Hence, becoming a hot spot for tourists. It is built of local stone. Find out more about Travel Lens and read our editorial guidelines, Whidbey Island is between the Olympic Peninsula and the mainland, just north of Seattle. Due to this, many tourists have come to taste the delicious wines and even buy some! 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. This Australian gem has a lot of spicy places you can hit when you are feeling that hunger. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Ballarat is approximately 90 mins from Melbourne by car or via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station. . 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. Trip Original. 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. It attracts people of all ages. Your email address will not be published. This show showcases the Australian history of gold from its origins and takes you on a historical journey to the current day. Fortunately, Ballarat has a flourishing wine region specializing in chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, and other wines. For more of the best in travel sign up to our newsletter! Thankfully, the rebellions won the battle, and Ballarat is still a famous gold mining place, attracting thousands annually. 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. 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. The gallery has one of the best regional collections in the country. 3. For shopping, the Art Gallery of Ballarat offers a gift shop with products ranging from art books and local crafters. It was later renovated to commemorate the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here. Finally, visiting the blast furnace of the falls is one of the unusual and free things to do in Ballarat. You can also hit Enter on your keyboard to submit your query. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. Ballarat Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Ballarat, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Take a stroll around the lake. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is one of the best playgrounds in all of Ballarat. Most likely would return. Lots of bird life hanging around as well. Taste the Delectable Wines of Ballarat, 10 Things to Do in Coffs Harbour for a Perfect Coastal Getaway. Classics include the Mining Exchange, Art Gallery, Old Colonial Hall, Reid's Coffee Palace and the Provincial Hotel. ). There are names and history too. The centre is surrounded by the lovely Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens. Tourists visit the city for its modern art, cuisine, beverages, and artists, in addition to its historical attractions. It is recognized as a representation of Ballarat across Australia, but it has also gained prestige and respect abroad. PC and console gaming as well Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Games Workshop, boardgames and . 2.) It is located on the Yarrowee River in the Central Highlands of Victoria in Australia. 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. 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. The hotel has served many famous people including Mark Twain and Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria's second son), and Dame Nellie Melba. 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. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Lydiard Streetis the best way to kick-start your heritage tour of Ballarat. Expedia, Inc. is not responsible for content on external Web sites. 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! 12 Shares. Head over to the most fun part of Ballarat to give your kids a treat! If you are someone who is still a child at heart, then go-karts and laser tags have a different kind of effect! Dont miss a tasting at Eastern Peake Vineyard, 20 minutes north of town at Coghills Creek, where second-generation winemaker Owen Latta, Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018, has been making waves with the family-run propertys eponymous label and his own natural LATTA Vino label. The Ballarat Visitor information Centre is in the Town Hall, which is in Sturtt St, the main street. You can also enjoy fishing, local catches include rainbow trout and redfin. City Center of Ballarat. What are the best outdoor activities in Ballarat? Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. 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 parties, concerts, meets, shows, sports, club, reunion, Performance happening in April 2023 in Ballarat. 16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2022 1. 2. Find out why Ballarat is the culinary capital of regional Victoria. However, if you are swaying towards retail then you can check out Bridge Mall, Central Square Ballarat, Mill Market, or Stockland Wendouree. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarat's collection. Here, our pick of Ballarats timeless and contemporary charms. You can interact with many beautiful birds closely at this place. . 'Stockade' style children's playground on site. Are you into aircrafts and airplanes? Regardless of your interests or age, there are countless experiences and attractions to dive into. Our favorite thing to do here is to relax at theYacht Clubwhile admiring the exquisite views of Lake Wendouree. And at just an hour-and-a-half's drive from Melbourne, Ballarat makes the perfect short break destination. It's free as well! Ballarat Indoor Go Karts 13 Game & Entertainment Centres Open now By aussietravel1977 Such great fun. Are you looking for some awesome shopping scenes in Ballarat? You can enjoy this park by bringing along a picnic or by enjoying tasty food from the cafe while taking in the scenic beauty of plants and animals. The park is open to the public and has even been established by the people of the town for others to enjoy. Discover for yourself why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. You'll love the conservatory display showcasing seasonal displays, prime minister avenue displaying bronze portraits, and the statuary pavilion. Want to get close to nature? 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. Their wines provide you a clear picture of what characterizes the central and western wine-growing areas of Victorian so unique. The park houses about 400 species of animals. 8. Ballarat in particular has some of Australia's finest architecture and cityscape. Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill, 4. Culinary promises. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. The city was even named one of Australia's most livable cities in 2020. Exciting art, cultural and dining experiences are just some of the reasons you should head to Ballarat for your next weekend away. Tickets are priced at $35 and $22 for adults and kids respectively. The museum also has a tram that takes you on the tour of the mines. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. What a fun way to learn about the gold rush, the underground mine tour was amazing, as was the self guided . Surprisingly, tourists can also find lodging options in the form of Tuki Retreat. Are you ready to see some art now? Learn more about life in the goldfields at award-winning Sovereign Hill. It's also a beautiful small city, just a quick trip from New York City. An Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation 4-week Course Ballarat. Established around 150 years ago, Ballarat Botanic Gardens have been one of the citys top attractions for decades. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? Let us head over to some of the newer attractions now. Hand feed the kangaroos and then head to see CRUNCH the show at 3pm is awesome, learn about how he got to the park and see him leap out of water to get his yummy chicken! About 28 bronze portraits of the Australian Prime Ministers are there to commemorate their work for the nation. You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Melbourne or Geelong. Spending time here during sunsets with your date is one of the most romantic things to do in Ballarat. Are you looking for a place to relive your childhood after exploring all of Ballarat? Also, there are a lot of tours available. 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. Wonderful examples of 19th century architecture. Fun Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Ride the Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail 5. Find out about the history of Ballarat when you spend time at Ballarat Botanical Gardens. If you desire to cruise on the water, ensure that you board theGolden City Paddle Steamer. Ballarat is a terrific destination for a family escape. 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. This city is only a 90 minutes drive away from Melbourne and is great for you to just relax and rejuvenate. 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. Except for the exotic wildlife of Australia, you can also spot Sumatran tigers, meerkats, and other beautiful species of the world. 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. A great place to see Indigenous art and to have fun, Read more. Committed foodie? Book your hotel and flights, get those bags packed and get ready to explore this vibrant city. 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 Let us give you some options to explore what you are craving for!The first restaurant that comes to our mind when we talk about the best eateries in Ballarat is the Moon and Mountain. It has kangaroos and emus that roam freely around the park and can be hand fed. Most Viewed. 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. The downtown portion of this upscale neighborhood has been revitalized, notably Main Street. If Ballarat Base Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat. With a collection of more than 16 different varieties of wine- you can surely feel good here. Located at Coghills Creek, the vineyard has won numerous awards, including Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018. 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. Wildlife parks have always been famous family places to spend time, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park is no exception. Worth a visit, especially if you don't know much about the history. To make things even more convenient, the museum offers accommodations for visitors. If you want to experience something entirely different and unique in Ballarat- then you must venture to the Gold Museum. BALLARAT TOURNEY 2023. 6. Known as the county seat of the Livingston County, this thriving mid-western city has much to offer. But in no way is it any less fascinating. Ballarat is perhaps the most appealing of Australia's gold rush towns. All rights reserved. Yes, the pools are also open to the public and you can go in to take a quick dip during the swimming hours at the Eureka Aquatic Center. If you happen to be in town during one of those- do go and enjoy the experience. You can also dress-up and take photographs with your friends in the old-timey photography studio. One of the most important parks in Ballarat is the sizable recreational space known as Victoria Park. A true art lover would never miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Ballarat Wildlife Park Victoria Australia Mar 04 The Mother Wound and it's healing Bermingham Farm AUD 595 Mar 04 Open Morning Ballarat Grammar Mar 04 Sat 9.30am weekly Vic Park Walking Group Victoria Park, Gillies St, Ballarat Mar 04 Ballarat Produce Swap March 2023 Ballarat Community Garden Mar 04 Ballarat Art & Culinary Journey The Lost Ones Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Wendouree during your travels in Ballarat. This gorgeous property will take care of everything you may need during your stay. The best way to learn the art form is through attending a workshop with local crafters. Birds here include the Gang-gang, Major Mitchell and red, white and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. Instead, focus on finding the right people. 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. Ballarat Heritage Weekend is an annual community cultural festival that is celebrated in Ballarat to showcase the wonderful history and culture of the city. The list of fun things to do in Ballarat is enormous. 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. Furthermore, the Eureka Center enlightens visitors about the iconic Eureka Stockade. It is Ballarats oldest and most luxurious hotel. Hence, the perfect solution for this problem is to create a list of fun things to do in Ballarat to avoid similar situations. The park is themed around the fantasy of medieval time with knights, kings, and everything else medieval. GET AN OVERVIEW SEARCH EVERYTHING. Fish for rainbow trout at Tuki Trout Farm. . Consequently, the lake got transformed into a tourist hub with numerous recreational activities. Sovereign Hills Winter Wonderlights brings similar illumination to the depth of winter. The main highlights of the Botanic Gardens include Prime Ministers Avenue and the Robert Clark Conservatory. 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. BREAD GANG. Located on the Serviceton line in Victoria, Ballarat Railway Station is one of Australias most awe-inspiring heritage railway stations. This month, 17th March, 06:30 pm, Guf Ballarat Outsiders Prerelease in Ballarat. Take a walk around Ballarats picturesque Lake Wendouree, originally a swamp and now one of the nicest ways you can spend a sunny afternoon. The 140-year-old building, which was formerly a produce store, tentmaker, and mechanic shop, now exhibits wines and other regional gems while offering a complete wine bar and dining adventure in the middle of Ballarat. From 30 June to 29 July, tours will depart at 9.30am from the Gold Monument, Cnr Sturt and Albert Street, Ballarat. 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. Go for a walk to appreciate Ballarat. Ballarat has a population of over 100,000 people. You can extend this period to 4 days if you mostly rely on public transport. After exploring the town, you can satisfy your hunger with traditional and delicious Aussie cuisine, Ballarat has some great cafes and restaurants that use local produce to make wholesome food. 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. Since Ballarat is a relatively small city, a 3-day itinerary is enough to explore it. A dilemma of choosing what to do and what not! Ballarat. You can visit the depot to inspect the fleet and a trove of tram memorabilia before climbing aboard for a 20-minute ride through the Botanical Gardens. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. Cuddle a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. The property also has its own on-site accommodation, Tuki Retreat, which offers cosy stone or weatherboard cottages with open fires. Visit J Ward Lunatic Asylum: Night Ghost Tour in Ararat. . The hosts were knowledgeable at a high standard and answered all our questions. Lasting 45 minutes, the cruise is best to understand the lakes history. You can also visit wineries like Captains Creek Organic Wines, Mount Buninyong Winery, or Eastern Peake Winery to appreciate the art of wine making. Wander Lydiard St to take in the architecture. Located on the banks of lovely Lake Wendouree, and just across the road from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, lies the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground. This is one of those flashy modern places, but the take is that they create some of the most delicious foods with a twit. Besides being Victorias commercial center, Ballarat is also home to the states great heritage and culture. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene. 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. Couples, in particular, enjoy the area; they gave it a 9.3 rating for a trip with two people. Don't think we forgot about nature! 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. Things to do in Ballarat . Ballarat is home to its own boutique wine region. Did you know they give out swimming lessons too? The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and largest regional gallery. Thankfully, the walking trails connect the extremes of Lal Lal Falls, making it easily accessible. Besides Ballarats historical significance, dining in its world-famous country restaurants is one of the top things to do in Ballarat. 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. If theres anything more romantic in Ballarat than Lal Lal Falls, it has to be Lake Wendouree. Frequently Asked Questions about Ballarat. The gardens are also home to the Ballarat Tramway Museum, which provides the chance to ride in one of the 100-year-old trams that provided Ballarats public transport until 1971. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. Lydiard Street also features in ABC television series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, which is set in Ballarat. 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. Located on Lake Wendouree, Botanic Gardens is the perfect blend of well-manicured trees and marble statues. You can stay at the castle and enjoy your childhood dream as the castle offers 4-star accommodation. The first thing you will stumble upon on Lydiard Street is Her Majestys Theatre, one of Australias oldest theatres. Would have been lovely to have a picnic in the grounds if the weather allowed. It is held over the Labour Day long weekend in March. 156 Shares. Free Attractions . 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. Some of them might have a significant historic past., while others have a mining past. LABOUR DAY WEEKEND Feat. 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. Food & drink. You can eat at the cafes while enjoying the beautiful view of the lake or you can have fun canoeing, kayaking and sailing the lake. The ponds here are stocked with rainbow trouts and visitors are guaranteed a catch; you can then have it cooked in the restaurant. Admire the Beautiful Art Gallery of Ballarat, 5. From 1897 to 1905, Ballarat was the place to be in the Panamints. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. Family-run Ballarat Wildlife Park is home to a large variety of native Australian animals and other exotic creatures, including free-roaming kangaroos, eight resident wombats and a colony of little penguins. See all Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne 219 Bus Tours from $161.90 per adult Private Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Tour from Melbourne 1 Full-day Tours from $840.21 per adult (price varies by group size) 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne 1 You also pass by the Olympic memorial and a children's playground as you make your way around the lake. There's live music every Sunday afternoon. A 10 minute drive from the centre. Finally,Sovereign Hillis where your heritage tour should end. Consider visiting Washington State's biggest island for your future adventure. The event includes free access to many selected buildings of the city. It features a moat and drawbridge, a maze, castle towers, stocks, and an armory. Toilets are clean and accessible easily. Art Gallery of Ballarat 6. A new immersive theatre experience, Aura, launched last year to add to the experience. Good range of vegetarian options if you need. the gardens are exceptional and we were lucky enough to catch the. However, if you ask us, autumn is the prime time to visit this gorgeous place due to how kaleidoscopic it becomes. 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. Likewise, theParker Knivesare famous because of their knifemaking masterclasses with Adam Parker. Itineraries. These things contain all the historic and necessary details about the places you are about to visit. The Provincial Hotel's beautiful dining room Lola is a standout for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a great wine list . In this center, you can have both of them! Look no further. A plethora of expertise displays their love for the profession, including the understanding of the food industry, customers, and personal service. The weather of Ballarat is really good for grapes and that is why the city offers some of the best locally produced wine straight from the vineyards. If you were wondering what to do in this historically rich town, the following is a 'to-do' list consisting of the top attractions in Ballarat. From the very swish to the very old, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing accommodation in Ballarat. One can make their list using our list of top 10 fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend. The following won't cost a thing. You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. Since Ballarat has gorgeous nightlife, experiencing it is one of the best things to do in Ballarat. Ballarat Tramway Museum 192 Speciality Museums By MrDavetheSarks Good value, and good information as well. Victoria Park's forested area is just a short stroll from Lake Wendouree's southern side. Making sure it's a good place to work with a good culture.". Located at the top of a hill, get ready to have a unique experience in the countryside of Ballarat. Being located on the actual site of the stockade made it even more special. In addition, Ballarat houses an impressive number of art galleries and museums that will keep you engaged in wanting to learn more. The station is pleasant and functional within the grand old building. Come here to experience the traditional tramway experience that once existed on the streets of Ballarat. It is an award-winning interactive wildlife park situated on 37 acres of natural bushland. 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. You can even go wine tasting if you want.