Discover for yourself why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. Culinary promises. Top 12 Things To Do In Ballarat | Australian Traveller Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. Port Fairy. Finally,Sovereign Hillis where your heritage tour should end. Things To Do In Ballarat This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 Does Ballarats newest boutique hotel measure up to the citys buzzing arts and dining scene? THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Will be back. THE 10 BEST Fun Activities & Games in Ballarat The gallery has one of the best regional collections in the country. Finally, visiting the blast furnace of the falls is one of the unusual and free things to do 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. Be it something as simple as chicken wings- you can always find a twist in the flavors! 6pm: Head to Hop Temple for dinner. The landscapes are amazing with granite rock formations. Find the best things to do, eat, see and to visit in Ballarat with kids, couples and friends. 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 If you are looking to spend your money, Ballarat is not going to let you down. 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Instead, focus on finding the right people. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. Surprisingly, tourists can also find lodging options in the form of Tuki Retreat. Don't think we forgot about nature! And keep an eye on colourful ceramicist Ruby Pilvens website for upcoming workshops. Visit J Ward Lunatic Asylum: Night Ghost Tour in Ararat. facebook; twitter; instagram; pinterest; youtube; Ballarat locals commemorated Victoria's first Arbor Day in May 1890, and several of the park's tree trunks were planted. Are you into aircrafts and airplanes? So, go and have a fun day for you and your kids as well. 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ballarat | PlanetWare Taste the Delectable Wines of Ballarat, 10 Things to Do in Coffs Harbour for a Perfect Coastal Getaway. Ballarat Botanical Gardens is just one . Ballarats Lost Ones Gallery, housed in an old masonic hall, hosts a Makers Studio with leatherwork and jewellery-making workshops, while Adam Parker of Parker Knives hosts much in-demand knifemaking workshops throughout the year. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarat's collection. 8. Understand the goal. 100 Things To Do In Australia Youve Never Heard Of. Have you done a lot of sightseeing and just want to relax for a bit now? Things to do in Ballarat and Bendigo with kids - Family Travel - lots to see, especially if you like swans. 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. Sovereign Hills has everything you need for a perfect itinerary. Required fields are marked *. You can eat gourmet pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven at Forge Pizzeria. It is located approximately 120km (74m) from Melbourne. If you desire to cruise on the water, ensure that you board theGolden City Paddle Steamer. Experience the area's museums and art scene. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package. The water splash park is the main attraction of this place along with the other tit-bits. Kudos to the volunteers who work there. We have a prime location for you to check out. This place is well organised and presents well. Best things to do in Ballarat Whether youre an avid fisher or not, a trip to Tuki Trout Farm offers a unique experience and rural idyll 40 minutes from Ballarat set at the end of an unsealed road on top of a hill with verdant valley views. Hire a paddleboard and explore the charming fishing village's protected inlets and watercourses. Finally, without wasting more time, lets look at the fun things to do in Ballarat! Moreover, visitors can snap selfies with majestic knights mounted on horses, take sword fighting and archery lessons, or participate in arts and crafts classes. This city was even named one of the most liveable cities in Australia in 2020. Exciting art, cultural and dining experiences are just some of the reasons you should head to Ballarat for your next weekend away. Ballarat is approximately 90 mins from Melbourne by car or via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station. Thankfully, the rebellions won the battle, and Ballarat is still a famous gold mining place, attracting thousands annually. The best annual events for families in Ballarat & Bendigo. Also, there are a lot of hiking trails inside that you could check out if you want to explore more. 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. What are the best things to do in Ballarat, Victoria? Established in 1884, the gallery boasts an iconic collection of art that represents the countrys heritage in its purest form. Ballarat is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. The Midlands Reserve and Water Park is one of the best places to take your children to and have a fun day with them. 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. Regardless of your interests or age, there are countless experiences and attractions to dive into. 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. Learn about the beginnings of Ballarat from the corner of Sturt and Grenville streets and take in buildings ranging from the Ballarat Mechanics Institute, which has been edifying and entertaining locals for more than 150 years, to the long-running Her Majestys Theatre and sites including Ballarats very own Turkish Bath House now a skate ramp. Find out about the history of Ballarat when you spend time at Ballarat Botanical Gardens. 2) Family Fun This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Experience this through its thriving dining scene, by sipping some local wine or by joining a workshop with a local maker. Ballarat Bird World See all in Ballarat on GetYourGuide. ULTIMATE GUIDE - 11 Things to Do in Ballarat (+ Prices!) Things to do. Make sure to bring binoculars and watch swans, ducks, gulls, and cormorants at the lake. 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. Located in central Ballarat next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake offers many recreational activities. Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. The Ballarat Observatory is one of the oldest observatories in regional Australia, with one of the best collections of 18th to 21st century telescopes. Here are some of the best Ballarat attractions and things to do in Ballarat. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. Lydiard Street. 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. Tourists visit the city for its modern art, cuisine, beverages, and artists, in addition to its historical attractions. Things to Do in Ballarat - tripadvisor.ca Family fun in Ballarat - Visit Ballarat Also, the interior is charmingly decorated. Things to do - NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park Since Ballarat is a relatively small city, a 3-day itinerary is enough to explore it. From wildlife parks to museums, this city has it all. The interesting part about the splendid Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is that everything you see here is made of wood! The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest regional Australian gallery. unusual things to do in Ballarat. The park provides shelter to mostly native Australian animals and includes the worlds smallest penguin species, wombats, quokkas, echidnas, koalas, and crocodiles. When it comes to making friends in Ballarat, compatibility is the name of the game. The entry fee is only $12. One can make their list using our list of top 10 fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend. It is an open-air museum and historical theme park displaying Ballarat as it was during the famous gold rush years. . Kids love this part of Sovereign Hill. Ballarat has a good bus service, the Visitor Information Centre can provide timetables and maps. The Regal is in. This handsome memorial pays tribute to all those men and women who were held captive, since the Boer War. Find out why Ballarat is the culinary capital of . . Just 10 minutes from the Ballarat Wildlife Park, a visit to this breathtaking Ballarat Garden is another must-add to your list of things to do in Ballarat. The railway station showcases the architectural and historical magnificence of Ballarat. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dishes here include such pond- and paddock-to-plate offerings as fresh-baked rainbow trout served bone-free with crushed green peppercorn dressing, roast potatoes and locally baked bread, and cut-of-the-day lamb. Kryal Castle is an Adventure Park & Resort in Ballarat, Victoria. What are the best day trips from Ballarat? The best part about the Gold Museum is that it is also the regional social history museum of Ballarat.The permanent collection has almost 150,000 items. Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids. Your email address will not be published. Want to get your spirits up at one of the best wineries in all of Ballarat? Go for a walk to appreciate Ballarat. You can come here to walk around and relax in the gardens tranquil environment while enjoying delicious food from the eateries from here. Fortunately, Ballarat has a flourishing wine region specializing in chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, and other wines. 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. Admire the Beautiful Art Gallery of Ballarat, 5. 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. 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. Yorkdale Estate Central Park Toilets are clean and accessible easily. Ballarat Job Fair - Ballarat Career Fair. Furthermore, the Eureka Center enlightens visitors about the iconic Eureka Stockade. Gold Rush Mini Golf Come rain or shine, you can get lost in the fun at Gold Rush Mini Golf in Ballarat. Just a 7 minutes drive away from Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Bird World showcases the colorful Australian birdlife. Wandering through the gorgeous ambiance of the Botanic Gardens is one of our favorite things to do in Ballarat. Read on! ). 3. As mentioned, Ballarat is world-renowned for its unusual things to do and historic buildings. I came here twice as a kid even though I grew up in Tasmania and only left the state four times. Tag Archives: unusual things to do in Ballarat. 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. You can even go wine tasting if you want. Take the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together: Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? 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. This gorgeous property will take care of everything you may need during your stay. Located on the Serviceton line in Victoria, Ballarat Railway Station is one of Australias most awe-inspiring heritage railway stations. Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australias biggest and oldest regional art gallery. Being Australias oldest regional gallery, visiting it is one of the best things to do here. is $5/adult or $2/child and took like 30min including lots of information about Ballarat's tram history. However, you might get to see everything clearly from here- Yes! This city is only a 90 minutes drive away from Melbourne and is great for you to just relax and rejuvenate. The Ballarat Wildlife Park strives to give the best interactive experience with some of Australia's most unique animals. You can extend this period to 4 days if you mostly rely on public transport. Ballarat Botanical Gardens - Renew your body, mind and soul by spending a bit of time in nature. Welcome to the Post Office Gallery in Ballarat. If Ballarat Base Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat. Here in the heart of Ballarat lies the infamous Ballarat Aircraft Museum.This museum is a slice of paradise for all of those who are interested in the air! . Hence, becoming a hot spot for tourists. While you're in the area, find time to visit its spas. From family sword fights in a medieval castle to 'pond to plate' trout fishing, there's way more to Ballarat than meets the eye. Things to do and see with your dog in Ballarat - Pooches At Play 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. The museum also has a tram that takes you on the tour of the mines. Experience Bologna's tasteful pasta dishes, hip-hop music, traditional sweets, contemporary dcor, and friendly service! Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here. With a collection of more than 16 different varieties of wine- you can surely feel good here. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. Spend a Day with Australia's Cutest Animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park 4. Here,Paul Ryletakes the masterclasses, teaching visitors woodcraft skills. Our $8.00 concession entry fee included a tram ride. Ballarat Town Hall. Top Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 42,845 traveller reviews and photos of Ballarat tourist attractions. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Ballarat was built on the wealth derived from the gold found there, as the preserved heritage streetscape reflects. Mitchell Harris Wines are surrounded by the world-renowned wine districts of Western and Central Victoria. 40 amazing things to do in Ballarat | Goldfields Guide Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. Come here to experience the traditional tramway experience that once existed on the streets of Ballarat. Also, there is plenty of greenery around where you can lie down and just enjoy the view. Well, here at Ballarat Indoor Go-Karts & Laserforce Entertainment Centre, there are a lot of activities to enjoy. Their wines provide you a clear picture of what characterizes the central and western wine-growing areas of Victorian so unique. 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. To make things even more convenient, the museum offers accommodations for visitors. Ballarat is the perfect blend of modern and old. The Prime Ministers Walk is one of the most interesting things to check out in Ballarat. You'll soon figure out why travelers love staying in Ballarat. The 29 best free attractions in Ballarat - Wanderlog Make your way to one of Ballarats first class wineries. After a botanic garden was laid out on its western shore in the 1850s, the lake itself saw a transformation and by the 1870s it had two rowing clubs and pleasure craft to recommend it as the recreational hub it remains to this day. The City of Ballarat acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. Cafe was very good too. Yes, that's towering wobbly crates (best not to ask! Ballarat is a terrific destination for a family escape. This 19th century railway station has most of its features intact and is registered in the Victorian Heritage Register. Other things to do in Ballarat Botanic Gardens include seeing the floral clock, admiring the scenic views of Lake Wendouree, relaxing in the sensory garden, and many more. 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. Many of the early Another 4.00pm. Ballarat is a popular destination thanks to being an easy 100 kilometres from Melbourne and home to the fantastic Sovereign Hill. The event includes free access to many selected buildings of the city. There are sculptures of each and even person who has ever been the Prime Minister of Australia entirely made up of bronze. 16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2023 - Trip See Do Its vibrant culture and iconic buildings make up the best things to do in Ballarat, attracting people. 7. Pride, Hastings, (2019), 11 Top-Rated Attractions in Ballarat, Bendigo & the Macedon Ranges, PlanetWare 15 Best Things to Do in Ballarat (Australia), The Crazy Tourist Top 11 Things to Do in Ballarat (+ How to Get There), Miss Tourist Our Top Hotel Picks for Ballarat Cuddle a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Other Ballarat attractions include the Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Park. Did you know they give out swimming lessons too? Lovely staff and zoo. Since Ballarat has gorgeous nightlife, experiencing it is one of the best things to do in Ballarat. Also, the mall hosts a lot of festivals around the year. The hotel has served many famous people including Mark Twain and Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria's second son), and Dame Nellie Melba. Some of them are from the old days, and some are of the latest technology. 5. While you go on a run, you shall be surrounded by plenty of wildflowers. 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. Family fun in Ballarat - Visit Ballarat Family fun Family fun With an impressive line-up of attractions including Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Lake Wendouree, Ballarat boasts endless opportunities for family adventures. 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. Have a history lesson at the Eureka Centre, 12. You might often face quite a hot day here in Ballarat, and during those days- Eureka Aquatic Center is the best place to head over to and have a quick water therapy! They can hand feed the beautiful kangaroos at Ballarat Wildlife Park, experience a land of knights and princesses at the very medieval Kryal Castle, or for the very BRAVE there are fun tours like the Ghost Tour, which introduces you to the towns other residents! It is located on the Yarrowee River in the Central Highlands of Victoria in Australia. Itineraries. Rum Jungle | Back Home Tour | Ballarat. Unfortunately visited on a rainy day in Ballarat. Due to the establishment of the Botanic Gardens, Lake Wendouree has seen a significant spike in tourists. Would have been lovely to have a picnic in the grounds if the weather allowed. 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? Buildings found in the city center are the best ways to reminisce about the Gold Rush days of Victoria. Things To Do In Ballarat - The Gold Trove Of Victoria Highlands 2. 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.