You can find out more about the things to do and see in Ballarat on the Visit Ballarat website or call them on 1800 446 633. Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. The following won't cost a thing. Surprisingly, tourists can also find lodging options in the form of Tuki Retreat. Reasonably priced. For shopping, the Art Gallery of Ballarat offers a gift shop with products ranging from art books and local crafters. The Provincial Hotel's beautiful dining room Lola is a standout for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a great wine list . Experience the area's museums and art scene. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. Art & culture. St Patrick's Cathedral is the principal Catholic church for Ballarat. Whether youre 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. Image: Visit Victoria. Having some of the best collections of aircraft engines, different aircraft models, and various kinds of memorabilia regarding aircraft- this museum is one of the most exclusive ones in Australia. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. You'll love the conservatory display showcasing seasonal displays, prime minister avenue displaying bronze portraits, and the statuary pavilion. It is a living museum with running displays through costumed characters and 40 horses. The park houses about 400 species of animals. Wrap up your Ballarat short break with a casual drink and dinner at Hop Temple. Ballarat is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Well, those scenes are the best in Bridge Mall. Lydiard Street also features in ABC television series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, which is set in Ballarat. 8. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. The interesting part about the splendid Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is that everything you see here is made of wood! Don't think we forgot about nature! You can also hit Enter on your keyboard to submit your query. Attractions. Each year, the program portrays different parts of Ballarats history. A great place to see Indigenous art and to have fun, Read more. More than 25 years of expertise are brought to the table by Chef Dona, his partner, and events manager Irene, as well as the Carboni's Team. You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Melbourne or Geelong. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. 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 nations most important cultural artefacts. We have done the research for you and present the activities you will love and enjoy. Pan for gold at the iconic Sovereign Hill, indulge in some retail therapy, explore the great outdoors, or wander through Australia's oldest regional gallery. Ballarat Tramway Museum Travel back in time through the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens alongside Lake Wendouree. Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. Also, there is plenty of greenery around where you can lie down and just enjoy the view. Ballarat is just over an hour by train from Melbourne, The heart of the city is within walking distance from the train station. Whats the point of visiting an Australian city and not tasting its delectable wine? Ballarats vineyards are famous for its subtly fragrant pinot noir, chardonnay, and elegant sparkling wines. Good bedding and mattresses, a huge air conditioner, a cool kitchenette, free WiFi, a continental breakfast, and private parking are all available. You can visit RJMs Wine bar or Mitchell Harris Wine Bar to dive in some amazing wine. Good range of vegetarian options if you need. Spend a day at Sovereign Hill. Covering 40 hectares, its also home to the Robert Clark Conservatory, a striking modern build harbouring an oasis of seasonal displays thats a hub for the Ballarat Begonia Festival held each March. The property also has its own on-site accommodation, Tuki Retreat, which offers cosy stone or weatherboard cottages with open fires. Ballarat Town Hall. The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a privately owned business run by The Parker family. Wonderful examples of 19th century architecture. Regent Cinemas Ballarat 108 Cinemas Open now By 619jeffry The seats are comfortable, but it pays to splash out for Gold Class treatment if you can afford it. Fortunately, Ballarat has a flourishing wine region specializing in chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, and other wines. There are names and history too. Ballarat is home to its own boutique wine region. Consequently, the lake got transformed into a tourist hub with numerous recreational activities. Eureka Centre 404 You may enjoy genuinely Italian cuisine at Carboni's Italian Kitchen, including the flavor of fresh fish from Sicily and the aroma of wood fire ovens in Naples. With its renowned wineries and exciting restaurant scene, Ballarat is an established foodie destination. Due to the establishment of the Botanic Gardens, Lake Wendouree has seen a significant spike in tourists. There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. Enjoy a unique, fun, small group tour of between 10-15 people on this overnight Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne, perfect for those up for an adventure. Located at Coghills Creek, the vineyard has won numerous awards, including Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018. Here, in Bridge Mall, you can get your hands on anything! From family sword fights in a medieval castle to 'pond to plate' trout fishing, there's way more to Ballarat than meets the eye. Sturt StreetandCamp Streetare also worth exploring due to the iconic stock route and architectural styles. It is held over the Labour Day long weekend in March. For more of the best in travel sign up to our newsletter! But, often you do not get to have a pizza that matches your standards. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. Ballarat was built on the wealth derived from the gold found there, as the preserved heritage streetscape reflects. This 45-minute cruise takes in scenic views and the history of the lake, operating on Sundays from November to May each year. Fabulous, friendly and informative. Finally,Sovereign Hillis where your heritage tour should end. Let us head over to some of the newer attractions now. Visited on Sunday 28th August. From Kangaroos and penguins to the Tasmanian devils, one can find their favorite animals here. Since it offers picturesque scenery, spending time in the lake is one of the best things to do in Ballarat during sunsets, especially with your loved one. If you're wanting insider knowledge on where to eat, drink, stay, play, shop and explore in Ballarat, you've come to the right place. Making sure it's a good place to work with a good culture.". 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. My wife I undertook the guided tour led by Sue, a very knowledgeable host who shared a lot of the development of Ballarat from the first gold being discovered to the growth of the city around the Gold Rush. Ballarats 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. I came here twice as a kid even though I grew up in Tasmania and only left the state four times. The park its self is very clean. Looks like the creators know what we- the foodies want!Forge Pizzeria comes to mind if you are craving something as simple as a good pizza. 4. Enjoy your day filled with fun activities at Kryal Castle. You will love these best things to do in Ballarat. This four-season destination may puzzle you to decide when to visit Ballarat. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. The historic houses are open for viewing, Hackensack is a large city and seat of Bergen County, New Jersey. Visiting the monument is one of the best things to do in Ballarat today, as it will teach you a lot about Australias history! Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. For the ones, who do not fancy partying can celebrate the new beginning by gazing at the New Year Fireworks In Ballarat at some of the best destinations and rooftop restaurants in the city. The festival has a lot of fun activities planned for the visitors to do. more, Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia - Ballarat Attractions. While Whidbey Island is renowned for its unspoiled natural areas, it also holds substantial historical and cultural value. In Ballarat, Carboni's Italian Kitchen offers genuine Italian hospitality. Understand the Gold Rush History & Heritage of Ballarat, 3. Regardless of your interests or age, there are countless experiences and attractions to dive into. Ten of the best things to do in Ballarat: Eureka flag. Lots of bird life hanging around as well. Trip Original. 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. However, if you ask us, autumn is the prime time to visit this gorgeous place due to how kaleidoscopic it becomes. Ballarat locals commemorated Victoria's first Arbor Day in May 1890, and several of the park's tree trunks were planted. Visiting in the warmer weather meant we observed lots of families and pets taking a dip in the water, fishing, paddle boarding and boating. Ballarat Bird World is an enjoyable and economical way for bird lovers to spend their day. Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. Relax by Lake Wendouree City Center of Ballarat. Costume-clad staff, replica stores, theatre and workshops, even an underground gold mine, provide plenty to keep visitors engaged and entertained. This 19th-century relic showcases the industrial movement of the area. Tickets are priced at $35 and $22 for adults and kids respectively. Have a history lesson at the Eureka Centre, 12. It was established in 1884. It is located approximately 120km (74m) from Melbourne. It portrays the first 10 years of Ballarat after gold was discovered there in 1851. You can do so by catching a sunset at Lake Wendouree, listening to live music, eating outdoors, and many more. 156 Shares. During an exciting winter weekend trip this year, Ballarat really did prove to be a worthwhile travel destination in Victoria. It also houses one of the most revered cultural artifacts of Australia for you to see, the Eureka flag. At the start of Australia's longest memorial avenue of honor is the Arch of Victory, one of Ballarat's most recognizable structures. The best part about the Gold Museum is that it is also the regional social history museum of Ballarat.The permanent collection has almost 150,000 items. A true art lover would never miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat. While you go on a run, you shall be surrounded by plenty of wildflowers. Hence, if you desire to learn new things, visiting Sovereign Hill is one of the best things to do in Ballarat this weekend. It is located on the Yarrowee River in the Central Highlands of Victoria in Australia. lessons - I painted a picture which Jane is going to stretch for me. Are you looking for some awesome shopping scenes in Ballarat? Welcome to the Post Office Gallery in Ballarat. See all in Ballarat on GetYourGuide. Buildings found in the city center are the best ways to reminisce about the Gold Rush days of Victoria. The Midlands Reserve and Water Park attracts people of all ages honestly. She said they need to be clear on what their employee value proposition is. From 30 June to 29 July, tours will depart at 9.30am from the Gold Monument, Cnr Sturt and Albert Street, Ballarat. Head over to the Ballarat Municipal Observatory & Museum to discover some exciting things. The downtown portion of this upscale neighborhood has been revitalized, notably Main Street. Strike gold at this open-air museum, which tells the story of Ballarats first decade as a gold rush town with recreated buildings, goldmine tours and workshops. The landscapes are amazing with granite rock formations. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. It is an award-winning interactive wildlife park situated on 37 acres of natural bushland. Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. Go for a walk to appreciate Ballarat. The following won't cost a thing. Other Ballarat attractions include the Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Park. Ballarat Botanical Gardens 813 Gardens By JackieWaWa Lovely way to spend an hour or 2. The Eureka Centre portrays the stories of the people who risked their lives for miners rights and shows the cultural impact of the gold rush. Discover why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. Don't miss these. The garden also has an Ex-Prisoner of War Memorial which honors the many thousands of prisoners held during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, The Garden features a marvelous assortment of mature trees and marble statues that are set in vivid bedding displays. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Woowookarung Regional Park is actually named after the Aboriginal language which means place of plenty. The park is open to the public and has even been established by the people of the town for others to enjoy. One can make their list using our list of top 10 fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend. It is Ballarats oldest and most luxurious hotel. Gary Webb and William Wallace. See all Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne 219 Bus Tours from $99.36 per adult Private Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Tour from Melbourne 1 Full-day Tours from $515.66 per adult (price varies by group size) 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne 1 Their wines provide you a clear picture of what characterizes the central and western wine-growing areas of Victorian so unique. Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. It is located in the cultural district of Ballarat, and gives off a unique vibe. . As a result, thousands of tourists worldwide come here to relax and relish the beauty. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. Lots of details about the Eureka stockade events, many of which are glossed over in simple histories. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package. You can also enjoy fishing, local catches include rainbow trout and redfin.