We check in to find out. Here are some of the best Ballarat attractions and things to do in Ballarat. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. Deliciously, one can dine in these fabulous places to feast on delectable artisan foods. 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. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. In addition, Ballarat houses an impressive number of art galleries and museums that will keep you engaged in wanting to learn more. Reasonably priced. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it. 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. You can see a lot of ducks swimming around freely in the waters of Lake Wendouree. The park is themed around the fantasy of medieval time with knights, kings, and everything else medieval. Cafe was very good too. You can enjoy the Australian art and culture at the gallery in a very relaxed and peaceful environment. Read on! The best way to learn the art form is through attending a workshop with local crafters. 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. A 20-minute ride, it journeys through the gardens and alongside Lake Wendouree. Rum Jungle | Back Home Tour | Ballarat. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarats collection. 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. 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. Visitors will get to experience a close up encounter and also mingle with kangaroos, emus, koalas and the Tasmanian devil in their natural habitats. Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. Eureka Gardens playground 9. Get active. Located on Lake Wendouree, Botanic Gardens is the perfect blend of well-manicured trees and marble statues. Regardless of your interests or age, there are countless experiences and attractions to dive into. on display and they have demonstrations regularly. You can do so by catching a sunset at Lake Wendouree, listening to live music, eating outdoors, and many more. From 30 June to 29 July, tours will depart at 9.30am from the Gold Monument, Cnr Sturt and Albert Street, Ballarat. Want to get your spirits up at one of the best wineries in all of Ballarat? 16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2022 1. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. Looks like the creators know what we- the foodies want!Forge Pizzeria comes to mind if you are craving something as simple as a good pizza. Ballarat Botanical Gardens - Renew your body, mind and soul by spending a bit of time in nature. Ballarat is surely going to win over your hearts with its colonial architecture and historic charm. 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. All rights reserved. Discover parties, concerts, meets, shows, sports, club, reunion, Performance happening in April 2023 in Ballarat. 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. If you visit the place without planning your trip, you will likely remain in a dilemma. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The prospectors had revolted against the government forces to abolish mining licenses. The Prime Ministers Walk is one of the most interesting things to check out in Ballarat. Are there cheap things to do in Ballarat? Would have been lovely to have a picnic in the grounds if the weather allowed. Well worth a visit. Right now, Sovereign Hill has become an iconic place due to the variety of things to do in Ballarat it offers. Collected over a vast span of time- these objects each have a different story to tell. 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. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. 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. And keep an eye on colourful ceramicist Ruby Pilvens website for upcoming workshops. Kudos to the volunteers who work there. During an exciting winter weekend trip this year, Ballarat really did prove to be a worthwhile travel destination in Victoria. If theres anything more romantic in Ballarat than Lal Lal Falls, it has to be Lake Wendouree. However, before starting your heritage walk, grab a brochure and map from the visitor center. The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a privately owned business run by The Parker family. But, often you do not get to have a pizza that matches your standards. 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. Sovereign Hills Winter Wonderlights brings similar illumination to the depth of winter. ). The Ballarat Visitor information Centre is in the Town Hall, which is in Sturtt St, the main street. Also, the mall hosts a lot of festivals around the year. Certainly should include a visit if you're going there. Each year, the program portrays different parts of Ballarats history. Suitable for all ages - this is a must-visit attraction for anyone who's fascinated by knights, wizards and castles - an experience that is completely unique to Ballarat. There are so many things to do in Ballarat, and it's only just over an hour's journey from Melbourne. Understand the goal. The first thing you will stumble upon on Lydiard Street is Her Majestys Theatre, one of Australias oldest theatres. Tap into Ballarats rich history of craftsmanship by signing up for a workshop or masterclass with one of its local artisans. You should definitely walk Lydiard Street, it is one of the best preserved Victorian streetscapes outside of England. If you love understanding a place's culture and history, Ballarat is definitely worth your time. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. Attractions. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. The vibrant colors will calm your heart as you complete your list of things to do in Ballarat. You can find out more about the things to do and see in Ballarat on the Visit Ballarat website or call them on 1800 446 633. Also, there are a lot of tours available. On the major Victoria Street in Ballarat East, the Victoriana Motor Inn provides 4-star lodging. So, dont miss out on the Midlands Reserve and Water Park when you are here in Ballarat. Plenty of parking is available, and there's good amounts of green spaces to have a picnic. Ballarat Bird World is an enjoyable and economical way for bird lovers to spend their day. The heritage-listed Gallery building also hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions and puts together shows inspired by the works in the gallery. It attracts people of all ages. We have done the research for you and present the activities you will love and enjoy. Ballarat Wildlife Park is a family-owned, interactive wildlife park that specialises in native Australian animals and exotic reptiles. Next from the founders of Moon and Mountain came another gem in Ballarat- Winner Winner. The Midlands Reserve and Water Park attracts people of all ages honestly. City Center of Ballarat. Ballarat Tramway Museum 192 Speciality Museums By MrDavetheSarks Good value, and good information as well. The park is home to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, eagles, giant tortoises, crocodiles and alligators, as well as lizards and snakes - just to name a few! more, Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia - Ballarat Attractions. Lake Wendouree is one of the best places in Ballarat to spend a sunny afternoon. And, if you love indoor waters- then this is your chance to splash into some of the best pool waters in all of Ballarat, and give it a go! 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. Lets head over to one of the best art galleries in town! With some of the great Lake Wendouree, the park is even more impressive. Ballarat Botanical Gardens is just one . Etymologically, Lal Lal Falls means the dashing of waters. Staying true to its meaning, Lal Lal Falls is the best place to become photogenic in Ballarat. Reservations open on the first day of each month and get snapped up quickly. Surprisingly, tourists can also find lodging options in the form of Tuki Retreat. Spend a Day with Australia's Cutest Animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park 4. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It's name was given by George Riggins, a young miner from Australia, who proposed the town be named after the Australian gold mining town. Tourists visit the city for its modern art, cuisine, beverages, and artists, in addition to its historical attractions. The park its self is very clean. Make sure to bring binoculars and watch swans, ducks, gulls, and cormorants at the lake. There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Ballarat. 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. Whats the point of visiting an Australian city and not tasting its delectable wine? Unfortunately visited on a rainy day in Ballarat. 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. The best things to do in Ballarat, Victoria, are Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum. Find out about the treasured metal that enticed thousands of prospectors to find their fortune in the gold rush of the mid 19th century at this intriguing museum. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. It is the first motel off the M8 motorway in the direction of Melbourne, and it takes 5 minutes to get to Ballarat Town Center. 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. Look at the great surface of the moon too! Step Back in Time at Sovereign Hill 2. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. Youll definitely find Owen Lattas wines at Underbar, the pice de rsistance of Ballarats foodie renaissance. Ballarat is a perfect mix of contemporary and old-fashioned. Look no further. . You should definitely visit this lovely building from a grander time, you will surely be amazed by this historical gem. is $5/adult or $2/child and took like 30min including lots of information about Ballarat's tram history. A great place to see Indigenous art and to have fun, Read more. Ballarat is perhaps the most appealing of Australia's gold rush towns. Things do in popular destinations worldwide, Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific, Alices Journeys Guided Walking Tours of Daylesford, Creswick Woollen Mills with Alpaca Exhibit & Store Credit, Kryal Castle Adventure Park Admission Ticket, Kiteboarding Lessons in St Kilda - Passport to Ride Course, Kiteboarding Lesson in St Kilda (2 Hours), Hotels near St John of God Hospital Ballarat, Hotels near Federation University Australia, Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. Required fields are marked *. Located in central Ballarat next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake offers many recreational activities. Written 22 . Free as well!! 8. It is an award-winning interactive wildlife park situated on 37 acres of natural bushland. The gift shop is great, too, selling art books and products by local artisans. Located on the banks of lovely Lake Wendouree, and just across the road from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, lies the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground. Looking for calm waters to test your SUP skills? All rights reserved. 156 Shares. The event includes free access to many selected buildings of the city. Instead, focus on finding the right people. PC and console gaming as well Magic the Gathering, Pokemon, Games Workshop, boardgames and . This 45-minute cruise takes in scenic views and the history of the lake, operating on Sundays from November to May each year. When it comes to making friends in Ballarat, compatibility is the name of the game. Do try to catch one of those if you want to experience art better. 5. Lots of details about the Eureka stockade events, many of which are glossed over in simple histories. Food & Drink. There are sculptures of each and even person who has ever been the Prime Minister of Australia entirely made up of bronze. 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 Just a 7 minutes drive away from Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Bird World showcases the colorful Australian birdlife. You can interact with many beautiful birds closely at this place. 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. Having some of the best views in Ballarat- Michael Unwin Wines is truly one of the most amazing places to go to if you are looking for something delicious. The interesting part about the splendid Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is that everything you see here is made of wood! Lovely way to spend an hour or 2. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and largest regional gallery. Also known as Earths richest goldfield, Ballarat played a substantial role in Victorias Gold Rush of 1851. Food & drink. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene. It has kangaroos and emus that roam freely around the park and can be hand fed. . There are also a lot of exhibitions that are always going on in the gallery. They are classic examples of late 19th century sensibilities in architecture. Well, those scenes are the best in Bridge Mall. Wander Lydiard St to take in the architecture. Well worth the hour or so to go through. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. The park provides shelter to mostly native Australian animals and includes the worlds smallest penguin species, wombats, quokkas, echidnas, koalas, and crocodiles. You'll soon figure out why travelers love staying in Ballarat. Learn more about life in the goldfields at award-winning Sovereign Hill. Here, kids can abseil, hike, canoe, mountain bike, try archery, go bouldering, cook bush tucker and try crate stacking. Besides its history, Ballarat also has unique natural attractions such as the Lal Lal Falls and Lake Wendouree.