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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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Ballarat’s FREE What’s On & Visitor Guide 

Find  eat    shop    events    art    music, ballarat’s free what’s on & visitor guide.

Best of Ballarat is a comprehensive FREE What’s On and visitor guide that directly targets the tourist market as well as locals. The handy A6 pocket-sized magazine features cafes, restaurants, breweries, retail, tours, galleries, festivals, events, live music, exhibitions, theatre, comedy, cinema and much more.

We distribute to over 200 locations in Ballarat, Creswick, Buninyong, Clunes & Daylesford, to accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, Visitor Centres, Ballarat Railway Station, tourist attractions, Sovereign Hill, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Kryal Castle, Mill Markets, entertainment venues and more.

We’re a local independent small business dedicated to showcasing Ballarat and surrounds. Since 2016 we’ve been working collaboratively, on the ground with local businesses to highlight the very best our city has to offer.

VIEW ALL OUR EDITIONS HERE ON ISSUU

How do we advertise in best of ballarat.

Just email or phone us and we’ll send you advertising information and a booking form. Booking deadline is 1st Friday of the month prior to publication. Copy deadline is 2nd Friday of the month prior to publication. We are currently publishing seasonally with a view to increasing our frequency to bi-monthly editions by the end of 2021.

• Circulation: 12,000 copies
• Distribution: Ballarat, Creswick, Buninyong, Clunes & Daylesford
• Comprehensive What’s On guide for the Ballarat region
• Tourist Attractions & Events
• The Best Cafés, Bars, Restaurants & Retail
• Galleries, Exhibitions & Performance
• Theatre, Live Music, Cinema
• Festivals, Markets & Pop-ups
• Ballarat CBD & Central Maps
• Essential Services

TESTIMONIALS

Morgan Wills – The Crafty Squirrel We love to hand out Best of Ballarat to both visitors and locals. Many customers come to our store because they have seen us in it and those that pick it up in store are inspired to visit other destinations in it. A winner all round!

Leah Willian – Rocket and Belle I’ve had such great success since advertising my little local shop in Best of Ballarat magazine. It’s the perfect publication for visitors and locals alike. So many customers mentioned they couldn’t wait to get into my shop after seeing the photos in the magazine. Scott and Libby are so creative and helpful. Can’t recommend advertising in this fabulous publication enough.

Vanessa Wilson-Browne – Red Duck Brewery We started advertising in Best of Ballarat from the first edition. We constantly have customers coming to our cellar door after reading our ad in the magazine. Scott and Libby have been very easy to deal with and quite often give us an extra image in the brochure which is always a bonus.

Lisa Cressey – Buninyong Festival/Buninyong Village Market/Buninyong Film Festival A fantastic little resource book for all the interesting things happening in and around Ballarat! Libby and Scott have put together a great little marketing tool for businesses and events – and dealing with them is very easy – so friendly and supportive! And what I love most about them is that they not only offer a great little book, but I’ve seen them at many a local event, out and about in Ballarat – it’s great that they support the community in so many ways!

Best of Ballarat

Paper Crow PO BOX 1289 Bakery Hill VIC 3354

Contact: Scott Bain 0419 843 141 [email protected]

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Itineraries.

• What's on
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Information Centre

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.

Opening Hours and Entry

Eureka Centre Ballarat is open from 10am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka (BRHAE) is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4.30pm. Phone: 5333 0306. Click this link for more information .

Lilly's at Eureka Cafe is open from 10am to 5pm daily. Phone: 0472 603 365

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Museum entry:

• Concession $5
• Family Pass $22
• Five years and under FREE

City of Ballarat residents free on provision of photo ID

Entry to the gift shop, Lilly's at Eureka and Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka is free

Groups of 10 or more to book by contacting the Centre at 03 5333 0333 or [email protected]

Flag talks by arrangement. For Education program information and bookings, please refer to this link

Where to find us

Visit: Eureka Centre 102 Stawell Street South Eureka (Ballarat), 3350, Victoria AUSTRALIA

By mail: Eureka Centre PO Box 655 Ballarat VIC 3353 AUSTRALIA

By phone: +61 3 5333 0333

By email: [email protected]

ABN: 37 601 599 422 Coordinates: 37.564847°S, 143.8841°E

Getting Here

Car parking.

Eureka Centre is located at 102 Stawell Street South, Eureka (Ballarat).

Car parking is available at the Stawell Street side of the building, close to the main entrance. Two accessible car parking spots are is available in this car park, close to the main entrance.

There is additional limited car parking at the rear of the building (near the corner of Eureka and Rodier Streets). Please note, this car park is not close to the main entrance and requires walking along unsealed paths.

Take the 110km journey along the Western Freeway. Ballarat is just an hour and 15 minutes west of Melbourne.  

Driving times from popular destinations

Melbourne to Ballarat 1 hours and 15 minutes 110km

Adelaide to Ballarat 7 hours and 15 minutes 618km

Warrnambool to Ballarat 2 hours and 21 minutes 175km

Geelong to Ballarat 1 hour and 16b minutes 86km

Mildura to Ballarat 5hrs and 21 minutes 464km

Public Transport

FROM BALLARAT RAILWAY STATION

Take the number 15 bus from the Ballarat Railway Station to the Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens / Eureka Centre https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/11366/15-ballarat-station-brown-hill/

FROM MELBOURNE

Direct from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, hop on the V/Line train and arrive in less than 90 minutes at the historic Ballarat Railway Station in the centre of town.

Via the airport

The road trip from Tullamarine or Avalon airports to Ballarat takes about one hour. Transport options direct from the airport include hiring a car or booking the Airport Shuttlebus from Tullamarine

Visitor Guide

Accessibility

Ramps are throughout the building to ensure easy access to all areas of the Eureka Centre.

Toilets with wheelchair access and infant change table are available.

The Stawell Street South side of the building is recommended for people requiring accessible parking. There are three accessible car parking spots near the main entrance.

Wheelchairs are available and can be reserved before your visit by phoning 03 5333 0333 or emailing: [email protected]

Lilly’s at Eureka overlooks the grounds of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. With a focus on fresh local produce, the café is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy delicious filled baguettes, freshly baked cakes and pastries and speciality coffee.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Phone: 0472 603 365.

Our shop has many wonderful things to explore. We have an impressive selection of books about history to help you continue your exploration of Eureka and Australian history more broadly. Our wide range of Eureka-themed products such as t-shirts, kitchenware and giftware offer something for everyone. We are especially proud to showcase the talents of our local creative community.

The shop is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry to the shop is free.

• Decorations
• Entertainment
• Free workshops

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27 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 (map)

03 5333 4866 [email protected].

The George Hotel

Heritage hotel, function venue & accommodation in the heart of historic ballarat., function space in ballarat, looking for a party venue in ballarat.

At The George Hotel, we have multiple function and event spaces available! 

We're able to offer you either a formal sit-down meal function package or a more casual cocktail style event.

To make a booking or to find out more, give us a call on 03 5333 4866   or send an email to:  [email protected]

Find out more about the function and event spaces at The George Hotel, Ballarat here .

Accommodation

Situated in Lydiard Street, one of Ballarat's most historic streetscapes, The George Hotel is central to everything and only a short walk from the train station.

View Accommodation

Bistro & Cafe

Dine in with friends and family and enjoy something classic or contemporary from our new menu. Historic decor and friendly atmosphere.

Dining Options

Entertainment

From comedians to solo artists to full live bands, The George has something for everyone.  Find out what's coming up at The George.

If you’re looking to host a corporate function, a birthday celebration or anything in between, we have the space for you. 

Find Out More

Entertainment in Ballarat

What's on at the george.

Free live music Fridays & Saturdays

Free Live Music Fridays nd Saturdays at The George Hotel. Come into the Front Bar and enjoy some after work drinks and our famous share plates too!

Fridays we typically we have our first act starting around 6pm with a second act starting at 9pm. Saturdays we have a main act on around 9pm start. Check our socials for exact time and acts each week.

Rafters Nightclub open Saturday nights

Rafters Nightclub is open Saturday nights from 10:30pm. $5 entry before 11 & drink specials until 12am.

Jolly Joker Every Friday!

Sign up to be a member, pick out a raffle and you could possibly win $$$ every Friday! Raffle winner announced at 8pm!

Billy Menhennet - Live at The George! (From Australian Idol)

FRIDAY 26TH APRIL, 2024

Fresh off his Australian Idol debut, Billy Menhennet will be performing at The George for the very first time!

As a country superstar on the rise, Billy is looking to make his mark in music, and there isnt a better place to start than right here at home!

Lewis Spears - IT'S OVER (FOR YOU)

SATURDAY 13TH JULY, 2024

After two major jaw surgeries Spears is back with this dark, hilarious, and silly show, delivered with a silver tongue and a skull full of medical grade steel.

This FRIDAY, 26th apr

From 6:30pm, mitchell mathieson, this friday, 26th apr, from 9.30pm, this saturday,  27th apr, from 8.30pm, hungry  why not join us for a meal before the show.

Grab a table with family or friends and dine from our extensive menu while you enjoy the music.

Dining at The George

The george bistro.

With an all new menu filled with contemporary dishes and your classic pub favourites, The George Hotel bistro is the perfect place to dine with friends and family.

Enjoy a delicious night out in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The Lane Cafe is a modern city style venue full of energy and passion.

This walk up street cafe offers locals and visitors the choice to either eat in or grab a coffee or lunch on the run.

RAFTERS Nightclub

Open every Saturday night!

Saturday open 10:30pm ‘till late

Resident Dj Afterdark on decks

$5 tap beers

$6 starburst shots

FREE Music Fridays and Saturday Nights at The George!

Accommodation in Central Ballarat

Situated in Lydiard Street, one of Ballarat's most historic streetscapes, The George Hotel is central to everything and only a short walk from the train station.   

 With double and twin rooms, executive suites and large family rooms, The George Hotel can accommodate you in style.

Our front desk is attended from 8am to 8pm daily.

27 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350 (map)

03 5333 4866

[email protected]

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Heritage on Lydiard

Heritage Accommodation in the CBD

Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as Live Music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Hotel, Dining, Accommodation & Function Venue in the Heart of Historic Ballarat.

Quick links.

About Ballarat

Why ballarat.

A UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art and winner of the Festivals and Events category at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards.

We know how to deliver.

As one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most liveable regional city, you can rest assured you’re in good company when you choose Ballarat as your host destination.

We understand the patron experience does not stop and start at the event. It begins from the moment they step out the front door to the moment they return, and everything in between.  

You have enough on your plate organising an event. So leave the logistics of accommodating, feeding and transporting your guests and crew in the capable hands of the amazing people of our creative, vibrant and diverse city. 

POSITION PERFECT

Home to some of Australia’s most beautiful heritage streetscapes and the living museum of Sovereign Hill, Ballarat is world renowned. It’s conveniently located just over an hour from Geelong, and an hour and a half from Melbourne and Bendigo. We are ideally located within easy range of a large population pool, allowing event marketers to hit the right notes with the right audience.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT

From cosy cottages to dog-friendly caravan parks and boutique hotels with conference facilities, Ballarat offers all kinds of accommodation for your team members, participants and patrons. There are 5,000 beds within 10kms of the city centre catering to a range of prices and tastes. And there are over 50,000 local homes that are ready to welcome friends and family. So you can rest assured your people will always have a place to stay in Ballarat. 

And when it comes to getting you moving, there are two train stations including the centrally located Ballarat Railway Station, public bus transport, taxis and plenty of Ubers. Ballarat is easily accessible by road from Melbourne, Adelaide and Geelong, and Tullamarine and Avalon international airports are equidistant to bring people from near and far.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE 

What makes a town beautiful? Beautiful, vibrant, engaged people. Ballarat people. People who get involved, who support and understand the big benefits events bring to the local community. 

There are more than 110,000 people living in Ballarat, with a population from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds. It is also home to major educational institutions, two hospitals, and a huge variety of industry sectors to work in. As such, many events have enjoyed the benefit of the volunteer pool this population size allows them to tap into. Tourism employs 3,000 people in Ballarat, and we’re proud of our creative community that works to deliver experiences that let your curiosity take flight. 

CLIMATE AND SEASONS 

With clear skies and four distinct seasons, Ballarat’s temperate climate is a refreshingly liveable blend of Australia and Europe. In the warmer months, people head outside to enjoy the long days and balmy nights. Winter is a time for thick scarves and getting cosy next to open fires. Come spring and autumn, the city bursts into a riot of colour and there are plenty of sunny days to enjoy, too. No matter what time of the year, Ballarat’s weather lends itself to a diverse range of seasonal events and activities, limited only by your imagination. 

In this section

Leisure events, sports events, team ballarat, event planning calendar, business events.

• Business Events Directory
• Business Events Directory Submission

Case Studies

• Le Diner en Blanc Ballarat 2023
• Federation University Road National Championships
• Ballarat International Foto Biennale
• Kani-Karrung Australian Girl Guide Jamboree 2023

Volta is Ballarat's premiere live music venue, showcasing diverse talent from local and touring acts. 

Opened early February 2020 and l ocated just a few hundred metres from the Ballarat train station, Volta is a venue that heroes live music and all live creative performance. Revamping an iconic music venue and continuing its legacy of supporting the local music scene, as well as bringing the best live acts that Australia has to offer.

You can expect an open, safe, dynamic and engaging atmosphere, a diverse array of drinks, and moving tap beer options.

Volta is a place to socialise and engage, whilst presenting an array of diverse acts, events and people. 

We invite you to come down and see for yourself.

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