Buildings found in the city center are the best ways to reminisce about the Gold Rush days of Victoria. Looking for calm waters to test your SUP skills? Committed foodie? There are so many things to do in Ballarat, and it's only just over an hour's journey from Melbourne. Here are some of the best Ballarat attractions and things to do in Ballarat. It also houses one of the most revered cultural artifacts of Australia for you to see, the Eureka flag. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. Victoria Park's forested area is just a short stroll from Lake Wendouree's southern side. Lots of details about the Eureka stockade events, many of which are glossed over in simple histories. The entry fee is only $12. It is a very popular tourist attraction in the city. Take the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together: Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? Eureka Centre 404 Ballarat's story began in 1896, the town was founded as a supply point for the booming mines in the canyons of the Panamint Mountains. If you are someone who does not know how to use a telescope properly- the staff here is quite friendly and helpful! Gold Rush Mini Golf Come rain or shine, you can get lost in the fun at Gold Rush Mini Golf in Ballarat. How do you hire in a worker shortage? - Ballarat Times Your email address will not be published. Ballarat Tramway Museum was founded to preserve the traditional tramway experience. Wonderful examples of 19th century architecture. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. A great place to see Indigenous art and to have fun, Read more. Ballarat in particular has some of Australia's finest architecture and cityscape. The park is open to the public and has even been established by the people of the town for others to enjoy. The event includes free access to many selected buildings of the city. Pontiac is famous for its museums and historical homes located within a one-mile loop within the city center. Trip Original. Written 22 . The museum also has a tram that takes you on the tour of the mines. Also, the mall hosts a lot of festivals around the year. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and largest regional gallery. Being Australias oldest regional gallery, visiting it is one of the best things to do here. Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders's past, present and emerging. Besides being Victorias commercial center, Ballarat is also home to the states great heritage and culture. However, if you are swaying towards retail then you can check out Bridge Mall, Central Square Ballarat, Mill Market, or Stockland Wendouree. Top 10 Things to Do in Daylesford Spa retreats, scenic walks and much more. 3. Head over to the most fun part of Ballarat to give your kids a treat! Sebastopol Water Play Park 4. The most popular vineyard in Ballarat is theEastern Peake Vineyard. The 29 best free attractions in Ballarat - Wanderlog 5. Lake Esmond Botanical Park is one of the top tourist attractions in all of Ballarat when it comes to finding a peaceful location to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.The best part of this park is the amazing lake. Image: Visit Victoria. 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. Learn more about life in the goldfields at award-winning Sovereign Hill. You can even click a picture with a red-tailed black cockatoo at 11:00 am, 2.00 pm and 4:00 pm at no extra charge, just use your own camera. Also, the interior is charmingly decorated. Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here. The water splash park is the main attraction of this place along with the other tit-bits. 1. 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour. Things to do. So, go and have a fun day for you and your kids as well. Combined with a trip to the Botanic Gardens and Lake Wendourie, it's easy to spend half a day in this appealing area. Wandering through the gorgeous ambiance of the Botanic Gardens is one of our favorite things to do in Ballarat. The gallery features the works of Fred Williams, Sidney Nolan, Clarice Beckett, Arthur Boyd, and many many other artists. This gorgeous property will take care of everything you may need during your stay. $8.00 concession entry fee, loads of interesting displays, and a room dedicated to the, A stroll up and down the street starts with the stunning Ballarat Train Station, passes the. 3. You can also hit Enter on your keyboard to submit your query. In addition to sampling Ballarats ever-growing wining and dining scene, time your visit to coincide with Ballarats month-long Plate Up Festival in May, which celebrates local produce, venues, craft beers and boutique wines through a series of special events, lunches and workshops across town. White Night Ballarat takes place in spring and sees the citys iconic buildings, cultural institutions and streets brought to life with projections, installations, performances and music. As aforementioned, the best way to end your heritage tour of Ballarat is through Sovereign Hill. You can stay at the castle and enjoy your childhood dream as the castle offers 4-star accommodation. Ballarat Tramway Museum Travel back in time through the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens alongside Lake Wendouree. This elegant hotel offers comfort of luxury with the charm of history. that gave their lives or did not return look up some one that h in 1954 and 1987 to commemorate those who served in. Lydiard Street also features in ABC television series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, which is set in Ballarat. Hotels near Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Ballarat, Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Eureka Stockade Memorial: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Ballarat Railway Station, Things to do near Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, Things to do near The Titanic Memorial Bandstand, Things to do near Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa, St. Lucia Ladera Resort VIP Tour - Couples Only, Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay, Costa Mujeres Private Transportation From-To Cancun Airport, Camel Outback Adventure with Mexican buffet and Tequila tasting, Travel From Jerusalem To Bethlehem and Dead Sea - Daily Group West Bank Tour, Tamao Mountain and Tonle Bati Private Day Trip from Phnom Penh, Review of: Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Review of: Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground, See all attractions in Ballarat on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Ballarat on Tripadvisor, See all day trips from Ballarat on Tripadvisor. Sovereign Hills has everything you need for a perfect itinerary. Step Back in Time at Sovereign Hill 2. This Ballarat travel guide will outline some amazing places I got to experience, with even more possibility in the surrounding areas as well. Top Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 42,845 traveller reviews and photos of Ballarat tourist attractions. lessons - I painted a picture which Jane is going to stretch for me. If you desire to cruise on the water, ensure that you board theGolden City Paddle Steamer. Well, those scenes are the best in Bridge Mall. What are the best things to do in Ballarat, Victoria? Besides Ballarats historical significance, dining in its world-famous country restaurants is one of the top things to do in Ballarat. Traveller favourites. Table of contents Things to do in Ballarat 1. 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. Food & drink. It is near the shores of Lake Wendouree, which is an activity centre for Ballarat. In addition, Ballarat houses an impressive number of art galleries and museums that will keep you engaged in wanting to learn more. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. Located at Coghills Creek, the vineyard has won numerous awards, including Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018. Except for the exotic wildlife of Australia, you can also spot Sumatran tigers, meerkats, and other beautiful species of the world. Lydiard Street & Ballarat's Gold Rush History. Finally,Aurais a recently launched and enjoyable experience for tourists. March - Harmony Fest (Ballarat) A jam-packed 10 days of fun, flavour, music, film and special events celebrating Ballarat . We have a prime location for you to check out. Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. 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. 8. Woowookarung Regional Park is actually named after the Aboriginal language which means place of plenty. Top Things to do in Ballarat and day trip Australia Surprisingly this was my first visit inside, so very interested to check it out and discovered that some of the Bishops from my youth were buried there, I didn't know that. The ponds of Tuki Trout Farm fill themselves with loads of rainbow trout, ensuring you will get a catch. Here are the best things for you to do in Ballarat. Well, here at Ballarat Indoor Go-Karts & Laserforce Entertainment Centre, there are a lot of activities to enjoy. Easy to get to, train ran on time, the ticket office was very helpful regarding purchase of the required myki card and fares for travel. Whats the point of visiting an Australian city and not tasting its delectable wine? Mitchell Harris Wines are surrounded by the world-renowned wine districts of Western and Central Victoria. Even the fours moons and four rings of Jupiter. Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australias biggest and oldest regional art gallery. These feature fuschias, hydrangeas, cineraria, primula, pelargoniums, and many more. These are the best things you can do with Ballarat. Ballarat locals commemorated Victoria's first Arbor Day in May 1890, and several of the park's tree trunks were planted. Most Viewed. 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. The gift shop is great, too, selling art books and products by local artisans. There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids (Updated 2023) Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. The Ballarat Visitor information Centre is in the Town Hall, which is in Sturtt St, the main street. Best things to do in Ballarat and day trip. The Best Things To Do With Kids In Ballarat - Australian Traveller Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's art scene. If you visit the falls after a heavy downpour, you will encounter majestic views that will melt your heart. Things To Do In Ballarat This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 As a result, thousands of tourists worldwide come here to relax and relish the beauty. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); From fine-dining to Asian fusion and from boutique wine to craft cider: Ballarats foodie scene is booming. Unfortunately visited on a rainy day in Ballarat. Experience this through its thriving dining scene, by sipping some local wine or by joining a workshop with a local maker. BREAD GANG. Well, here at Michael Unwin Wines- there are some of the best things that will help you unwind yourself. You should definitely visit this lovely building from a grander time, you will surely be amazed by this historical gem. The heritage-listed Gallery building also hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions and puts together shows inspired by the works in the gallery. Read on! City Center of Ballarat. Our first choice will be theMakers Studio,offering workshops to make jewelry. St Patrick's Cathedral is the principal Catholic church for Ballarat. 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. A 50-minute drive from Ballarat, Cave Hill Creek is one of Australia's best school holiday camps. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. . Itineraries. The list of fun things to do in Ballarat is enormous. The railway station showcases the architectural and historical magnificence of Ballarat. The Prime Ministers Walk is one of the most interesting things to check out in Ballarat. Get yourself familiarised with Ballarat by taking a walk down Lydiard St. As previously mentioned, Ballarat was once one of the richest alluvial goldfields and this wealth can be easily be seen in the city's ornate buildings, and stately hotels and homes. 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. If you love fishing, Tuki Trout Farm is where you ought to be. Certainly should include a visit if you're going there. This Botanical Garden features a few fascinating areas worthy of exploring. While Whidbey Island is renowned for its unspoiled natural areas, it also holds substantial historical and cultural value. Did some looking at the various ways the people of Ballarat have honoured their war heroes and veterans the arch and tree lined avenue is beautiful. Visiting in the warmer weather meant we observed lots of families and pets taking a dip in the water, fishing, paddle boarding and boating. Filters 1. FIM - Functional Independent Measure Workshop BHS staff IRP, GEM & BHS@HOME. You can eat breakfast all day at Yellow Espresso. For the lover of unconventional things, there are some very interesting weekend getaways lined up for celebrating the 31st December 2023. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? 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. Their wines provide you a clear picture of what characterizes the central and western wine-growing areas of Victorian so unique. While you're in the area, find time to visit its spas. Book well in advance to dine at Ballarats fine-dining restaurant, Underbar. Meet New People & Make Friends in Ballarat | Find friends with We3 All of these items reek of history. For shopping, the Art Gallery of Ballarat offers a gift shop with products ranging from art books and local crafters. The Midlands Reserve and Water Park is one of the best places to take your children to and have a fun day with them. Livvi's Place Ballarat - Victoria Park Inclusive Playspace 3. Meet a host of native animals (plus more exotic species, like Sumatran Tigers) in this sprawling 37 hectare wildlife park - including free-roaming kangaroos, which you can feed from the palm of your hand. A small, castle-like structure, it features slides, several different kinds of swings, monkey bars, forts, climbing structures, tunnels, and more. Top 12 Things To Do In Ballarat | Australian Traveller Consequently, the lake got transformed into a tourist hub with numerous recreational activities. Sturt StreetandCamp Streetare also worth exploring due to the iconic stock route and architectural styles. Gary Webb and William Wallace. Established in 1884, the gallery boasts an iconic collection of art that represents the countrys heritage in its purest form. In Ballarat, Carboni's Italian Kitchen offers genuine Italian hospitality. If theres anything more romantic in Ballarat than Lal Lal Falls, it has to be Lake Wendouree. If youre chasing a little fun in the sun, try these outdoor adventures: If youre traveling on a strict budget, add the following cheap and cheerful tours and activities to your schedule: Youll barely have time to grab your wallet out of your bag with so many fantastic free things to do: Known for Friendly people, Bowling, Walking, Known for Natural parks, Spas, Friendly people, Known for Friendly people, Business, Shopping. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Wendouree during your travels in Ballarat. There is also a gift shop and a cafe for you to buy souvenirs and enjoy treats while visiting. The most famous dish among tourists is the freshly-baked rainbow trout served with locally made bread, potatoes, peppercorn, and others. New Year's Eve 2023 In Ballarat 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. Firstly,Prime Ministers Avenueis for people who want to walk down the historical lane of Australia. But, there is one more thing quite popular to the tourists who come to cherish the unexplained beauty of Ballarat- the Black Hill Reserve.An empty space of almost 260 acres- Ballarat is one of the best places you could go to if you want to be close to nature. Fun Things to do in Ballarat - Family Travel Blog - Travel with Kids Wrap up your Ballarat short break with a casual drink and dinner at Hop Temple. Shopping & relaxation. What a fun way to learn about the gold rush, the underground mine tour was amazing, as was the self guided . You can only appreciate Ballarat's culture properly while walking on its well-maintained footpaths. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. 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. Required fields are marked *. The Ballarat Wildlife Park strives to give the best interactive experience with some of Australia's most unique animals. Located on the banks of lovely Lake Wendouree, and just across the road from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, lies the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. About 28 bronze portraits of the Australian Prime Ministers are there to commemorate their work for the nation. Ballarat Heritage Weekend is an annual community cultural festival that is celebrated in Ballarat to showcase the wonderful history and culture of the city. Making sure it's a good place to work with a good culture.". 1. Today its collection is presented alongside touring and temporary exhibitions across its elegant 19th-century rooms and contemporary architectural additions. The Ballarat Tram Museum is run by volunteers dressed in authentic uniforms and runs most afternoons. Well worth the hour or so to go through. Tap into Ballarats rich history of craftsmanship by signing up for a workshop or masterclass with one of its local artisans. Step inside the the Robert Clark Conservatory inside the Botanical Gardens in Ballarat. There are names and history too. Other great city break destinations within 2 hours of Melbourne are Bendigo, Geelong and Warrnambool. Wander through the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the western side of Lake Wendouree: regional Victorias oldest inland botanic gardens is a medley of mature trees and marble statues set within colourful flowerbeds. Ballarat, Destinations, Goldfields, Victoria, Australia Costumed characters, theatres, horses, goldfields, factories, underground mines, shops, and whatnot! Lasting 45 minutes, the cruise is best to understand the lakes history. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. Rum Jungle | Back Home Tour | Ballarat. Here, kids can abseil, hike, canoe, mountain bike, try archery, go bouldering, cook bush tucker and try crate stacking. From the very swish to the very old, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing accommodation in Ballarat. Established around 150 years ago, Ballarat Botanic Gardens have been one of the citys top attractions for decades. Recharge and refuel after a day's walking at one of the town's popular eateries, breweries or cafes. Visiting Botanic Gardens is one of the best free things to do in Ballarat, especially during winter because of theBegonia Festival. It is run by passionate and dedicated volunteers and trams operate every weekend. However, both times were as a day trip from Melbourne.This is a shame as Ballarat has more to offer than Sovereign Hill and it is a great place for a short, easy trip. We highly suggest adding this activity to your list of fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend! The list of the best things to do in Ballarat above demonstrates how this city is the ideal blend of modern and traditional. Wanna swim like a professional? After a long day of roaming, you can quench your thirst by local wines. Find out about the history of Ballarat when you spend time at Ballarat Botanical Gardens. 3. Tickets are priced at $35 and $22 for adults and kids respectively. The station is pleasant and functional within the grand old building. Finally,Sovereign Hillis where your heritage tour should end. Fun things to do in Ballarat with Kids (or without) The Best of Ballarat Attractions, VIC | NeedaBreak This show showcases the Australian history of gold from its origins and takes you on a historical journey to the current day. 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. 12 Fun Things to Do in Bendigo (+ Free Activities), 12 Spectacular & Fun Things to Do in Noosa Heads Everything You Need to Know for a Memorable Trip. Discover why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. Discover parties, concerts, meets, shows, sports, club, reunion, Performance happening in April 2023 in Ballarat. The property also has its own on-site accommodation, Tuki Retreat, which offers cosy stone or weatherboard cottages with open fires. As mentioned, Ballarat is world-renowned for its unusual things to do and historic buildings. She said they need to be clear on what their employee value proposition is. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat - Tripadvisor The main highlights of the Botanic Gardens include Prime Ministers Avenue and the Robert Clark Conservatory. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. This 19th-century relic showcases the industrial movement of the area. Consider visiting Washington State's biggest island for your future adventure. Here, in Bridge Mall, you can get your hands on anything! Ballarat Bird World is an enjoyable and economical way for bird lovers to spend their day. 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. Top 10 Best Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia. Couples, in particular, enjoy the area; they gave it a 9.3 rating for a trip with two people. This four-season destination may puzzle you to decide when to visit Ballarat. The museum provides a fun learning experience with characters in costumes, horses, cats that displays what life was back then in the Victorian Goldfields. It is an award-winning interactive wildlife park situated on 37 acres of natural bushland. This city was even named one of the most liveable cities in Australia in 2020. And keep an eye on colourful ceramicist Ruby Pilvens website for upcoming workshops. You can also visit wineries like Captains Creek Organic Wines, Mount Buninyong Winery, or Eastern Peake Winery to appreciate the art of wine making. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarats collection. With some of the great Lake Wendouree, the park is even more impressive. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. 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. Will be back. Ballarat is a popular destination thanks to being an easy 100 kilometres from Melbourne and home to the fantastic Sovereign Hill. The monument, Arch of Victory, was erected shortly after World War I close to Prince of Wales Park's southwest corner. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums. In the land of swimmers- swimming is inevitable. Understand the Gold Rush History & Heritage of Ballarat, 3. Ballarat is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. 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. Opened more than a century ago, the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum is one of the oldest observatories in Australia. Experience the area's museums and art scene. This month, 17th March, 06:30 pm, Guf Ballarat Outsiders Prerelease in Ballarat. 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. Located on the historic Lydiard Street, Craigs Royal Hotel was built during the Victorian gold rush. Spend a day at Sovereign Hill. True to its name- this restaurant won the hearts of tourists and locals equally in a very short span of time. In this center, you can have both of them! To begin with, this outdoor museum got built on the actual gold-mining site used during that time. You can walk around the well-maintained lawns of the beautiful Botanical Garden and learn about history at the same time! Thankfully, the rebellions won the battle, and Ballarat is still a famous gold mining place, attracting thousands annually. But in no way is it any less fascinating. 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. Harnessing a rich heritage from the famous Gold Rush history, Ballarat is one of Australias most historically significant cities. 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. unusual things to do in Ballarat Archives - Out of Town Blog Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. Right now, Sovereign Hill has become an iconic place due to the variety of things to do in Ballarat it offers. Things to do in Ballarat with Kids near me - Family Days Out The first thing you will stumble upon on Lydiard Street is Her Majestys Theatre, one of Australias oldest theatres. Meet the animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park, Top 12 places to eat and drink in Ballarat, Six reasons why you should spend a weekend in Ballarat now.