Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. 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. Lydiard Street & Ballarat's Gold Rush History. Located at Coghills Creek, the vineyard has won numerous awards, including Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018. Shopping & relaxation. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Things to do in Ballarat: A Ballarat Travel Guide - Adventures & Sunsets Get active. 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. Eureka Aquatic Centre 5. Sovereign Hills Winter Wonderlights brings similar illumination to the depth of winter. Located in central Ballarat next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake offers many recreational activities. Explore the governor's lavatory, the hangman's gallows, the unique kitchen, the showerblock, the grave websites, the West Wing, the J Ward Block . Ballarat is a perfect mix of contemporary and old-fashioned. March - Bendigo Festival of Cultures (Bendigo) A week-long celebration with performances, markets and more plus an all-age concert held outside the Town Hall. 3. Finally, even a 1-day trip is enough if you desire to get a taste of the city by visiting the heritage centers. We highly suggest adding this activity to your list of fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend! 30 Best Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia - Travel Lens Things to do and see with your dog in Ballarat - Pooches At Play Ballarat Indoor Go Karts 13 Game & Entertainment Centres Open now By aussietravel1977 Such great fun. Expedia and the Airplane Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. CST# 2029030-50. I came here twice as a kid even though I grew up in Tasmania and only left the state four times. Instead, focus on finding the right people. Enjoy a unique, fun, small group tour of between 10-15 people on this overnight Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne, perfect for those up for an adventure. 8. The Best of Ballarat Attractions, VIC | NeedaBreak As aforementioned, the best way to end your heritage tour of Ballarat is through Sovereign Hill. Established in 1884, the gallery boasts an iconic collection of art that represents the countrys heritage in its purest form. If cuddling koalas have been your lifelong dream, !you can fulfill it in Ballarat Wildlife Park. Costume-clad staff, replica stores, theatre and workshops, even an underground gold mine, provide plenty to keep visitors engaged and entertained. Amplify your 7107 International Music Festival Experience with Smart and SPINNR . It is recognized as a representation of Ballarat across Australia, but it has also gained prestige and respect abroad. 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. So, dont miss out on the Midlands Reserve and Water Park when you are here in Ballarat. Well, those scenes are the best in Bridge Mall. Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. A true art lover would never miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat. You'll soon figure out why travelers love staying in Ballarat. 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. Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill, 4. Come here to experience the traditional tramway experience that once existed on the streets of Ballarat. Visited on Sunday 28th August. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Here are some of the best Ballarat attractions and things to do in Ballarat. See Tripadvisor's 43,677 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Ballarat attractions. Mitchell Harris Wines are surrounded by the world-renowned wine districts of Western and Central Victoria. Hence, once you catch one, you can have it cooked in the restaurant and feast on it. 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. It is a living museum with running displays through costumed characters and 40 horses. 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. 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. Finally, without wasting more time, lets look at the fun things to do in Ballarat! We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. You should definitely visit this lovely building from a grander time, you will surely be amazed by this historical gem. The gift shop is great, too, selling art books and products by local artisans. Since the entry fee is nil, you can enjoy the lavish 19th-century halls and rooms with contemporary architectural works. And, for the best pub experience in Ballarat, head over to the immensely popular Pub with Two Names. 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. City Center of Ballarat. Go for a walk to appreciate Ballarat. With its renowned wineries and exciting restaurant scene, Ballarat is an established foodie destination. Tickets are priced at $35 and $22 for adults and kids respectively. Ballarat Job Fair - Ballarat Career Fair. However, before starting your heritage walk, grab a brochure and map from the visitor center. Regardless of your interests or age, there are countless experiences and attractions to dive into. It is located approximately 120km (74m) from Melbourne. While Whidbey Island is renowned for its unspoiled natural areas, it also holds substantial historical and cultural value. Committed foodie? One cannot ignore the gorgeous Lal Lal Falls, which is also one of the best places to click in Ballarat. Top 10 Things to Do in Daylesford Spa retreats, scenic walks and much more. Pontiac is famous for its museums and historical homes located within a one-mile loop within the city center. Don't miss these. Lots of details about the Eureka stockade events, many of which are glossed over in simple histories. An Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation 4-week Course Ballarat. Stand on the Birthplace of Australian Democracy at the Eureka Centre 3. 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. Yorkdale Estate Central Park Take a Self Guided City Walking Tour with Ballarat Revealed 6. 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. Visiting in the warmer weather meant we observed lots of families and pets taking a dip in the water, fishing, paddle boarding and boating. Finally, visiting the blast furnace of the falls is one of the unusual and free things to do in Ballarat. 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! The city was even named one of Australia's most livable cities in 2020. You will love these best things to do in Ballarat. Ballarat is a popular destination thanks to being an easy 100 kilometres from Melbourne and home to the fantastic Sovereign Hill. Other great city break destinations within 2 hours of Melbourne are Bendigo, Geelong and Warrnambool. Things to do, Events, and What's on in Ballarat - WeekendNotes Eureka Gardens playground 9. Get the latest travel news, reviews, offers and more, direct to your inbox. The downtown portion of this upscale neighborhood has been revitalized, notably Main Street. Ballarat Botanical Gardens is just one . Sovereign hill is the citys only live museum, telling tales about the life of Ballarat in the 1850s. Free Attractions Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A 20-minute ride, it journeys through the gardens and alongside Lake Wendouree. To make things even more convenient, the museum offers accommodations for visitors. This 45-minute cruise takes in scenic views and the history of the lake, operating on Sundays from November to May each year. The park provides shelter to mostly native Australian animals and includes the worlds smallest penguin species, wombats, quokkas, echidnas, koalas, and crocodiles. 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. Here are the best things for you to do in Ballarat. A dilemma of choosing what to do and what not! This Australian gem has a lot of spicy places you can hit when you are feeling that hunger. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australias oldest and largest regional gallery. Cuddle a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Learn more about life in the goldfields at award-winning Sovereign Hill. Another of Ballarats truly grand heritage buildings, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is, in fact, Australias oldest and largest regional gallery. Be it something as simple as chicken wings- you can always find a twist in the flavors! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Required fields are marked *. Spotted a mistake, have some feedback, or just want to chat with our editorial team? Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. more, Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia - Ballarat Attractions. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene. Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour. Ballarat Tramway Museum was founded to preserve the traditional tramway experience. Tourists visit the city for its modern art, cuisine, beverages, and artists, in addition to its historical attractions. Ballarat. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground 8. Free as well!! 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. 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