots of different types of animals – reptiles, mammals, and even some birds (including penguins of course!) – but the real allure of this park is getting to pat and feed animals in the field.

For a small fee you can bring kangaroo feed with you, and let kangaroo mums and baby joeys eat straight from your hand! The animals are very tame here and enjoy being fed and patted, which, to someone like me from a different country, was VERY exciting! I made loads of new marsupial friends and even imitated a few emu before they ran away from me trying to peck a hole in the fence. Oh well.

This was a highlight of my day for sure, and getting to see animals so different than what I am used to will never get old during my time in Australia!

One of many rowing clubs along Lake Wendouree

Lake Wendouree

Lake Wendouree is a fairly large lake just outside the Ballarat CBD. This lake is amazing for going on walks/runs (it’s about 6k round trip) and also plays host to the city’s many rowing clubs.

On any morning lots of rowing boats cut their way across the water, dozens of people run and walk the perimeter, and even more look on from waterside restaurants. The lake is bordered with leafy green trees and plenty of places to relax in the sun. This Lake provides a lovely little escape from an otherwise landlocked town, and is a mustt to at least check out when deciding on the best things to do in Ballarat.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

On the opposite side of Lake Wendouree from the city, you’ll find the beautiful Ballarat Botanic Gardens. These gardens hold tons of different kinds of events, and are one of Australia’s most amazing cool climate gardens.

Wander through all the gorgeous trees, flowers, marble statues, and even greenhouses on a nice sunny day. Why not add it into your adventure around Lake Wendouree?

Ballarat CBD

Well you can’t leave our the city center when naming things to do in Ballarat now, can you? Of course, Ballarat’s city center deserves an exploration of its own. There are quite a few historic buildings you can tour, namely the Town Hall (1860’s), the Regent Threatre (1930’s) and more along  the main street, Sturt.

Sturt is a massive central street, separated by a leafy green area of grass and trees. It’s lined with mostly historic buildings, but sprinkled with a bit of more modern ones as well. This area is also home to tons of the city’s best eateries, museums, bars, and more.

Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is just off Sturt Street. It is best known for hosting regional art, and better yet, being the biggest and oldest art museum in Australia to do so! How’s that for a claim to fame?

You can find exhibitions from throughout the history of Australian art within this heritage-listed museum, from contemporary, to photography, to sculpture, to Victorian. Want to know the best part? It’s free!

Eureka Center

The Eureka Center is another historic center located on the site of one of Australia’s most defining rebellions – the Eureka stockade. I don’t want to bore you so I’ll keep this short – but they say the Eureka Stockade was the foundation of moderns Australian democracy.

Why? Because gold miners started a rebellion in 1854 to fight to be given rights to vote, own land, and pay less crippling mining fees. They flew a special flag rather than the Victorian flag, which they named called the Eureka Flag.

Although this rebellion was a huge failure (the military flattened it – killed more than 20 people in the first 30 mins), they were given the rights they wanted in the end when the news of a big rebellion got back to the UK.

Kept that nice and short and sweet now, didn’t I?! That’s quite impressive for a tour guide, if you ask me! Anyway – this center is on the site of that rebellion. It has tons of info about it and the area, and houses the original Eureka Flag, which you will see absolutely everywhere in Ballarat. No, like EVERYWHERE. Honestly, keep your eyes out – you’ll see what I mean.

Can you see the rainstorm approaching in the distance?!

Mount Buninyong

Mount Buninyong is another towering mountain (okay, let’s me honest – it’s more of a medium-sized hill) that is visible from around Ballarat. If you take the winding road up to the top, you’ll find a massive tower with stairs all the way to a platform up at the top. It’s the perfect amount taller than the hilltop trees, giving you panoramic views around the gorgeous countryside.

You can nearly see to the city, but what will be most impressive here is the view of surrounding farmland- green fields, paddocks, and bushland. Just don’t get caught in a rainstorm like we did! Either way, I love a good viewpoint, so this adventure was a highlight of all the things to do in Ballarat.

Kryal Castle

Ohhh, Kryal Castle. Although fairly dated, it will always be a staple of Ballarat. Located at the base of the big hill you can see from the city center (aka, like a 10 minute drive), Kryal Castle is a replicated medieval castle. Like, and actual castle, with big grey stone walls, towers, a moat, and all.

It’s complete with knights, dragons, rides, archery, pony rides, jester performances, and even medieval jousting shows! A highlight is watching horses gallop against each other through the sandy arena, surrounded by cheering fans. Of course this place is best suited for children, but it you can let that inner child free everyone will have fun.

Enjoying my Winter Wonderlights ginerbread man lollipop during my bush walk in the Woowookarung regional park!

Woowookarung Regional Park Viewpoint

This little park is a bit hard to come by, but once you get to the right part, the view is amazing! Woowookarung Regional park is on an elevated bit of bush just outside the city. The best scenic lookout ( visible here on Google Maps for clarity ) has a fantastic view of the city and also some great bushwalking trails.

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a few picnic tables just off the road, and can pick out some buildings from the city in the distance!

Things to Do in Ballarat in Winter – Ballarat Winter Festival

Okay, so here we go with the specific things to do in Ballarat in Winter. They throw an absolutely MAGICAL ‘Christmas in July,’ which to my delight is actually a huge thing down here in Australia.

Clearly, the coldest month of July warrants the celebration of a more ‘stereotypical’ Christmas (northern hemisphere-style) full of snow, mulled wine, and Christmas sweaters. I mean, it makes sense when a classic Aussie Christmas includes barbecuing, cricket, and beach time in the sun!

Winter Wonderlights Festival at Sovereign Hill

So, I’ve already told you about how incredible Sovereign Hill is as a replica Gold Rush Town. Now, picture this: make the temperature nice and cold, and add in heaps of traditionally dressed villagers, bands, and processions. Picture amazing color-changing bright lights and scenes projected onto each and every building to music, and add in TONS of fake snow (it was really bubbles, but shhh). Picture EVERYTHING lit up, with workshops like arts and crafts and gold panning going on throughout the tiny town overlooking the city.

Sound magical? Yep, thats because IT WAS. I felt more Christmas spirit here than I have in quite a few years of warm Christmases…. and IT WAS JULY.

I’m great at ice skating, I swear! 😛

Ice Skating

Christmastime isn’t complete without ice skating, is it? I most certainly don’t think so, and if you agree with me you can visit the ice skating rink as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival. It’s conveniently located smack-dab in the city center, between the mall and the Town Hall.

It’s perfectly mixed in with a delicious brekky in the city and a few other CBD activities. There are even little penguin sleds for the little ones who may not be the most adept at ice skating quite yet 😉

Design Exchange Winter Market

The Design Exchange is yet another special event on at the Ballarat Winter Festival. This market is held in yet another open historic building, and will showcase the best of the artisan crafts that Ballarat is so well-known for. You can find artists of all kinds showcasing their handmade items and innovative design. In true Ballarat fashion, you can also expect certain showcases and workshops lead by the artists themselves.

Getting Around Ballarat

Getting around Ballarat is fairly easy, whether you have your own car or not. There are actually plenty of ubers around town if you’d like a quick car hire, or driving your own car around is fairly simple with plenty of parking around. If not, the city center is quite quaint and small and very possible to walk around on foot, too!

Where to Drink/Eat in Ballarat

Moon & Mountain

We tried Moon & Mountain as soon as we arrived in Ballarat after driving from Melbourne, and oh what a warm welcome it was! This quaint little restaurant would best be labeled as ‘asian fusion,’ with asian-inspired dishes with a well-presented and Aussie twist.

I was first blown away by a few asian-inspired cocktails on the list, and we were quickly drawn to the ‘full moon’ tasting platter menu for two. This included seven or so different small courses from various facets of the menu, including chilli oysters, DIY pork belly spring rolls, salmon sashimi, chicken curry, and more. I mean… how could we not?!

Webster’s Market & Cafe

On the first morning of our weekend trip to Ballarat, we were welcomed warmly by Webster’s Market & Cafe down a quaint residential street near Lake Wendouree. Our lives were immediately completed by a breakfast tasting board (chia parfait, smashed avo + smoked salmon and eggs, home made jam on toast) and a chorizo egg + toast dish.

I reckon all good couples should order two dishes and split them both, so that’s exactly what we did (and always do)! It’s the way to try more things, if you ask me. We downed our delicious coffee and these scrumptios breakfast dishes by a green and leafy plant wall inside the warm restaurant. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day (or, should I say brunch because I rarely wake up in time…), and this was a great wake-up.

Can I finish all of this?!

Forge Pizzeria

Although we were basically still full from brekky, when lunch time rolled around we knew we had to make room to try a new place because we only had so much time to do   eat all the things to do  eat in Ballarat. It was quickly becoming obvious that we would hardly scratch the surface! But we were going to have a damn good try.

At lunchtime we popped into the Forge Pizzeria – a large, brick, warehouse-style pizzeria right on the main cross street. It had a cozy and rustic vibe to match an old newspaper-style menu with just as much fun stories and info as there were items on the menu.

We started with a – you guessed it – tasting platter of a charcuterie board. Can you sense a common theme here?! 😛 Our jaws hit the floor when it came out, too – it was piled high with herbed flatbread and, like, a million different styles of meat. Well maybe realistically about 7 or 8, but who’s counting here?! We didn’t have time for that when sifting through prosciutto, chorizo, salami, and a few other delicious and spicy things I forgot the name of.

Although already stuffed, we ordered a pumpkin and feta pizza with two Aperol spritz’s to wash it down (obviously). We nearly had to roll each other out of the restaurant after this one, but luckily we were headed for a packed night at the Winter Wonderlights festival afterwards.

The Pub with Two Names

This one came after our fun night at Sovereign Hill, so somehow we were actually hungry again! We made our way back into town to check out The Pub with Two Names, better known as The PWTN (which is how you’ll find it on maps and social media).

This was yet another lively yet cozy venue, with a bit of a twist on classic pub food. We tried croquettes and a risotto, and had a bit of a splash out on their steak when we heard it was delicious. The rumors were true – and we had officially eater FAR too much in one day but were oh-so-happily full! Make sure to try their desserts at the end too – I’m not usually a dessert person but their home-baked treats were to die for! 

Yellow Espresso

Ah, our last morning meal for out Ballarat weekend trip. It had to be Yellow Espresso – recommended to be both by Visit Ballarat and a few local friends! This one is right on Sturt street, with a trendy and leafy restaurant and tables out on the street for warmer days.

Yellow espresso was another delish and classic Aussie breakfast meal. After much deliberation we settles on the Eggs Benedict and Truffle egg toast, with a tumeric latte and a flat white. It was amazing, of course. I feel like there would have been no way to go wrong on this menu, though – a perfect start to the day!

Where to Drink in Ballarat

The lost ones basement bar.

This is an awesome 1920’s style bar just off of Sturt Street. Come in here for an array of classic cocktails in what I can best describe as a speakeasy vibe. It’s definitely one of the trendier bars in town! If you come in the day, there’s also an art gallery upstairs that you can check out, drink in hand.

Hope temple is also right in the Ballarat CBD. As its name suggests, it truly is the temple of hops – aka TONS of fantastic beer! They have a lot on offer, both of local and national beers. My best recommendation is to get there early on a weekend to make sure there will be a space for you to sit, and to try ordering the beer flights so you can try a few different ones.

Where to Stay in Ballarat

Lake wendouree luxury apartments.

For the perfect balance between proximity to the city and some gorgeous nature, we stayed in Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments. From our top corner room we woke up to a sunrise over the lake, which despite the cold was still inviting enough to coax us out for a morning walk.

These two-bedroom apartments are decked out with all the trimmings – fluffy blankets, comfy couches, books and interesting trinkets, TV’s in each room, full kitchen with all your coffee and tea needs, and pristine stocked bathrooms. We truly didn’t want to leave this warm haven of an apartment – can we stay forever next time, please?!

Places to Visit Outside Ballarat

Making a weekend trip to Ballarat from Melbourne, or anywhere else for that matter? Make sure to check out the amazing things to do around Ballarat, too. There are some awesome areas of nature, mountains, and countryside outside the city that warrant a visit just as much. Here are a few ideas!

Pyrenees Wine Region + Mountains

While it may be a bit different than the European mountain range of the same name, the Victorian Pyrenees are worthy of a visit just the same – both for the outdoor adventurers AND the wine lovers!

The Pyrenees mountains are a southern section of the Great Dividing Range, and their climate lends them well to be a fantastic wine region of Victoria. Dozens of family-owned wineries sprawl out through the scenic rolling hills of the region, making it a fantastic destination for views and delicious wine. There are over 20 wineries that will often host events and tastings for the ones who venture out into rural Victoria in search of hidden gems.

For the hikers, check out some amazing hiking trails in the area. If you’re a bit more advanced, there’s actually a full-day 24km Pyrenees Endurance Walk that touches on lots of gorgeous areas. For people in search of a quicker hike, check out the Ebling Track Walks or the Sugarloaf Track walk, too.

Tuki Trout Farm

While it miiiight not sound the most appealing, this place is much more than a trout farm, and more of a rustic and luxurious location where you can literally catch your own food and eat it moments later.

The Tuki Trout Farm outside Ballarat is home to luxurious, self-contained accommodation, a fantastic restaurant, and quite a lot of trout who are sadly awaiting their last fate as someone’s lunch. The views from the property are bar-none, and you can watch the soft golden sunset  over fields of distant sheep, from your balcony overlooking the pond. Next getaway? I think: yes.

Privacy Overview

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ballarat

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Known as one of the richest goldfields on earth , Ballarat and the surrounding region still harbor treasures. With a vibrant arts culture, historic buildings on wide leafy streets, and award-winning country restaurants, Ballarat is a hot spot for tourists, especially history buffs and foodies.

When the gold rush started in 1851 in Victoria, thousands of prospectors came here to make their fortune. Ballarat was also the location of the famous Eureka Stockade, a key event in Australian history. Today, gold is still mined, and the region attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Ballarat makes a great base to explore the region . From mine experiences and fantastic art galleries and museums to historic architecture and natural attractions like Lal Lal Falls, you'll find plenty of things to do. Foodies can feast their way around the region's fabulous restaurants and artisan foods. And when you've exhausted all the Ballarat experiences, you can take day trips to culture-rich Bendigo, the beautiful Macedon Ranges, and some of the quaint country towns in the region.

Although this is a four-seasons destination, autumn is considered prime time, when the region is ablaze with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. For ideas on the best places to visit, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Ballarat.

See also: Where to Stay in Ballarat, Bendigo, and the Macedon Ranges

1. Lydiard Street & Ballarat's Gold Rush History

2. sovereign hill, ballarat, 3. ballarat wildlife park, 4. ballarat botanical gardens, 5. art gallery of ballarat, 6. wander around lake wendouree, 7. eureka centre ballarat, 8. take a day trip to bendigo, 9. take a scenic drive to mount macedon & hanging rock reserve, 10. maldon day trip, 11. linger at lal lal falls, 12. castlemaine day trip, 13. daylesford day trip, 14. stop by kyneton, where to stay in ballarat for sightseeing.

As Victoria's largest inland city, Ballarat is a major commercial center, but it's also rich in culture and history. In town, the elegant blue-stone and hand-made brick historic buildings jolt you back in time to the gold rush days.

Lydiard Street is one of the oldest parts of town and a great place to kick off a tour. Head to the visitor center and pick up a brochure and map for the self-guided Historic Streetscapes Walking Tour , which explains the history of each building and focuses on three important streets: Lydiard Street, Sturt Street, and Camp Street. It's one of the best free things to do in Ballarat.

Architectural highlights on the Lydiard Street Walking Trail include the magnificent Her Majesty's Theatre , one of Australia's oldest surviving theaters; historic churches; Craig's Royal Hotel ; and the Former Mining Exchange. Also, don't miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat, focusing on Australian art, from the colonial era to the present day.

Sturt Street was the original stock route, and Camp Street displays an interesting mingling of architectural styles.

But perhaps the most popular way to soak up this fascinating period of history is with a visit to Sovereign Hill , one of the country's most evocative historical attractions. Also don't miss the Eureka Centre, which tells the story of this important event in Australian history.

As a multi award-winning attraction, Sovereign Hill is considered one of the best authentic historical experiences in Australia. Set on an original mine site, it is more than a living museum, it transports you right back to 1851. Here, you can experience the gold rush days through daily demonstrations, workshops, museums, mine adventures, and multi-media displays. It's one of the best things to do in Ballarat for families.

During the day, wander the quaint shops of Main Street , mingling with actors dressed in period costume, explore the underground mine, ride the horse-drawn coach tour through the township, or strike it rich panning for gold in the river.

In the evening, a spectacular sound and light show tells the story of the 1854 Eureka Uprising, an important part of Australian history. Seeing this show, is one of the most popular things to do in Ballarat at night.

Insider's tips: To get the most out of your time here, check the program and map on the website, so you don't miss out on any demonstrations and events. Also, the carriage, mine tours, and gold pour tours book up quickly – try to reserve these early. Need more time to explore all the attractions? Purchase a two-day pass for a little extra, and you can take your time soaking up all the fun.

Address: Bradshaw Street, Ballarat, Victoria

Official site: http://www.sovereignhill.com.au

Need a break from all the historical attractions? Ballarat Wildlife Park is the perfect place to visit for the whole family – especially if you love animals. Kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, emus, wombats, little penguins, Tasmanian devils, and dingoes are just some of the critters you can meet here. The emus roam freely around the property, as do the kangaroos, and you can hand-feed these friendly marsupials with special food purchased on-site.

Aussie animals are not the only residents at Ballarat Wildlife Park. You can also see magnificent Sumatran tigers, giant tortoises, meerkats, and other species from around the world, and if you love snakes and crocs, head to the reptile house to meet "Crunch," a mammoth five-meter-long "super croc."

Conservation programs help save the species you connect with here. Join the mission by sponsoring an animal. Interactive animal encounters add to all the fun. And yes, you can even cuddle a koala!

Address: Corner of York & Fussell Streets, Ballarat East, Victoria

Official site: https://wildlifepark.com.au/

On the western shore of Lake Wendouree, the beautiful 40-acre Ballarat Botanical Gardens are among the best cold climate gardens in Australia . Organized into four different zones, this well-manicured botanical collection has been a top tourist attraction in Ballarat for more than 150 years, attracting garden lovers from around the world.

A highlight is the Robert Clark Conservatory. It brims with a collection of colorful seasonal blooms, from hydrangeas, fuchsias, and pelargoniums in the summer to cyclamen, cineraria, and primula in the winter. Visit in the fall, and you can see an impressive display of begonias here, which coincide with the popular Ballarat Begonia Festival .

Other things to see here include the floral clock, the sensory garden, and lovely views of Lake Wendouree (keep an eye out for the black swans). You'll also see some impressive tree specimens, from conifers and native trees to deciduous trees; around 52 specimens are listed on the National Trust Significant Trees Register.

Ready for a walk through Australian political history? At the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, you can stroll down Prime Ministers Avenue. Gracing the Horse Chestnut Avenue of the Gardens, these bronze portraits of Australia's 28 prime ministers are mounted on polished granite pedestals. It's an elegant addition to these impressive gardens, and one of the more unusual things to do in Ballarat. Another highlight are the unique marble sculptures, known as the Stoddard Collection, which punctuate the garden.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens are also a lovely place to visit for a picnic. Lay out your rug on the rolling lawns, inhale the fragrance of mature pines and freshly-mowed grass, and soak up all the botanical beauty.

Address: The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat, Victoria

Established in 1884 , Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and largest regional art gallery – and one of its best. It's located in the heart of Ballarat's central heritage precinct, and its elegant heritage-listed building with striking contemporary additions reflects the diversity of work within, from colonial-era pieces to cutting-edge contemporary works.

Australian artists are the focus here. But you can also admire works spanning a range of origins, genres, and mediums, including painting, works on paper, sculptures, and ceramics. Upstairs, the galleries are displayed in specific themes, including: country, place, home, and disruption, which provide a unique perspective on the works.

To get the most out of your visit here, you can join a free guided tour of the collection with one of the friendly volunteers. They are offered most days at 11am, but check before you visit to make sure they are running.

A bonus: Entry to the Art Gallery of Ballarat is free and includes most of the temporary exhibitions. With all this exceptional art packed into evocative gallery spaces, this is another one of the best things to do in Ballarat for free.

Address: 40 Lydiard Street, Nth, Ballarat, Victoria

Official site: https://artgalleryofballarat.com.au/visit/

Craving some fresh air and sunshine? Lake Wendouree offers a peaceful slice of nature in the heart of Ballarat. Right near the Ballarat Botanical Gardens , this tranquil tree-lined lake and its surrounding parkland is a popular place to stretch your legs on a sunny day.

The six-kilometer Steve Moneghetti running and walking track rings the lake, and you can also bike around this picturesque green space on the cycling trails. Other things to do at Lake Wendouree include fishing and sailing on the lake; bird-watching (black swans and ducks are the favorites); or tackling the 2000-meter rowing course, which hosted events at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Kids can clamber all over the playground equipment.

Lake Wendouree is also a popular place for a picnic. Lay out your blanket, fire up one of the barbecues, and take a break from sightseeing as you stretch out on the lush lawns.

The excellent Eureka Centre sits on the site of the historic 1854 Eureka Stockade rebellion. Learn all about this transformative event in the history of Australian democracy through the thought-provoking exhibits and interactive digital displays at this popular museum.

In 1854, disgruntled gold miners rebelled against corrupt government officials. Together, they swore allegiance to the Southern Cross flag at Bakery Hill and built a stockade at the Eureka mines nearby. Early on Dec 3, 1854, government forces attacked the thinly guarded stockade, a clash that killed at least 22 gold miners and six soldiers. This fight for the rights of miners fueled egalitarian sentiment and democratic values in Australia, which continue to this day.

The Eureka Centre explores this important event, and other historical and cultural impacts of Victorian gold mining. You can also learn about the poignant stories of miners involved in the rebellion. Among the museum's highlights is the restored Eureka flag – one of the country's top cultural treasures.

The Eureka Centre sits in the grounds of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park . Save time to stroll around the pond under the shady trees, and read the interpretive plaques and monuments honoring those involved in the Eureka Stockade. Kids can also burn off steam in the playground.

Address: 102 Stawell Street South, Eureka (Ballarat), Victoria

Official site: https://www.eurekacentreballarat.com.au/

One of Victoria's largest regional towns, Bendigo buzzes with cultural attractions and lively cafés and restaurants. It's about a 90-minute drive from Ballarat. Grand European-style architecture with a distinctly Australian feel, wide tree-lined boulevards, and an abundance of art galleries and churches make for a surprise at every turn.

For a taste of Bendigo's gold mining history, sign up for a subterranean adventure at the Central Deborah Gold Mine . Bendigo also has a rich Chinese history. The heritage-listed Bendigo Chinese Joss House is a reminder of the important role Chinese immigrants played in the gold rush, and the excellent Golden Dragon Museum also explores this history with fascinating exhibits of Chinese art and cultural artifacts.

Art and architecture lovers will also find plenty of things to do in Bendigo. One of Australia's largest and oldest regional art galleries, the Bendigo Art Gallery often hosts world-class exhibitions in addition to its superb collection of European and Australian paintings, including contemporary Australian works. Bendigo Pottery is Australia's oldest working pottery and a great place to pick up a unique gift, and the magnificent Sacred Heart Cathedral is the most recognized landmark in Bendigo and one of the largest churches in Australia.

Family-friendly Bendigo attractions include the Discovery Science & Technology Centre, with more than 100 kid-friendly interactive exhibits, and peaceful Rosalind Park, a prime spot for a picnic or a relaxing walk in the heart of the city. You can also enjoy a stroll around bird-rich Lake Weeroona .

A great way to explore many of these attractions is on a Bendigo Tramways tour, a narrated hop-on, hop-off journey through the city.

Are you looking for scenic drives around Ballarat? About a 70-minute drive away, the town of Mount Macedon and the surrounding region offer spectacular scenery. It's especially beautiful in the fall, when the trees are ablaze with fiery hues. Along the way, you can stop at some of Victoria's quaint country villages, like Maldon and Clunes.

Mount Macedon nestles at the base of its namesake mountain and was a popular escape from the summer heat for Melbourne's well-to-do after the gold rush. Today, nature lovers and green thumbs will find plenty of things to see and do in the area.

A favorite activity is hiking the trails at Hanging Rock Reserve . About a 15-minute drive from town, this beautiful slice of nature with volcanic rock columns was the setting for the classic Aussie film, Picnic at Hanging Rock, based on the book by Joan Lindsay. And yes, you can enjoy a picnic here, too.

Mount Macedon's gorgeous gardens and parks are another highlight. Forest Glade Gardens features English, Japanese, woodland, and fern gardens.

For spectacular views across the Dandenong Ranges and beyond to Melbourne's distant skyscrapers, head to Macedon Regional Park and hike up to the lookout on the slopes of 1,000-meter-high Mount Macedon (known as Geburrh by the local Wurundjeri people). The Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross here commemorates those who fought in all the wars.

Nearby Camels Hump is the mountain's highest point, and you can hike to it in less than 20 minutes from the parking lot. Other fun things to do in the park include scenic drives, bushwalking trails, and wildlife spotting.

About an hour's drive from Ballarat, quaint Maldon offers a small-town taste of the gold rush era. Surrounded by hills and a forested landscape, its Main Street is lined with perfectly preserved 19th-century buildings housing an eclectic assortment of antique shops, cafés, restaurants, and galleries.

Protected by the National Trust, Maldon was named Australia's first "notable town," and you can take a walking tour to appreciate its rich history. Highlights among the town's historic buildings include the Grand Hotel (1888), the post office (1870), and the Maldon Railway Station (1884). Foodies can follow the Maldon Taste of Gold trail to sample some of the town's artisan delights.

For the best views of the area, head to the top of Anzac Hill, or drive up to the lookout of Mt. Tarrangower , and if you're a music lover and have a chance to visit in the spring, the Maldon Folk Festival is a popular event featuring folk music, theater, and dance.

A fun way to travel here is aboard a restored steam train, courtesy of Victorian Goldfields Railway. The train chugs along the beautiful 18-kilometer journey between Maldon and Castlemaine Wednesdays and most weekends.

About a 30-minute drive from Ballarat, Lal Lal Falls, meaning "dashing of waters," is a spiritually significant site in Aboriginal history. Best visited after strong rains, the falls sit majestically among a series of gorges with an easily accessible viewing platform. Walking trails link throughout the reserve.

Another highlight is the unique preserved blast furnace, a relic of 19th-century industrialism that centered on the manufacturing of bricks, pottery, china, and paper in the area. This is a popular stop on road trips from Ballarat.

In the heart of the goldfields, Castlemaine is another beautifully restored village worth visiting on a day trip from Ballarat. With wide streets and narrow laneways, the small town is popular with art, garden, and food lovers. Several excellent, organic food cafés serve seasonal local cuisine, and you'll also find antiquarian bookshops sprinkled around town.

Over the past few years, a niche market in original one-off clothing shops has sprung up along Mostyn Street , and the Restorer's Barn is a goldmine for anyone interested in antiques and building materials.

Nature lovers and families enjoy strolling around the picturesque walking paths at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, and kids will love the playground. After a visit here, stop by the Mill Castlemaine , opposite the gardens, where you can purchase a treat from the Viennese cafe, enjoy a fresh-brewed coffee, and shop for antiques and vintage treasures all under one roof.

Other popular things to do in Castlemaine include browsing the Castlemaine Art Museum , which spotlights Australian artists, and touring the Buda Historic Home and Garden , filled with art and antiques and surrounded by lovely heritage gardens.

The nearby tiny village of Clunes is the place where gold was first discovered in Victoria in 1851, and its heritage streetscape is worth a look if you have time.

To arrive in Castlemaine in a style befitting the town's history, hop aboard a Victorian Goldfields Railway heritage steam train from Maldon .

Nestled on the edge of the Wombat State Forest, about a 40-minute drive from Ballarat, Daylesford is a gold town with a difference.

Swiss and Italian immigrants settled here during the gold rush not only for the gold, but also the water. Together with twin town Hepburn Springs , Daylesford is the spa capital of Australia and one of the most popular weekend getaways from Melbourne . Mineral springs complete with hand pumps are dotted throughout the area, and you'll also find many wellness retreats specializing in spa treatments.

Walking "peace mile," the designated trail around Lake Daylesford , is a daily ritual for many locals, and the town's award-winning restaurants serve creatively prepared local produce. On the water's edge, the elegant Lake House is Victoria's most celebrated country house.

If you have time, stop by Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm , about a 15-minute drive north of Daylesford . This working lavender farm is a lovely place to grab a bite to eat and pick up some lavender-infused products. During summer, you can see the lavender being harvested by hand using traditional sickles. You can also capture beautiful photos when the fields are in full bloom.

Just over an hour's drive from Ballarat, Kyneton offers tourists a taste of history, health-giving mineral springs, gourmet food, arts, and nature. It's worth a stop if you're heading to the Macedon Ranges, about 20 minutes away.

Historic Piper Street is lined with authentic, beautifully preserved buildings housing a collection of galleries, restaurants, and original shops. Don't miss the lively farmers market if you happen to visit on the second Saturday morning of each month.

Day spas, gourmet restaurants, and organic cafés are other popular places to visit, and nature lovers will enjoy the Campaspe River Walk, which threads through the Botanical Gardens and several historic country properties. The bushwalking trails in Blackhill Reserve offer another popular escape to nature, and the cascades of Turpins Falls are also worth a visit after good rains.

Like the nearby towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Kyneton is also home to natural underground springs, and you can fill up your bottle with the mineral-rich water for free at the hand pump in Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve .

We recommend these highly rated hotels with easy access to the top historic and natural attractions in Ballarat.

• Craig's Royal Hotel , in the center of Ballarat, offers grand gold rush-era luxury, ornate furnishings, high tea, and a continental breakfast.
• Sovereign Park Motor Inn is a 4-star property, a short stroll from Sovereign Hill. Families in particular enjoy the indoor pool with a Jacuzzi and sauna, the games room, and restaurant.
• Seymours on Lydiard is an affordable mid-range choice in Ballarat. Suites and apartments here come with kitchens, and the hotel offers free parking.
• Victoriana Motor Inn : Budget rates, clean rooms, and a quiet setting are the highlights at this Ballarat motel-style property.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Multicultural Melbourne: If you're craving a culture fix, don't miss Victoria's capital city, Melbourne. Museums, galleries, world-class restaurants, and gardens are just some of the top attractions in Melbourne , and you can bask on beautiful beaches and mingle with the wildlife on rewarding day trips from Melbourne .

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Ballarat (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Ballarat (Australia)

The story of Australia’s third-largest inland city is tangled up in the Victorian gold rush of the mid-19th century.

Gold was first discovered in the area in 1851 and this triggered a frenzy that would burn for many decades due to the sheer wealth of the alluvial deposits.

The money created by the gold rush is hard to miss, in the grandeur of the hotels, venues and government buildings on Lydiard Street and the dignified parkland on the west shore of Lake Wendouree.

Sovereign Hill, the epicentre of the gold rush, is now a first-class outdoor museum.

And Ballarat’s Victorian amenities, like an art gallery, botanical garden and tramway, are all preserved for new generations.

1. Sovereign Hill

At Sovereign Hill you’ll be on ground zero for the richest alluvial gold rush in the world.

The Welcome Nugget, the largest gold nugget ever recovered, was found at this very place and weighed almost 70kg.

This 25-hectare site is now an outdoor museum where you can return to the fast-moving first ten years of Ballarat’s European history.

Sovereign Hill has more than 60 replica historic buildings, from a coach-builder’s workshop to a blacksmith’s forge, and a cast of costumed re-enactors are ready to take you back to the Victorian Gold rush.

They will fill you in with interesting facts and figures, to go with heaps of objects from the period, like furniture, mining equipment, documents, photographs, books and art.

This is also a hands-on kind of place, letting you dip your own candle or pan for gold.

And at the heart of the whole experience are presentations, shedding light on the indigenous Wathaurong people who lived on these lands for thousands of years, or Aura, a 3D movie all about gold and Ballarat’s feverish early years.

2. Lake Wendouree

The large body of water on Ballarat’s west shoulder has been around since the 1850s when a patch of swamp was dammed to create a source of drinking water for the nascent town.

Spreading over 238 acres and mostly shallow, the lake was adapted for water sports down the years, and hosted the rowing and canoeing events for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

The islands and reedbeds are an important habitat for waterbirds, and 166 different species have been recorded here, so don’t be surprised to pass a bird-watcher or two.

Tracking the shore is a six-kilometre jogging and walking path, named for renowned distance runner and Ballarat local Steve Moneghetti.

The western shore meanwhile has been a much-loved recreation area for more than 150 years, and along with playgrounds and picnic and barbecue areas has a genteel botanical garden and a museum for Ballarat’s historic tramways.

3. Ballarat Wildlife Park

In almost 40 hectares of scenic bush land, Ballarat Wildlife Park prides itself on its interactivity.

Nealry all of the animals here are native to Australia, counting wombats, koalas, echidnas, quokkas, little penguins and saltwater and freshwater crocodiles.

At some point you’re sure to cross paths with one of the free-roaming emus or kangaroos (more than 100), and these can be fed by hand.

Among the exotic animals at the park are an Aldabra giant tortoise, meerkats and a pair of Sumatran tigers.

You can also sign up for special animal encounters with koalas, meerkats, snakes, wombats, the giant tortoise a tree kangaroo or the a tawny frogmouth.

4. Ballarat Botanical Gardens

One of many parts of Ballarat’s townscape that has been around since the middle of the 19th century is the cool-climate botanical garden on Lake Wendouree’s western shore.

This rolls out over 40 hectares, and features a “gardenesque” Victorian pleasure garden wedged between two sweeps of open parkland to the north and south.

The Botanical Gardens are enriched with a host of monuments, like a set of late 19th-century Italian sculptures depicting figures from Roman mythology, inside a refined pavilion.

There’s an avenue with bronze busts of Australian prime ministers, Australia’s Ex Prisoner of War Memorial (2004) and an imposing modern conservatory with ever-changing displays.

5. Art Gallery of Ballarat

In store at the oldest regional art museum in the country is a complete survey of Australian fine art.

Every period is accounted for, from colonial to contemporary: Starting in the late 19th century, there are works by Jane Sutherland, Louis Buvelot, Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, Rupert Bunny and Walter Withers.

And just some of the major 20th-century artists represented at the Art Gallery of Ballarat are Sidney Nolan, Fred Williams, Arthur Boyd and William Dobel.

A word on the building on Lydiard Street: This Neoclassical bluestone monument from 1884 is one of Australia’s oldest purpose-built art galleries and was given a $7m extension in the early 2000s.

There will be up to four temporary shows happening when you visit, and the gallery is the owner of the historic Eureka Flag, which has been lent to the Eureka Centre (more below).

6. Ballarat Tramway Museum

From the late 19th century to 1971 the easiest way to get around Ballarat was by tram.

This was pulled by horse at first and then electrified in 1905. The network once spanned the entirety of Ballarat, and after it closed a small piece on the shore of Lake Wendouree was left open as a heritage line and museum.

The Ballarat Tramway Museum has a long list of vintage trams, generally from the early 20th century, some built for this system and others brought here from Melbourne.

Most remarkable is Tram No. 1, literally Ballarat’s first horse-drawn tram, discovered being used a sleepout in the 1980s and then restored.

You can visit the depot to inspect the fleet and a trove of tram memorabilia before climbing aboard for a 20-minute ride through the Botanical Gardens.

7. Lydiard Street

The lavish wealth from the Gold rush is manifested in the grand and eclectic architecture flanking this street from the railway station down to the SMB Campus of Federation University Australia.

On this stretch of Lydiard Street there’s a preserved 19th-century townscape, and several of the buildings have beautiful iron verandas with intricate columns and balustrades.

As well as the Art Gallery of Ballarat, look for the Mining Exchange (1887-89), The George Hotel (1854), Her Majesty’s Theatre (1875), Ballarat Town Hall (1870), Craig’s Hotel (1865) and the Provincial Hotel (1909), to name a small few.

Amid the solemn architecture, Lydiard Street has bars, restaurants and other cultural honeypots like the Post Office Gallery and the Regent Multiplex, in a 1930s Art Deco building.

8. Eureka Centre

A landmark in Australian history and democracy, the Eureka Rebellion was waged by miners against the colonial authorities in 1854 during the Victoria Gold rush.

It was caused by a few issues, mainly the expense of a miner’s licence and taxation on mining by colonial powers without representation.

This led to a stockade that was violently crushed, but there was such sympathy for the captured rebels that an act was passed granting suffrage for male colonists (and later women) in the lower house of the Victorian Parliament.

The Eureka Centre is on the site of the stockade and replaced a museum that closed in 2018. There are interactive exhibits explaining the rebellion’s causes and repercussions, and the showpiece is the original Eureka Flag, flown by the rebels.

This design has since become a symbol of democracy and protest by both the left and right wing in Australia.

9. Arch of Victory

This monument, put up just after the First World War near the southwest corner of Prince of Wales Park, is the largest commemorative arch in Australia.

The arch of Victory commemorates those who served in the Great War, and honours the Allied Victory.

It stands 16.5 metres tall and 19.2 metres wide and was later updated to mark the Second World War, Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The initial structure was funded by the female workers hired during the First World War at Eleanor Lucas’s Lingerie Factory and was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales (future Edward VIII). The arch heralds the start of the Avenue of Honour, which was planted with almost 4,000 trees from 11 different species.

10. The Gold Museum

Part of Sovereign Hill, the Gold Museum is just north of the outdoor museum and takes you deeper into the Ballarat region’s gold heritage and cultural history.

The permanent exhibition, Ballarat: Inspired by Gold gives a timeline of the city from prehistory through colonial agriculture and the discovery of gold in 1851. The museum has a big collection of gold artefacts, including nuggets, antique jewellery, giftware and coins, as well as a host of other items like carriages, clothes and mining tools to paint a picture of Ballarat’s sudden growth.

11. Ballarat Railway Station

Arrive in Balarat by train and you’ll be given a stately welcome.

The railway station is a wonderful piece of heritage in a staggering state of preservation.

The building, with a portico, pediment and Italianate tower, has changed little since it opened in 1862, and there are tons of details that have stood the test of time.

Crossing Lydiard Street for instance are Victoria’s largest remaining interlocking mechanical gates: These survive because of fierce campaigning by conservationists in the 80s and 90s.

The complex boasts a 19th-century train shed, signal boxes and goods sheds.

Within the station building the waiting room and cafe have been sympathetically restored, with traditional wooden furniture, and there’s a tourist information point for leaflets and brochures.

12. Kryal Castle

On a ridge dominating a green valley 10 minutes out of Ballarat you might be surprised by the sight of a Medieval-style castle.

Never conquered Kryal Castle was built as long ago as the early-1970s and combines accommodation with a variety of old-timey attractions, shows and entertainment.

You can try and solve the stone-built maze, walk the dimly lit passageways of the Dragon’s Labyrinth, see the grisly exhibits at the Dungeon of Doom, catch a bawdy show at the Jester’s Theatre and watch knights in competition at the Royal Joust and Main Arena.

Within the castle walls there’s also a seasonal inflatable theme park and a magic show at the wizard’s Workroom for younger adventurers.

Every month or so, Kryal Castle also puts on a Medieval-themed murder mystery, inspired by Game of Thrones.

13. Victoria Park

A short walk from the south shore of Lake Wendouree is the wooded expanse of Victoria Park.

Many of the park’s trees were planted in May 1890, when Ballarat’s residents celebrated Victoria’s first Arbor Day.

The park also has big swathes of native grassland, growing wildflowers like purple chocolate lilies, white milkmaids, sweet hound’s tongue, a variety of orchids and scaly buttons.

Along with winding paths, shelters, barbecues and picnic tables, Victoria Park is also equipped with a popular “inclusive play space”, which is designed to be used by children of all abilities.

14. Ballarat Bird World

Open Friday to Monday, this small birdlife attraction is only a few minutes from Sovereign Hill and lets you get close to some of Australia’s most colourful species.

There’s a sizeable free-flight aviary that you can walk through, as well as smaller habitats beside an elevated walkway.

As you go you’ll come across yellow, red and white-tailed black cockatoos, major mitchells, gang-gangs and many more.

Bird World is in landscaped parkland, with a manmade waterfall and lily pond, as well as dinosaur models, including an animatronic triceratops.

The cafe has a wood fire so you can warm up in winter, as well as air-conditioning to cool off in summer.

15. Mount Buninyong

Punctuating the Western Plains to the southeast of Ballarat is an extinct volcano that rises to 745 metres above sea level, at a relief of about 200 metres.

This is visible from as far away as Melbourne and was a vital landmark for Victoria’s early pastoral colonisers.

Long before that time, Mount Buninyong was the spiritual seat of the Keyeet Balug clan of the Wathaurang people (or Wada Warrung), who resided in this area for millennia before European colonisation.

Today it’s protected as a Scenic Reserve, and you’ll be able to take a walk through the crater and scan the Western Plains from the rim of the cone on the south and east sides.

Up here you’ll find a shelter, toilets, barbecue facilities, as well as interpretation boards about the volcano’s natural and human history.

15 Best Things to Do in Ballarat (Australia):

• Sovereign Hill
• Lake Wendouree
• Ballarat Wildlife Park
• Ballarat Botanical Gardens
• Art Gallery of Ballarat
• Ballarat Tramway Museum
• Lydiard Street
• Eureka Centre
• Arch of Victory
• The Gold Museum
• Ballarat Railway Station
• Kryal Castle
• Victoria Park
• Ballarat Bird World
• Mount Buninyong

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Ballarat Visitor Information Centre

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The Ballarat Visitor Information Centre is located in the heart of Ballarat.

The Ballarat Visitor Information Centre greets visitors to the region with a warm welcome and personalised service sharing the full range of experiences that are on offer in Ballarat – along with information on surrounding regions and Melbourne. The Made of Ballarat shop showcases local artisans and producers within the local region, ensuring you complete your visit to Ballarat with a memorable souvenir.

Additional visitor facilities include free visitor parking (including caravan or large vehicle spaces), public toilets, free Wi-Fi and PowerPoints for charging any of your devices.

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• Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
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• Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
• Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
• Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

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Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities.

These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years.

As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.

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Ballarat Information Centre

Address: Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt St, Ballarat

Opening hours: 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 10am-4pm weekends and public holidays (except Christmas Day)

Phone: 1800 44 66 33

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225 sturt street ballarat vic 3350, 1800 44 66 33 | email us.

Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities.

These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years.

As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.