1, literally Ballarat's first horse-drawn tram, discovered being used a sleepout in the 1980s and then restored. $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. Couples, in particular, enjoy the area; they gave it a 9.3 rating for a trip with two people. The first thing you will stumble upon on Lydiard Street is Her Majestys Theatre, one of Australias oldest theatres. Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. It attracts people of all ages. . 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. The prospectors had revolted against the government forces to abolish mining licenses. Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. This light and sound show unfolds through hundreds of projections that follow the story of gold from its very beginnings, incorporating the Wadawurrung creation story, right up until the current day. It was later renovated to commemorate the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Well, here at Ballarat Indoor Go-Karts & Laserforce Entertainment Centre, there are a lot of activities to enjoy. On the major Victoria Street in Ballarat East, the Victoriana Motor Inn provides 4-star lodging. Are there cheap things to do in Ballarat? Lydiard Street & Ballarat's Gold Rush History. You can attend talks, or enjoy the line-up of entertainment with delicious food and celebrity guests. 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. Ballarat Bird World 2.) There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park. Food & drink. If you want to experience something entirely different and unique in Ballarat- then you must venture to the Gold Museum. Wander Lydiard St to take in the architecture. The list of the best things to do in Ballarat above demonstrates how this city is the ideal blend of modern and traditional. Victoria Park's forested area is just a short stroll from Lake Wendouree's southern side. Be it something as simple as chicken wings- you can always find a twist in the flavors! Whats the point of visiting an Australian city and not tasting its delectable wine? 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! Free as well!! Hire a paddleboard and explore the charming fishing village's protected inlets and watercourses. While you're in the area, find time to visit its spas. With some of the great Lake Wendouree, the park is even more impressive. After a long day of roaming, you can quench your thirst by local wines. Lake Wendouree is one of the best places in Ballarat to spend a sunny afternoon. Strike gold at this open-air museum, which tells the story of Ballarats first decade as a gold rush town with recreated buildings, goldmine tours and workshops. Likewise, theParker Knivesare famous because of their knifemaking masterclasses with Adam Parker. 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. One cannot ignore the gorgeous Lal Lal Falls, which is also one of the best places to click in Ballarat. Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. All rights reserved. If you want to enjoy Ballarats history and culture, this event is a must for you. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums. You can enjoy the Australian art and culture at the gallery in a very relaxed and peaceful environment. The museum has a large research collection, an archive of information, and more than 3,500 items about the Ballarat tramways. 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. However, if you want to learn more about the history of the place and its various ups and downs in politics- do pay a visit to the Prime Ministers Walk. However, before starting your heritage walk, grab a brochure and map from the visitor center. Ballarat is the third-largest city of Victoria with a population of over 100,000 people. Art Gallery of Ballarat 6. 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. Best things to do in Ballarat and day trip. Don't think we forgot about nature! Discover parties, concerts, meets, shows, sports, club, reunion, Performance happening in April 2023 in Ballarat. Eureka Centre 404 This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. You can do so by catching a sunset at Lake Wendouree, listening to live music, eating outdoors, and many more. 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. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and largest regional gallery. Ballarat's best-known attraction, Sovereign Hill is an epic living museum that has meticulously recreated life on the gold diggings in the 1850s. the gardens are exceptional and we were lucky enough to catch the. This elegant hotel offers comfort of luxury with the charm of history. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground 8. Well, for space lovers and for those who are really invested in astronomy- we might have something of a surprise for you! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. From family sword fights in a medieval castle to 'pond to plate' trout fishing, there's way more to Ballarat than meets the eye. Explore the governor's lavatory, the hangman's gallows, the unique kitchen, the showerblock, the grave websites, the West Wing, the J Ward Block . Kudos to the volunteers who work there. If Ballarat Base Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat. Table of contents Things to do in Ballarat 1. Since Ballarat has gorgeous nightlife, experiencing it is one of the best things to do in Ballarat. Making sure it's a good place to work with a good culture.". Reasonably priced. Tours. BREAD GANG. Are you looking for a quaint exotic spot to have your picnic and observe some good scenes too? Ballarat locals commemorated Victoria's first Arbor Day in May 1890, and several of the park's tree trunks were planted. Are you ready to see some art now? 3. This 19th-century relic showcases the industrial movement of the area. Located on the Serviceton line in Victoria, Ballarat Railway Station is one of Australias most awe-inspiring heritage railway stations. Visited on Sunday 28th August. Woowookarung Regional Park is actually named after the Aboriginal language which means place of plenty. We highly suggest adding this activity to your list of fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend! Spotted a mistake, have some feedback, or just want to chat with our editorial team? 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. Well worth the hour or so to go through. 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. Ten of the best things to do in Ballarat: Eureka flag. Come here to experience the traditional tramway experience that once existed on the streets of Ballarat. Also, the mall hosts a lot of festivals around the year. But in no way is it any less fascinating. Harnessing a rich heritage from the famous Gold Rush history, Ballarat is one of Australias most historically significant cities. Since Ballarat is a relatively small city, a 3-day itinerary is enough to explore it. I came here twice as a kid even though I grew up in Tasmania and only left the state four times. You can come here to walk around and relax in the gardens tranquil environment while enjoying delicious food from the eateries from here. Firstly,Prime Ministers Avenueis for people who want to walk down the historical lane of Australia. The best tours in Ballarat are: Ballarat: Kryal Castle Theme Park Entry Ticket. Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Iceland. As a result, thousands of tourists worldwide come here to relax and relish the beauty. The Ballarat Tram Museum is run by volunteers dressed in authentic uniforms and runs most afternoons. It is a living museum with running displays through costumed characters and 40 horses. 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. Will be back. 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. March - Harmony Fest (Ballarat) A jam-packed 10 days of fun, flavour, music, film and special events celebrating Ballarat . Required fields are marked *. The number of historical attractions of Ballarat may overwhelm you. About The Host: Guf is your center for all things gaming and Internet. We have done the research for you and present the activities you will love and enjoy. 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. What are the top attractions to visit in Ballarat? They have many animal encounters, I didnt have time to do but next time I will be! If you desire to cruise on the water, ensure that you board theGolden City Paddle Steamer. 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. 6pm: Head to Hop Temple for dinner. The vibrant colors will calm your heart as you complete your list of things to do in Ballarat. St John of God Hospital Ballarat - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Visit J Ward Lunatic Asylum: Night Ghost Tour in Ararat. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package. Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australias biggest and oldest regional art gallery. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is one of the best playgrounds in all of Ballarat. Youll definitely find Owen Lattas wines at Underbar, the pice de rsistance of Ballarats foodie renaissance. The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a privately owned business run by The Parker family. Looking for calm waters to test your SUP skills? Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids. Discover the sights of Ballarat with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {4 fun activities in Ballarat fun activities in Ballarat}. The downtown portion of this upscale neighborhood has been revitalized, notably Main Street. Lydiard Street. Go for a walk to appreciate Ballarat. 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. There are sculptures of each and even person who has ever been the Prime Minister of Australia entirely made up of bronze. Ballarat is a terrific destination for a family escape. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it. We have a prime location for you to check out. 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. 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. 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. Ballarat is a popular destination thanks to being an easy 100 kilometres from Melbourne and home to the fantastic Sovereign Hill. Right now, Sovereign Hill has become an iconic place due to the variety of things to do in Ballarat it offers. An easy walking track around the lake; you could easily spend an hour or two making your way around. She said they need to be clear on what their employee value proposition is. 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. Informative and interactive experience. Due to this, many tourists have come to taste the delicious wines and even buy some! Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. The garden also has an Ex-Prisoner of War Memorial which honors the many thousands of prisoners held during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, The Garden features a marvelous assortment of mature trees and marble statues that are set in vivid bedding displays. . Being Australias oldest regional gallery, visiting it is one of the best things to do here. Visiting in the warmer weather meant we observed lots of families and pets taking a dip in the water, fishing, paddle boarding and boating. Mitchell Harris Wines are surrounded by the world-renowned wine districts of Western and Central Victoria. Amplify your 7107 International Music Festival Experience with Smart and SPINNR . It portrays the first 10 years of Ballarat after gold was discovered there in 1851. 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. 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. Filters 1. As Victoria's largest inland city, Ballarat is a major commercial center, but it's also rich in culture and history. Downtown Hackensack features a variety of restaurants and stores for both. A great place to see Indigenous art and to have fun, Read more. You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. 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. Lydiard Street also features in ABC television series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, which is set in Ballarat. Written 22 . 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. Tucked away down a hidden laneway (follow the trail of umbrellas to find it), Hop Temple offers a huge range of craft beers and cocktails and an upbeat atmosphere. 100 Things To Do In Australia Youve Never Heard Of. You'll love the conservatory display showcasing seasonal displays, prime minister avenue displaying bronze portraits, and the statuary pavilion. 3. City Center of Ballarat. Ballarat has a good bus service, the Visitor Information Centre can provide timetables and maps. The quickest way to meet compatible people in Ballarat for free is to use an app like We3. From group Ballarat tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 5 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. This place is well organised and presents well. Ballarat Botanical Gardens is just one . 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. 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. The Ballarat Visitor information Centre is in the Town Hall, which is in Sturtt St, the main street. Another of Ballarats truly grand heritage buildings, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is, in fact, Australias oldest and largest regional gallery. Thankfully, the rebellions won the battle, and Ballarat is still a famous gold mining place, attracting thousands annually. Sovereign Hill 2. If you love fishing, Tuki Trout Farm is where you ought to be. Since 2008, Mitchell Harris has produced a wine with an emphasis on elegance and a reflection of the cool-climate characteristics of Ballarat's surrounding regions. Deliciously, one can dine in these fabulous places to feast on delectable artisan foods. Tickets are $173 per person. The ponds here are stocked with rainbow trouts and visitors are guaranteed a catch; you can then have it cooked in the restaurant. Wonderful examples of 19th century architecture. Known as the county seat of the Livingston County, this thriving mid-western city has much to offer. 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. Here, in Bridge Mall, you can get your hands on anything! You can extend this period to 4 days if you mostly rely on public transport. However, if you are swaying towards retail then you can check out Bridge Mall, Central Square Ballarat, Mill Market, or Stockland Wendouree. Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard 7. Relax by Lake Wendouree Lots of details about the Eureka stockade events, many of which are glossed over in simple histories. Spend a day at Sovereign Hill. Its vibrant culture and iconic buildings make up the best things to do in Ballarat, attracting people. 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! Attractions. Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, Ballarat. Cuddle a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. It is placed in the north of Ballarat, and children love this park! Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's art scene. Surprisingly, tourists can also find lodging options in the form of Tuki Retreat. 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. This show showcases the Australian history of gold from its origins and takes you on a historical journey to the current day. These things contain all the historic and necessary details about the places you are about to visit. 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 For starters- the Prime Ministers Walk is located in the premium location of the Botanical Gardens of Ballarat. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. Located at Coghills Creek, the vineyard has won numerous awards, including Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018. The ponds of Tuki Trout Farm fill themselves with loads of rainbow trout, ensuring you will get a catch. 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. Located in central Ballarat next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake offers many recreational activities. 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. But, often you do not get to have a pizza that matches your standards. 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. 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. The most popular vineyard in Ballarat is theEastern Peake Vineyard. 12 Shares. Especially Ballarat, it has some of Australia's finest architecture and streetscapes. Spending time here during sunsets with your date is one of the most romantic things to do in Ballarat. 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. As aforementioned, the best way to end your heritage tour of Ballarat is through Sovereign Hill. The gardens were so pretty and the glasshouse well stocked. Here are some of the best Ballarat attractions and things to do in Ballarat. 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. So, dont miss out on the Midlands Reserve and Water Park when you are here in Ballarat. If you happen to be in town during one of those- do go and enjoy the experience. 8 Unmissable things to do in Airlie Beach How to make your holiday great? You'll soon figure out why travelers love staying in Ballarat. Yorkdale Estate Central Park Ballarat is the perfect blend of modern and old. The hotel has served many famous people including Mark Twain and Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria's second son), and Dame Nellie Melba. 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. 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 historic houses are open for viewing, Hackensack is a large city and seat of Bergen County, New Jersey. This Botanical Garden features a few fascinating areas worthy of exploring. Some of the famous art and cultural activities are Gordon cottage, Annexe wall, Prisoners of the war memorial, Artspace Ballarat, Aura sound and light show, Aviation museum, General cemeteries, Campsite mural, Heritage tours, Framing Gallery, Eureka guided tours, Accent framing, Golden city paddle streamer, and Greenhalgh tannery. These are the best things you can do with Ballarat. The most famous dish among tourists is the freshly-baked rainbow trout served with locally made bread, potatoes, peppercorn, and others. Get the latest travel news, reviews, offers and more, direct to your inbox. Visiting Botanic Gardens is one of the best free things to do in Ballarat, especially during winter because of theBegonia Festival. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Midlands Reserve and Water Park is one of the best places to take your children to and have a fun day with them. This ultimate list presents the best of Ballarat, featuring tranquil waterfalls, incredible museums, guided tours, remarkable architecture and stonework, scenic lookouts, gorgeous historical gardens, fun things to do, and more. You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Melbourne or Geelong. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. You can find some amazing vintage pieces in the independent boutiques down any lane. Take the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together: Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill 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. 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? Hence, to make you feel relieved from history, there exists the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne, Private Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Tour from Melbourne, 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat and Melbourne City 1-Day Tour, Custom Private Day Tour Melbourne to all surrounding areas for up to 11 people, Sovereign Hill Goldfields and Museum, Ballarat, Victoria, Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park Tour - 3 Days, 2 Nights, LGBTQ+ Friendly 3 Day Tour The Grampians, Daylesford & Ballarat, It focused on the first 10 years of the gold rush (1851-61) that transformed the sleepy sheep grazing district into one, Bodies of Water Nature & Wildlife Areas, Architectural Buildings Religious Sites. Good range of vegetarian options if you need. Shopping & relaxation. With a collection of more than 16 different varieties of wine- you can surely feel good here. What are the best day trips from 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. 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! You can see a lot of ducks swimming around freely in the waters of Lake Wendouree. A 50-minute drive from Ballarat, Cave Hill Creek is one of Australia's best school holiday camps. Rum Jungle | Back Home Tour | Ballarat. Plenty of parking is available, and there's good amounts of green spaces to have a picnic. In town, the elegant blue-stone and hand-made brick historic buildings jolt you back in time to the gold rush days. Wanna swim like a professional? Sturt StreetandCamp Streetare also worth exploring due to the iconic stock route and architectural styles. From 30 June to 29 July, tours will depart at 9.30am from the Gold Monument, Cnr Sturt and Albert Street, Ballarat. Ballarat Bird World is an enjoyable and economical way for bird lovers to spend their day. Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! 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 park is open to the public and has even been established by the people of the town for others to enjoy. The best way to learn the art form is through attending a workshop with local crafters. 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.