Established around 150 years ago, Ballarat Botanic Gardens have been one of the citys top attractions for decades. 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. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australias oldest and largest regional gallery. Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, Ballarat. If you are looking to spend your money, Ballarat is not going to let you down. Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne, Private Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Tour from Melbourne, 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat and Melbourne City 1-Day Tour, Custom Private Day Tour Melbourne to all surrounding areas for up to 11 people, Sovereign Hill Goldfields and Museum, Ballarat, Victoria, Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park Tour - 3 Days, 2 Nights, LGBTQ+ Friendly 3 Day Tour The Grampians, Daylesford & Ballarat, It focused on the first 10 years of the gold rush (1851-61) that transformed the sleepy sheep grazing district into one, Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas, Architectural Buildings Religious Sites. This 19th-century relic showcases the industrial movement of the area. The museum provides a fun learning experience with characters in costumes, horses, cats that displays what life was back then in the Victorian Goldfields. Things to do, Events, and What's on in Ballarat Popular Articles Trentham Falls Waterfalls and gold rushes, in the middle of Wombat Forrest 79 The Turret Cafe 14 Gordon Hat Shoppe 16 Radio Springs Hotel Journey to The Centre Of The Universe 9 The House of Bespoke Couture Where beautiful princesses and evil stepmothers come to life 18 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. Experience Bologna's tasteful pasta dishes, hip-hop music, traditional sweets, contemporary dcor, and friendly service! Another of Ballarats truly grand heritage buildings, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is, in fact, Australias oldest and largest regional gallery. Victoria Park's forested area is just a short stroll from Lake Wendouree's southern side. This elegant hotel offers comfort of luxury with the charm of history. 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. You can eat breakfast all day at Yellow Espresso. Lake Wendouree is a man-made and maintained shallow urban lake that has been a community destination for over 150 years. The museum has a large research collection, an archive of information, and more than 3,500 items about the Ballarat tramways. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it. FIM - Functional Independent Measure Workshop BHS staff IRP, GEM & BHS@HOME. Top attractions The Ballarat Pass Itineraries Art & culture Family fun Markets On the major Victoria Street in Ballarat East, the Victoriana Motor Inn provides 4-star lodging. This historical town recreation has been transporting visitors back to 1850s Ballarat for more than 40 years. 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. There are so many things to do in Ballarat, and it's only just over an hour's journey from Melbourne. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. 2. And at just an hour-and-a-half's drive from Melbourne, Ballarat makes the perfect short break destination. This tourist attraction has a heritage and celebrates the essence of Ballarat. Interesting history of Ballarat gold rush. And, for the best pub experience in Ballarat, head over to the immensely popular Pub with Two Names. Do not forget to tell us your favorite thing from the list and make sure to do all these things when you visit this beautiful town. Image: Visit Victoria. 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. Exciting art, cultural and dining experiences are just some of the reasons you should head to Ballarat for your next weekend away. If you want to learn more about the art and culture of Ballarat, just head over to the Post Office Gallery as it is filled with some of the finest pieces that are hung up on its walls. Tap into Ballarats rich history of craftsmanship by signing up for a workshop or masterclass with one of its local artisans. We highly suggest adding this activity to your list of fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend! Ballarat is an outstanding regional city filled with grand 19th century architecture, a prosperous gold rush history, and an abundance of amazing things to do! Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground 8. Lydiard Streetis the best way to kick-start your heritage tour of Ballarat. Committed foodie? The monument, Arch of Victory, was erected shortly after World War I close to Prince of Wales Park's southwest corner. Come here to experience the traditional tramway experience that once existed on the streets of Ballarat. It is located in the cultural district of Ballarat, and gives off a unique vibe. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. Traveller favourites. With some of the great Lake Wendouree, the park is even more impressive. Through art installations and digital technology at this modern museum, youll 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. Tours. Since Ballarat is a relatively small city, a 3-day itinerary is enough to explore it. The Ballarat Observatory is one of the oldest observatories in regional Australia, with one of the best collections of 18th to 21st century telescopes. Wildlife parks have always been famous family places to spend time, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park is no exception. This place is well organised and presents well. This city was even named one of the most liveable cities in Australia in 2020. You can attend talks, or enjoy the line-up of entertainment with delicious food and celebrity guests. 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. Yorkdale Estate Central Park You can also enjoy fishing, local catches include rainbow trout and redfin. Take a Self Guided City Walking Tour with Ballarat Revealed 6. You can stay at the castle and enjoy your childhood dream as the castle offers 4-star accommodation. St John of God Hospital Ballarat - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. on display and they have demonstrations regularly. Harnessing a rich heritage from the famous Gold Rush history, Ballarat is one of Australias most historically significant cities. The ponds here are stocked with rainbow trouts and visitors are guaranteed a catch; you can then have it cooked in the restaurant. Free Attractions We have done the research for you and present the activities you will love and enjoy. Visit J Ward Lunatic Asylum: Night Ghost Tour in Ararat. Find out why Ballarat is the culinary capital of regional Victoria. Spend a day at Sovereign Hill. The centre is surrounded by the lovely Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens. This Botanical Garden features a few fascinating areas worthy of exploring. Tucked away down a hidden laneway (follow the trail of umbrellas to find it), Hop Temple offers a huge range of craft beers and cocktails and an upbeat atmosphere. The most famous dish among tourists is the freshly-baked rainbow trout served with locally made bread, potatoes, peppercorn, and others. 16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2022 1. There are boutiques, local brads, and even a lot of branded stores.Bridge mall can officially be a heaven for shopaholics. As mentioned, Ballarat is world-renowned for its unusual things to do and historic buildings. 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. About The Host: Guf is your center for all things gaming and Internet. The park its self is very clean. Located in central Ballarat next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake offers many recreational activities. . A dilemma of choosing what to do and what not! Deliciously, one can dine in these fabulous places to feast on delectable artisan foods. Your email address will not be published. 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. Toilets are clean and accessible easily. Are you looking for a place to relive your childhood after exploring all of Ballarat? Ballarat is a perfect mix of contemporary and old-fashioned. Things to do in Ballarat . You can do so by catching a sunset at Lake Wendouree, listening to live music, eating outdoors, and many more. Let us head over to some of the newer attractions now. Wander Lydiard St to take in the architecture. that gave their lives or did not return look up some one that h in 1954 and 1987 to commemorate those who served in. Top Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 43,633 traveller reviews and photos of Ballarat tourist attractions. Established in 1884, the gallery boasts an iconic collection of art that represents the countrys heritage in its purest form. There are a lot of fun activities to do, such as witnessing the amazing gold pour where $160,000 worth of gold is melted and turned into a three-kilogram bullion or see the outdoor show Aura, an immersive after-dark theatrical experience. If you are someone who does not know how to use a telescope properly- the staff here is quite friendly and helpful! The gift shop is great, too, selling art books and products by local artisans. Eureka Gardens playground 9. It is held over the Labour Day long weekend in March. The Ballarat Botanical Gardens Reserve is a fantastic place for the whole family The Garden is 40 hectares and is divided into multiple zones - the central part with 'gardenesque' style, the area alongside Lake Wendouree as the Lake foreshore precinct, open parklands on either side of the garden called North and South Gardens. Food & Drink. As Victoria's largest inland city, Ballarat is a major commercial center, but it's also rich in culture and history. The best part about this spot is its intense history and its location. Victoria Park has meandering walkways, shelters, barbecues, and picnic tables in addition to a well-liked "inclusive play zone" that is designed to be utilized by kids of all abilities. Filled with adventures like tunnels, fake forts, big wheels- the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is the ultimate fun day for any child. Amplify your 7107 International Music Festival Experience with Smart and SPINNR . It is located approximately 120km (74m) from Melbourne. Ride the Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail 5. Step Back in Time at Sovereign Hill 2. 6. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. Well, those scenes are the best in Bridge Mall. A 50-minute drive from Ballarat, Cave Hill Creek is one of Australia's best school holiday camps. I came here twice as a kid even though I grew up in Tasmania and only left the state four times. Especially Ballarat, it has some of Australia's finest architecture and streetscapes. Costumed characters populate a gold rush town at Sovereign Hill, a living outdoor museum. If cuddling koalas have been your lifelong dream, !you can fulfill it in Ballarat Wildlife Park. Things do in popular destinations worldwide, Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific, Alices Journeys Guided Walking Tours of Daylesford, Creswick Woollen Mills with Alpaca Exhibit & Store Credit, Kryal Castle Adventure Park Admission Ticket, Kiteboarding Lessons in St Kilda - Passport to Ride Course, Kiteboarding Lesson in St Kilda (2 Hours), Hotels near St John of God Hospital Ballarat, Hotels near Federation University Australia, Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking. You can extend this period to 4 days if you mostly rely on public transport. Did you know they give out swimming lessons too? Don't miss these. The property also has its own on-site accommodation, Tuki Retreat, which offers cosy stone or weatherboard cottages with open fires. If you are someone who is still a child at heart, then go-karts and laser tags have a different kind of effect! Let your kids enjoy themselves in all the free space around too. Some of the famous art and cultural activities are Gordon cottage, Annexe wall, Prisoners of the war memorial, Artspace Ballarat, Aura sound and light show, Aviation museum, General cemeteries, Campsite mural, Heritage tours, Framing Gallery, Eureka guided tours, Accent framing, Golden city paddle streamer, and Greenhalgh tannery. The best tours in Ballarat are: Ballarat: Kryal Castle Theme Park Entry Ticket. The top attractions to visit in Ballarat are: The best outdoor activities in Ballarat according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The best day trips from Ballarat according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Enjoyable to wander round and look at the. Things to do. Lasting 45 minutes, the cruise is best to understand the lakes history. Instead, focus on finding the right people. Downtown Hackensack features a variety of restaurants and stores for both. Lovely staff and zoo. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. However, if you ask us, autumn is the prime time to visit this gorgeous place due to how kaleidoscopic it becomes. Here,Paul Ryletakes the masterclasses, teaching visitors woodcraft skills. 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. They are classic examples of late 19th century sensibilities in architecture. 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. If you happen to be in town during one of those- do go and enjoy the experience. Don't think we forgot about nature! Besides its history, Ballarat also has unique natural attractions such as the Lal Lal Falls and Lake Wendouree. You can interact with many beautiful birds closely at this place. With a collection of more than 16 different varieties of wine- you can surely feel good here. Ballarat has a population of over 100,000 people. Located at the top of a hill, get ready to have a unique experience in the countryside of Ballarat. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is one of the best playgrounds in all of Ballarat. Are you looking for a quaint exotic spot to have your picnic and observe some good scenes too? In addition, Ballarat houses an impressive number of art galleries and museums that will keep you engaged in wanting to learn more. You should definitely visit this lovely building from a grander time, you will surely be amazed by this historical gem. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. Want to get your spirits up at one of the best wineries in all of Ballarat? Gold Rush Mini Golf Another fun thing to do in Ballarat with kids is the Gold Rush Mini Golf, which has two themed 18 hole courses offering fun for the whole family. Sadly, some 4,000 POWs lie in unmarked graves. Due to the establishment of the Botanic Gardens, Lake Wendouree has seen a significant spike in tourists. 'Stockade' style children's playground on site. Also, the mall hosts a lot of festivals around the year. This Australian gem has a lot of spicy places you can hit when you are feeling that hunger. 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. 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. Buildings found in the city center are the best ways to reminisce about the Gold Rush days of Victoria. Take a stroll around the lake. BALLARAT TOURNEY 2023. Visited on Sunday 28th August. However, you might get to see everything clearly from here- Yes! These things contain all the historic and necessary details about the places you are about to visit. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. But theres a new energy pulsing through the wrought-iron-trimmed streets today: in recent years Victorias 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. Ballarat Wildlife Park is for Animal Lovers, 7. 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. Moreover, visitors can snap selfies with majestic knights mounted on horses, take sword fighting and archery lessons, or participate in arts and crafts classes. Lydiard Street also features in ABC television series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, which is set in Ballarat. Hence, to make you feel relieved from history, there exists the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Hence, once you catch one, you can have it cooked in the restaurant and feast on it. But, often you do not get to have a pizza that matches your standards. You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. Besides Ballarats historical significance, dining in its world-famous country restaurants is one of the top things to do in Ballarat. For shopping, the Art Gallery of Ballarat offers a gift shop with products ranging from art books and local crafters. 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. Located at Coghills Creek, the vineyard has won numerous awards, including Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018. Visiting in the warmer weather meant we observed lots of families and pets taking a dip in the water, fishing, paddle boarding and boating. Relax by Lake Wendouree Tickets are $173 per person. This former gold mining town has some amazing Australian colonial architecture for you to gaze at. Ballarat Heritage Weekend is an annual community cultural festival that is celebrated in Ballarat to showcase the wonderful history and culture of the city. These feature fuschias, hydrangeas, cineraria, primula, pelargoniums, and many more. Find out why Ballarat is the culinary capital of . Would have been lovely to have a picnic in the grounds if the weather allowed. Taste the Delectable Wines of Ballarat, 10 Things to Do in Coffs Harbour for a Perfect Coastal Getaway. Meet Maneki and Satu, the parks resident Sumatran tigers, and choose from a number of animal encounters with meerkats, koalas and even a giant tortoise whos over 80 years old. The interesting part about the splendid Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is that everything you see here is made of wood! Are you ready to see some art now? Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. You can eat gourmet pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven at Forge Pizzeria. To spend a day here is a fun day with your family or friends. As aforementioned, the best way to end your heritage tour of Ballarat is through Sovereign Hill. The park houses about 400 species of animals. One can make their list using our list of top 10 fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend. 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. Wrap up your Ballarat short break with a casual drink and dinner at Hop Temple. Besides manufacturing, Ms Hawker said the health, aged care, hospitality, and trade sectors are finding employment particularly difficult in regional areas, and employers should be head-hunting. Eureka Aquatic Centre 5. And keep an eye on colourful ceramicist Ruby Pilvens website for upcoming workshops. Other dog-friendly places to eat at with your pooch whilst in town include Racers Caf, 'The Local' caf and produce store, Golden City Hotel and Meigas restaurant. Also, if you want to get a full tour of the inside along with their rich history- there are a lot of staff who might be able to help you with that. This is your starting point for everything you need to know before you hit the road. The list of the best things to do in Ballarat above demonstrates how this city is the ideal blend of modern and traditional. 12 Shares. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. Located on the historic Lydiard Street, Craigs Royal Hotel was built during the Victorian gold rush. It is organized by the city of Ballarat over the mothers day weekend (7-8 May). There are some fine old buildings in this historic street. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. Most remarkable is Tram No. It is an open-air museum and historical theme park displaying Ballarat as it was during the famous gold rush years. However, if you want to learn more about the history of the place and its various ups and downs in politics- do pay a visit to the Prime Ministers Walk. Ballarat Tramway Museum 192 Speciality Museums By MrDavetheSarks Good value, and good information as well. Wandering through the gorgeous ambiance of the Botanic Gardens is one of our favorite things to do in Ballarat. The vibrant colors will calm your heart as you complete your list of things to do in Ballarat. See all this and more at Ballarat Wildlife Park, featuring a range of beloved Australian animals like kangaroos and saltwater crocodiles amongst Sumatran tigers, friendly meerkats, giant tortoises and even a Komodo Dragon. Prices are like normal cafe prices. Finally,Sovereign Hillis where your heritage tour should end. The more compatible you are, the more likely it will be that a great friendship will emerge. History is never far from your fingertips in Ballarat: its there in its grand architecture and immersive experiences that transport you back to the heady days of the gold rush. Large expanses of natural grassland are present in the park, where wildflowers, including purple chocolate lilies, white milkmaids, sweet hound's tongue, various orchids, and scaly buttons bloom. Ballarat Botanical Gardens Covering 40 hectares and divided into four distinct zones, these cool climate gardens offer a magical way to while the afternoon away. March - Bendigo Festival of Cultures (Bendigo) A week-long celebration with performances, markets and more plus an all-age concert held outside the Town Hall. Would have like more gluten free options at the eateries. A plethora of expertise displays their love for the profession, including the understanding of the food industry, customers, and personal service. 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. Wonderful examples of 19th century architecture. Explore the governor's lavatory, the hangman's gallows, the unique kitchen, the showerblock, the grave websites, the West Wing, the J Ward Block . It is a very popular tourist attraction in the city. When it comes to food, this place has endless options for you to choose from and it is not going to disappoint you. 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. 2.) Top Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 42,845 traveller reviews and photos of Ballarat tourist attractions. Ballarat Bird World is an enjoyable and economical way for bird lovers to spend their day. . This busy provincial city is rich in art and culture and is known for its history and well-preserved Victorian-era heritage that you can witness in every corner of this town. The list of fun things to do in Ballarat is enormous. The Prime Ministers Walk is one of the most interesting things to check out in Ballarat. Here, in Bridge Mall, you can get your hands on anything! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ballarat is a very popular tourist destination. Explore the great outdoors at Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Ballarat. Ballarat's best-known attraction, Sovereign Hill is an epic living museum that has meticulously recreated life on the gold diggings in the 1850s. Consider visiting Washington State's biggest island for your future adventure. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package. unusual things to do in Ballarat. It is the first motel off the M8 motorway in the direction of Melbourne, and it takes 5 minutes to get to Ballarat Town Center. Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australias biggest and oldest regional art gallery. A small, castle-like structure, it features slides, several different kinds of swings, monkey bars, forts, climbing structures, tunnels, and more. Yes, that's towering wobbly crates (best not to ask! The Ballarat Visitor information Centre is in the Town Hall, which is in Sturtt St, the main street. Ballarat was built on the wealth derived from the gold found there, as the preserved heritage streetscape reflects. Lsake Wendouree Adventure Playground is a great facility for older children, with suitable play equipment that will keep youngsters occupied for an hour or so. Today its collection is presented alongside touring and temporary exhibitions across its elegant 19th-century rooms and contemporary architectural additions. Hire a paddleboard and explore the charming fishing village's protected inlets and watercourses. Ballarat is just over an hour by train from Melbourne, The heart of the city is within walking distance from the train station. There are names and history too. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. Does Ballarats newest boutique hotel measure up to the citys buzzing arts and dining scene? Tourists visit the city for its modern art, cuisine, beverages, and artists, in addition to its historical attractions. This is an interactive wildlife park and that means that you can pat a koala, cuddle a wombat or even have a snake wrapped over your shoulders. Head over to the Ballarat Municipal Observatory & Museum to discover some exciting things. PC and console gaming as well Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Games Workshop, boardgames and . Lake Wendouree is one of the best places in Ballarat to spend a sunny afternoon. You can visit RJMs Wine bar or Mitchell Harris Wine Bar to dive in some amazing wine. Ballarat Botanical Gardens 813 Gardens By JackieWaWa Lovely way to spend an hour or 2. You can find some amazing vintage pieces in the independent boutiques down any lane. Visit this place with your friends and family to discover other fun things to do in Ballarat. Right now, Sovereign Hill has become an iconic place due to the variety of things to do in Ballarat it offers. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park. 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. A living outdoor museum built on a former gold-mining site, today its 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. Firstly,Prime Ministers Avenueis for people who want to walk down the historical lane of Australia.