1. Festivals galore
It feels like there's always something going on in Ballarat. Attend the Ballarat Begonia Festival in March and take your taste buds out for a delicious day trip at the Pyrenees Unearthed Wine and Food Festival in April. The cooler seasons herald in the Ballarat Winter Festival and Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill. Or make a dedicated trip for the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, which next graces the streets of the city in 2025.
2. Travel through time
Step back in time at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat's open-air museum, which depicts life in the region during the gold rush era of the 1850s. Tour the diggings to pan for gold, hold a real gold nugget and snack on old fashioned lollies. Don't miss AURA, an immersive 90-minute show, which explores the impact of gold on the globe. Step even further back in time to the Middle Ages at Kryal Castle. Check out a jousting tournament, learn all about archery and axe-throwing and explore the castle's thrilling maze.
3. Fine feasting & top drops
Ballarat is a culinary destination worth getting to know. Break your fast at The Turret Cafe, or grab coffee and house-made pastries to go at 1816 Bakehouse. Dine on Asian cuisine at Roy Hammond or have an Italian feast at The Forge and Carboni's Italian Kitchen. For cool brews head to Hop Temple or Grainery Lane, while vino lovers can pop into the newly opened Eleanora. Or, head out to the renowned Ballarat wine region, where fertile soils and low temperatures produce acclaimed vintages at dozens of wineries.
4. Beautiful blooms
Victoria is, after all, the garden state and during a visit to Ballarat, it's easy to see why. The first flowers of Ballarat Botanical Gardens were planted 150 years ago and today, the gardens remain a popular point of interest for residents and tourists alike. Picnic among the 40 hectares of picturesque parklands and see the seasonal floral displays at Robert Clark Conservatory.
5. Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree is a delight to visit year-round. Enjoy an array of water sports such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing on the lake, or jump onboard the Golden City Paddle Boat. Run, walk or cycle around the Lake Wendouree Trail and cast a line off purpose-built platforms. Relax by the water's edge or pair the view with a bite to eat at Boatshed Restaurant and Pipers by the Lake.
6. Lal Lal Falls
Only a 20-minute drive from Ballarat is the spectacular waterfall Lal Lal Falls. According to Aboriginal lore, these falls are said to be the earthly home of Bunjil, a creator deity and ancestral being that takes the form of a wedge-tailed eagle. It's a short walk to the lookout for Lal Lal Falls and there's plenty of space for a picnic, alongside BBQ facilities.
7. Wildlife experiences
Take the kids and visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park for an up close experience with koalas, wombats, emus, kangaroos and crocodiles as well as Australia's largest colony of Tasmanian Devils. This award-winning wildlife park is set amongst shady gum trees and makes for a relaxing family day out.
8. Ghostly tours
Uncover the darker aspects of Ballarat by night, with a spooky ghost tour. Eerie Tours run walking ghost tours through both Ballarat's township and local cemetery. Beyond the city, dedicated ghost busters can continue the hunt at two reputedly haunted hotels; Railway Hotel at Dunolly and Kangaroo Hotel in historic Maldon.
9. Learn a new skill
The local Rare Trades Centre does what it says on the box, hosting classes in everything from sewing to locksmithing. Make a dedicated trip to the city in May for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Held at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange, the Craft Lab sees practitioners in weaving, metalworking, ceramics and more sharing knowledge and techniques with visitors.
Explore the art of brewing at Aunty Jacks and distilling at Kilderkin Distillery, make friends with fungi at Black Cat Truffles, and upgrade your culinary skills with a hands-on Asian-inspired cooking class at Not Your Grandma's Pantry.
10. Biking & hiking
For some nature time and an epic mountain biking adventure, head 20 minutes out of Ballarat to Djuwang Baring (Creswick Trails). The nearby suburb of Canadian is home to Australia's first 'Dementia-friendly Forest and Sensory Trail', specifically located in Woowookarung Regional Park. The one-kilometre walk is wheelchair accessible and contains quiet places for reflection in nature, designed to evoke memories, feelings and sensations.
