14 Must-Visit Attractions & Activities in Ballarat
Explore the best things to do in Ballarat, from visiting iconic landmarks to immersing yourself in the local culture. This guide has everything you need to make the most of your visit to this charming city.
Renowned for being among the world’s most affluent goldfields, Ballarat and its neighbouring areas continue to hold wonders. With an energetic arts scene, preserved historical edifices lining broad shaded avenues, and critically acclaimed rural eateries, Ballarat remains a magnet for travellers, particularly those passionate about history and gourmet food.
The gold rush of 1851 in Victoria brought multitudes of fortune seekers to this locale. Furthermore, Ballarat gained recognition as the site of the renowned Eureka Stockade, a pivotal moment in Australia’s past. Presently, gold extraction continues, drawing myriad tourists annually.
Ballarat serves as an excellent starting point for touring the vicinity. Ranging from underground mining adventures and top-tier art institutions to time-honoured structures and natural wonders like Lal Lal Falls, there’s an abundance of activities. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in the area’s exquisite eateries and local gourmet produce. And if you’ve explored everything Ballarat offers, consider short excursions to the culturally vibrant Bendigo, the picturesque Macedon Ranges, and other charming rural towns nearby.
While the destination is appealing year-round, many regard autumn as the peak season, with landscapes painted in fiery reds, gold, and amber. For suggestions on prime locations, browse our compilation of premier tourist attractions and activities in Ballarat.
Exploring Lydiard Street & Ballarat's Gold Era Legacy
As the most populous inland city in Victoria, Ballarat isn’t just a business hub but also a treasure trove of culture and historical significance. The town’s distinguished blue-stone and crafted brick historic buildings transport you straight to the era of the gold rush.
Starting your exploration in Lydiard Street, one of the town’s ancient quarters, is advisable. Visit the information desk to obtain a leaflet and guide map for the self-led Historic Streetscapes Walking Tour. This tour provides insights into the stories behind each structure, emphasizing three main roads: Lydiard Street, Sturt Street, and Camp Street. This self-guided tour ranks among Ballarat’s top complimentary activities.
Lydiard Street’s architectural marvels encompass the grand Her Majesty’s Theatre – among Australia’s oldest extant theatres, heritage-rich churches, the notable Craig’s Royal Hotel, and the once bustling Mining Exchange. The regional Art Gallery of Ballarat is also a must-visit, spotlighting Australian artworks from colonial times to contemporary pieces.
Sturt Street traces its roots back to the original cattle path, whereas Camp Street presents a diverse blend of architectural designs.
Yet, for many, the most captivating dive into this historic epoch is a trip to Sovereign Hill, celebrated as one of Australia’s most immersive historical sites. The Eureka Centre is another not-to-be-missed attraction, chronicling a pivotal chapter in Australia’s past.
The Historical Experience of Sovereign Hill
Recognized with multiple awards, Sovereign Hill is one of Australia’s top genuine historical sites. Located in a former mining area, it’s not just a dynamic museum but a gateway back to 1851. Visitors taste the Gold Rush era through various activities, including daily showcases, workshops, museum tours, mining expeditions, and interactive media presentations. It’s a top choice for family outings in Ballarat.
During the daytime, stroll through the charming stores on Main Street, interact with performers adorned in era-specific outfits, delve into the underground mines, experience the town aboard a horse-driven coach, or try your luck gold panning in the stream.
When night falls, an impressive audio-visual presentation narrates the 1854 Eureka Rebellion, a pivotal moment in Australia’s past. This is a sought-after nighttime activity in Ballarat.
Advice for Visitors: To maximize your experience, consult the schedule and site map online to ensure you don’t skip any notable events. The carriage, mining excursions, and gold melting tours fill up fast – booking early is recommended. If you wish to explore everything leisurely, consider buying an extended two-day ticket for convenience.
Location: Bradshaw Street, Ballarat, Victoria
Discover Lal Lal Falls
Approximately 30 minutes from Ballarat, Lal Lal Falls, which translates to “rushing waters,” holds profound spiritual value in Aboriginal lore. Especially mesmerizing post-heavy rainfall, these falls gracefully cascade amidst gorges, complemented by a visitor-friendly observation deck and interlinked hiking trails.
An intriguing nearby attraction is the preserved blast furnace, a testament to the area’s 19th-century industrial endeavours in brick, pottery, porcelain, and paper production. It’s a frequented pit stop on Ballarat Road Adventures.
Lake Wendouree: Nature's Heart in Ballarat
Seeking a dose of natural rejuvenation? Lake Wendouree, situated adjacent to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, serves as an oasis of calm within Ballarat’s confines. Flanked by trees, this serene, beautiful lake, complemented by its encompassing green expanse, beckons visitors for a stroll or jog.
The Steve Moneghetti six-kilometre walking trail encircles the lake, welcoming walkers and bikers to explore this verdant sanctuary. The lake’s offerings extend to fishing, sailing, and bird-watching (with black swans and ducks being popular sights). Moreover, enthusiasts can attempt the 2000-meter rowing stretch, a venue for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games’ rowing events. For the younger visitors, playful structures beckon.
Lake Wendouree stands as a favoured picnic spot. With a spread on the green grass and barbecue grills available, it’s an ideal locale to unwind and revel in nature’s lap.
The Botanical Gardens in Ballarat
Nestled along Lake Wendouree’s western edge, the stunning Ballarat Botanical Gardens span 40 acres and stand out as some of Australia’s premier cold climate gardens. Structured into four distinct sections, this immaculate green space has been a cherished tourist spot in Ballarat for over a century, drawing global horticulture enthusiasts.
One of the standout attractions is the Robert Clark Conservatory, showcasing an array of vibrant seasonal flora. In summer, expect to be greeted by hydrangeas, fuchsias, and pelargoniums, while winter displays cyclamen, cineraria, and primula. A fall visit promises a mesmerizing exhibit of begonias, aligning with the famed Ballarat Begonia Festival.
The gardens offer more than just flowers. Enjoy features like the intricate floral clock, the immersive sensory garden, and the serene vistas of Lake Wendouree – be on the lookout for its elegant black swans. The garden is home to various majestic trees, from conifers and indigenous species to leaf-shedding varieties; notably, 52 of these trees are recognized on the National Trust Significant Trees Register.
Keen on a journey through Australia’s political past? The Prime Minister’s Avenue at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is your path. Situated on Horse Chestnut Avenue, it exhibits bronze likenesses of Australia’s 28 prime ministers, each perched on gleaming granite bases. This tribute is a unique and refined touch to the gardens, adding a different dimension to the Ballarat experience. Another captivating feature is the distinctive marble statues, termed the Stoddard Collection, dotting the gardens.
The beautiful gardens are also an idyllic spot for a relaxed picnic. Spread out your blanket on the verdant grounds, breathe in the scent of aged pines combined with freshly cut grass, and immerse yourself in the horticultural splendour.
Location: The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat, Victoria
Wildlife Park in Ballarat
Looking for a respite from history-themed sites? Ballarat Wildlife Park is ideal for families, especially those fascinated with Australian animals. The park boasts of kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, emus, wombats, tiny penguins, Tasmanian fiends, and dingoes, among others. You’ll see emus strolling freely, and the kangaroos are open to being hand-fed with special feed available for purchase.
Yet, Australian fauna isn’t the sole attraction here. Marvel at the striking Sumatran tigers, enormous tortoises, playful meerkats, and animals from diverse habitats. Reptile fans should visit the exhibit to see “Crunch,” an imposing five-meter “super crocodile.”
The park’s conservation initiatives are geared towards safeguarding the resident species. Support their endeavours by adopting an animal. Engaging in animal interactions enhances the park experience, and for those inclined, there’s an opportunity to hug a koala!
Location: Intersection of York & Fussell Streets, Ballarat East, Victoria
Eureka Centre, Ballarat
Nestled at the heart of the 1854 Eureka Stockade uprising’s historic site, the Eureka Centre invites visitors to delve into a pivotal episode in Australian democratic evolution. The museum, adorned with compelling exhibits and modern digital interfaces, provides insights into this transformative event.
Back in 1854, frustrated gold prospectors rallied against unscrupulous government agents. They unified under the Southern Cross flag at Bakery Hill and fortified themselves at the proximate Eureka mines. A surprise raid by government troops on December 3, 1854, saw the fall of the lightly defended fence, resulting in the death of 22 miners and six soldiers. This clash, underpinning miner rights, ignited democratic and egalitarian ideologies that resonate in Australia today.
The Eureka Centre sheds light on this incident and other cultural ramifications of Victorian gold exploration. Visitors can also acquaint themselves with personal tales of the rebellion’s miners. A centrepiece of the museum is the meticulously preserved Eureka flag, considered among Australia’s foremost cultural relics.
Located within the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park precinct, the Eureka Centre encourages visitors to wander beside the reflective pond, under canopying trees, and learn from plaques and monuments paying homage to the Eureka Stockade participants. A play area ensures young visitors remain engaged.
Address: 102 Stawell Street South, Eureka (Ballarat), Victoria
Day trip to Bendigo
Bendigo, one of Victoria’s principal regional centres, radiates with vibrant eateries and cultural hotspots and stands about a 90-minute commute from Ballarat. The town unveils a fusion of opulent European-inspired designs with a uniquely Australian touch, complemented by vast boulevards fringed with trees and an array of art institutions and sacred places.
Experience Bendigo’s gold-digging legacy with a subterranean quest at the Central Deborah Gold Mine. Moreover, Bendigo’s profound Chinese influence is evident. The conserved Bendigo Chinese Joss House echoes the indispensable role of Chinese settlers during the gold fever, while the esteemed Golden Dragon Museum offers a window into this legacy through an assortment of Chinese artworks and artifacts.
Art enthusiasts and architecture lovers will relish Bendigo’s offerings. The Bendigo Art Gallery, one of Australia’s foremost and time-honoured regional art venues, occasionally houses top-tier exhibitions, augmenting its outstanding collection of European and Australian pieces. Additionally, Bendigo Pottery, the nation’s oldest operational pottery, provides a chance to acquire exclusive souvenirs, while the glorious Sacred Heart Cathedral stands as Bendigo’s iconic, beautiful building.
Bendigo proposes the Discovery Science & Technology Centre for family-centric outings, boasting over 100 interactive displays suitable for children, and the tranquil Rosalind Park, ideal for a leisurely picnic. Lake Weeroona also invites serene walks with abundant bird-watching opportunities.
For an encompassing Bendigo experience, embark on the Bendigo Tramways tour, an informative ride with the flexibility to alight and board at various city landmarks.
Drive to Mount Macedon and Hanging Rock Nature Reserve
For those seeking scenic expeditions near Ballarat, Mount Macedon and its vicinity, roughly a 70-minute drive, promise breathtaking landscapes, particularly during autumn when the foliage turns radiant. En route, pause at charming Victorian hamlets like Maldon and Clunes.
Mount Macedon, positioned at the foot of the eponymous peak, once served as a refreshing getaway for Melbourne’s elite after the gold rush. Presently, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and gardening lovers.
One recommended activity is navigating the trails of the Hanging Rock Reserve. Located approximately 15 minutes from the town, this enchanting natural expanse, adorned with volcanic rock formations, was the backdrop for the iconic film, “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” inspired by Joan Lindsay’s novel. And, true to its name, picnicking is a favoured activity here.
Mount Macedon’s alluring parks and gardens are also crowd-pullers. The Forest Glade Gardens showcases various themed sections.
For panoramic vistas spanning the Dandenong Ranges to Melbourne’s distant cityscape, venture to the Macedon Regional Park and ascend towards the viewpoint on Mount Macedon’s flanks, revered as Geburrh by the native Wurundjeri community. The park’s Mount Macedon War Memorial Cross is a tribute to wartime heroes.
Close by, Camels Hump signifies the peak’s zenith, accessible via a brief hike from the parking area. The park also offers picturesque routes, trekking paths, and opportunities to spot native fauna.
A mere hour from Ballarat, charming Maldon offers visitors a snapshot of the gold rush in a quaint town setting. Enclosed by rolling hills and lush forests, the town’s Main Street showcases impeccably conserved 19th-century towers home to diverse antique stores, cozy cafés, eateries, and art galleries.
Given its distinction as Australia’s inaugural “notable town” by the National Trust, Maldon beckons history enthusiasts. Some must-see historic landmarks are the Grand Hotel (1888), the postal office (1870), and the Maldon Railway Station (1884). Culinary enthusiasts can trace the Maldon Taste of Gold route to savour local artisanal specialties.
For panoramic views, ascend Anzac Hill or Mt. Tarrangower’s vantage point. If you visit during spring and relish music, the Maldon Folk Festival promises delightful folk performances, theatre, and dance. An enchanting transport mode to Maldon is the Victorian Goldfields Railway’s vintage steam train, plying between Maldon and Castlemaine on Wednesdays and most weekends.
Venture to Maldon
Embark on a Castlemaine Excursion
Situated in the goldfields’ epicentre, Castlemaine epitomizes a meticulously preserved hamlet, ideal for a day’s excursion from Ballarat. Its expansive roads intertwined with slender alleys captivate art lovers, garden enthusiasts, and gourmets. Numerous organic cafés dish out fresh local fare, while antiquarian bookshops are scattered around.
Recent times have seen Mostyn Street blossoming with bespoke clothing boutiques, and for antique enthusiasts, the Restorer’s Barn is a treasure trove. The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens provide delightful walking routes, with a special section for children. Adjacent to the gardens, the Mill Castlemaine invites visitors to relish Viennese delicacies and aromatic coffee and shop for antique and retro gems.
Other Castlemaine attractions encompass the Castlemaine Art Museum, emphasizing Australian creators, and the Buda Historic Home and Garden, displaying art and antiques set against a historic garden backdrop.
If time permits, a detour to the quaint village of Clunes, famed as Victoria’s gold discovery site in 1851, is worthwhile.
For a fitting historic entry into Castlemaine, board a Victorian Goldfields Railway heritage steam locomotive departing from Maldon.
Ballarat's Gem: The Art Gallery of Ballarat
Incepted in 1884, the Art Gallery of Ballarat stands proudly as Australia’s most ancient and expansive regional art space, ranking high among the nation’s finest. Nestled in Ballarat’s core heritage zone, its dignified, conservation-listed structure, enriched with modern augmentations, mirrors the eclectic art variety it houses, ranging from age-old colonial masterpieces to avant-garde contemporary creations.
The gallery predominantly showcases Australian artists. Nonetheless, it offers an array of art from diverse origins, styles, and mediums, encompassing paintings, sketches, sculptures, and pottery. On the upper level, artworks are thematically curated under headers like country, place, home, and disruption, bestowing a distinct lens to perceive the collection.
To better understand the exhibits, consider joining a complimentary guided walkthrough helmed by amiable volunteers. These tours generally occur daily at 11 a.m.; however, verifying the schedule beforehand is recommended.
An added perk: Access to the Art Gallery of Ballarat doesn’t levy any charge, including most rotating exhibitions. Given the immense artistic wealth in its captivating galleries, this stands out as one of Ballarat’s prime free attractions.
Location: 40 Lydiard Street, Nth, Ballarat, Victoria
A Delightful Excursion to Daylesford
Situated on the fringes of the Wombat State Forest, just a short 40-minute journey from Ballarat, Daylesford offers more than just remnants of its gold town heritage.
The town became a melting pot when Swiss and Italian settlers flocked here during the gold rush, drawn not just by the lure of gold but also by the rejuvenating waters. Today, along with its sibling Hepburn Springs, Daylesford stands proud as Australia’s premier spa destination, making it a favoured Melbourne weekend escape. The region is peppered with mineral springs featuring traditional hand pumps, and it’s not uncommon to find an array of wellness sanctuaries offering specialized spa therapies.
The “peace mile,” a serene pathway encircling Lake Daylesford, is a cherished routine for many residents. Moreover, the town prides itself on its culinary prowess, with award-winning eateries dishing out innovative local delicacies. The Lake House, poised gracefully beside the water, is acclaimed as Victoria’s top countryside retreat.
If your itinerary permits, visit the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, just a 15-minute drive from Daylesford’s heart. This active lavender farm offers delightful dining options and an opportunity to shop for lavender-based products. Visit during summer to witness the hand-harvesting of lavender using age-old sickles and to get enchanting snapshots amidst the blooming lavender fields.
Discovering Kyneton
A mere hour from Ballarat, Kyneton is a beautiful blend of history, therapeutic mineral springs, exquisite cuisine, art, and nature. It’s a recommended stopover en route to the Macedon Ranges, roughly 20 minutes away.
The town’s storied Piper Street is a vision with its impeccably preserved edifices, now housing a medley of art galleries, eateries, and distinctive boutiques. The bustling farmers market is a must-see for those visiting on the second Saturday morning of any month.
Kyneton’s array of day spas, gourmet dining establishments, and organic coffee shops beckon visitors. For those inclined towards nature, the Campaspe River Walk, which weaves past the Botanical Gardens and various historic estates, is a treat. Blackhill Reserve offers more adventurous trekking options, while the rushing waters of Turpins Falls present a mesmerizing sight, especially after significant rainfall.
Sharing its underground spring legacy with neighbouring Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, Kyneton boasts its mineral spring, where visitors can freely refill their bottles with the mineral-infused water at the hand pump within the Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve.
