Shopping & relaxation. There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park. Stand on the Birthplace of Australian Democracy at the Eureka Centre 3. The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a privately owned business run by The Parker family. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Alternatively, if you cannot visit the vineyard, Ballarat has various wine bars. BREAD GANG. A 20-minute ride, it journeys through the gardens and alongside Lake Wendouree. A true art lover would never miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat. A great place to see Indigenous art and to have fun, Read more. Pets are also allowed here. This four-season destination may puzzle you to decide when to visit Ballarat. Fish for rainbow trout at Tuki Trout Farm. 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. Fabulous, friendly and informative. 19 best things to do in Ballarat in 2023 - Birdgehls Today its collection is presented alongside touring and temporary exhibitions across its elegant 19th-century rooms and contemporary architectural additions. The quickest way to meet compatible people in Ballarat for free is to use an app like We3. Head over to the most fun part of Ballarat to give your kids a treat! Along with heritage, the town is also flourishing with contemporary art, food, drinks, and artists. Cafe was very good too. Fabulous, informative, with friendly staff. The hosts were knowledgeable at a high standard and answered all our questions. Would have like more gluten free options at the eateries. Ballarat is approximately 90 mins from Melbourne by car or via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station. Other Ballarat attractions include the Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Park. Things to do in Ballarat with Kids near me - Family Days Out Next from the founders of Moon and Mountain came another gem in Ballarat- Winner Winner. 7. Couples, in particular, enjoy the area; they gave it a 9.3 rating for a trip with two people. Map. Things to do in Ballarat . 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. Here, kids can abseil, hike, canoe, mountain bike, try archery, go bouldering, cook bush tucker and try crate stacking. The interesting part about the splendid Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is that everything you see here is made of wood! After watching the birds, you can head to the cafe to relish delicious food or go to the gift shop to buy yourself a souvenir. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. Food & Drink. You can interact with many beautiful birds closely at this place. Located on Lake Wendouree, Botanic Gardens is the perfect blend of well-manicured trees and marble statues. 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. But in no way is it any less fascinating. Ballarat Events | Upcoming Events & Things To Do In Ballarat, Australia You can also enjoy fishing, local catches include rainbow trout and redfin. Tickets are priced at $35 and $22 for adults and kids respectively. 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. 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. Reservations open on the first day of each month and get snapped up quickly. Consequently, the lake got transformed into a tourist hub with numerous recreational activities. Image: Visit Victoria. 6pm: Head to Hop Temple for dinner. These feature fuschias, hydrangeas, cineraria, primula, pelargoniums, and many more. Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. 3. It attracts people of all ages. The main highlights of the Botanic Gardens include Prime Ministers Avenue and the Robert Clark Conservatory. This busy provincial city is rich in art and culture and is known for its history and well-preserved Victorian-era heritage that you can witness in every corner of this town. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. It is placed in the north of Ballarat, and children love this park! Beyond Ballarat. Also, you can get a view of the native kangaroos. There are some fine old buildings in this historic street. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarats collection. You can walk around the well-maintained lawns of the beautiful Botanical Garden and learn about history at the same time! Family fun. Ten of the best things to do in Ballarat: Eureka flag. The Ballarat Wildlife Park strives to give the best interactive experience with some of Australia's most unique animals. 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. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. There are a lot of telescopes here. 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. However, before starting your heritage walk, grab a brochure and map from the visitor center. 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. You can enjoy the Australian art and culture at the gallery in a very relaxed and peaceful environment. Does Ballarats newest boutique hotel measure up to the citys buzzing arts and dining scene? Located in central Ballarat next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake offers many recreational activities. The most popular vineyard in Ballarat is theEastern Peake Vineyard. The park houses about 400 species of animals. FIM - Functional Independent Measure Workshop BHS staff IRP, GEM & BHS@HOME. Top attractions The Ballarat Pass Itineraries Art & culture Family fun Markets 'Stockade' style children's playground on site. 16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2023 - Trip See Do Woowookarung Regional Park is actually named after the Aboriginal language which means place of plenty. on display and they have demonstrations regularly. St John of God Hospital Ballarat - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. 3. After Lydiard Street, go to nearby Camp Street, it is Ballarat's next most architecturally impressive street. There are also a lot of spots where you could have a picnic along with a BBQ option. 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. Book your hotel and flights, get those bags packed and get ready to explore this vibrant city. You should definitely walk Lydiard Street, it is one of the best preserved Victorian streetscapes outside of England. Likewise, theParker Knivesare famous because of their knifemaking masterclasses with Adam Parker. The list of fun things to do in Ballarat is enormous. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australias oldest and largest regional gallery. Here are some of the best Ballarat attractions and things to do in Ballarat. A new immersive theatre experience, Aura, launched last year to add to the experience. From 30 June to 29 July, tours will depart at 9.30am from the Gold Monument, Cnr Sturt and Albert Street, Ballarat. There are plenty of tales to know from this museum! From 1897 to 1905, Ballarat was the place to be in the Panamints. Spend a day at Sovereign Hill. Also, the mall hosts a lot of festivals around the year. Take a Self Guided City Walking Tour with Ballarat Revealed 6. Eureka Aquatic Centre 5. They have many animal encounters, I didnt have time to do but next time I will be! Tours - Visit Ballarat Combined with a trip to the Botanic Gardens and Lake Wendourie, it's easy to spend half a day in this appealing area. Also known as Earths richest goldfield, Ballarat played a substantial role in Victorias Gold Rush of 1851. It is located in the cultural district of Ballarat, and gives off a unique vibe. She said they need to be clear on what their employee value proposition is. Visit this place with your friends and family to discover other fun things to do in Ballarat. Formerly known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, the Eureka Centre is a museum dedicated to democracy. Make sure to bring binoculars and watch swans, ducks, gulls, and cormorants at the lake. 10 TOP Things to Do in Ballarat February 2023 | Expedia Wildlife parks have always been famous family places to spend time, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park is no exception. From Kangaroos and penguins to the Tasmanian devils, one can find their favorite animals here. Tickets are $173 per person. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. 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. Top 10 Things to Do in Ballarat, VIC, 2023 - Top Oz Tours Lake Wendouree is a man-made and maintained shallow urban lake that has been a community destination for over 150 years. Explore the great outdoors at Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Ballarat. 9 Day Trips and Fun Things to do in Ballarat - Insider Guides The park its self is very clean. 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. . It is held over the Labour Day long weekend in March. Ballarat which includes a sunset and street scenes, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery which includes interior views, Sovereign Hill as well as a large group of people, Ballarat featuring street scenes and a sunset, Ballarat which includes a statue or sculpture, Ballarat which includes heritage architecture, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery which includes interior views as well as a small group of people, Ballarat Central which includes heritage elements and interior views, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery showing interior views, Gold Museum which includes interior views. 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. Meet New People & Make Friends in Ballarat | Find friends with We3 Things To Do In Ballarat This Weekend | March 3-5, 2023 You can eat gourmet pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven at Forge Pizzeria. 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. Plenty of parking is available, and there's good amounts of green spaces to have a picnic. 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! The castle has a lot of activities for you to do. Downtown Hackensack features a variety of restaurants and stores for both. Since the entry fee is nil, you can enjoy the lavish 19th-century halls and rooms with contemporary architectural works. If you are looking to spend your money, Ballarat is not going to let you down. Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill, 4. Don't think we forgot about nature! There's live music every Sunday afternoon. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We have done the research for you and present the activities you will love and enjoy. This is an interactive wildlife park and that means that you can pat a koala, cuddle a wombat or even have a snake wrapped over your shoulders. The city was even named one of Australia's most livable cities in 2020. You can stay at the castle and enjoy your childhood dream as the castle offers 4-star accommodation. It is a living museum with running displays through costumed characters and 40 horses. 1. Most Viewed. Spending time here during sunsets with your date is one of the most romantic things to do in Ballarat. You can also hit Enter on your keyboard to submit your query. Take a stroll around the lake. 34 Best Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids TOT: HOT OR NOT With a collection of more than 16 different varieties of wine- you can surely feel good here. You can attend talks, or enjoy the line-up of entertainment with delicious food and celebrity guests. The Ballarat Tram Museum is run by volunteers dressed in authentic uniforms and runs most afternoons. The first thing you will stumble upon on Lydiard Street is Her Majestys Theatre, one of Australias oldest theatres. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground 8. For the lover of unconventional things, there are some very interesting weekend getaways lined up for celebrating the 31st December 2023. Ballarat Ghost Town (Death Valley National Park) - Tripadvisor Welcome to the Post Office Gallery in Ballarat. Ballarat Botanical Gardens is just one . Interesting history of Ballarat gold rush. Spend a Day with Australia's Cutest Animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park 4. When it comes to making friends in Ballarat, compatibility is the name of the game. Located on the Serviceton line in Victoria, Ballarat Railway Station is one of Australias most awe-inspiring heritage railway stations. All rights reserved. From family sword fights in a medieval castle to 'pond to plate' trout fishing, there's way more to Ballarat than meets the eye. 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. The 29 best free attractions in Ballarat - Wanderlog Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. Themed around the begonia flower, Ballarat Begonia Festival is an annual carnival and community cultural festival held at Ballarat. Gold Rush Mini Golf Come rain or shine, you can get lost in the fun at Gold Rush Mini Golf in Ballarat. Unsurprisingly, most work in the gallery is from Australian artists, with some International work here and there. Lydiard Street. Since Ballarat has gorgeous nightlife, experiencing it is one of the best things to do in Ballarat. The hotel has served many famous people including Mark Twain and Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria's second son), and Dame Nellie Melba. There are also a lot of exhibitions that are always going on in the gallery. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene. Let your kids enjoy themselves in all the free space around too. The park is themed around the fantasy of medieval time with knights, kings, and everything else medieval. It is run by passionate and dedicated volunteers and trams operate every weekend. You can buy clothes, antiques, souvenirs all over the city. Have a history lesson at the Eureka Centre, 12. Ballarat is a terrific destination for a family escape. Things to do - NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park At the start of Australia's longest memorial avenue of honor is the Arch of Victory, one of Ballarat's most recognizable structures. 8. Yes, that's towering wobbly crates (best not to ask! Unfortunately visited on a rainy day in Ballarat. Livvi's Place Ballarat - Victoria Park Inclusive Playspace 3. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. The park provides shelter to mostly native Australian animals and includes the worlds smallest penguin species, wombats, quokkas, echidnas, koalas, and crocodiles. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. Art & culture. We check in to find out. 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. You can do so by catching a sunset at Lake Wendouree, listening to live music, eating outdoors, and many more. Their wines provide you a clear picture of what characterizes the central and western wine-growing areas of Victorian so unique. Ballarat Tramway Museum was founded to preserve the traditional tramway experience. Sovereign Hill 2. Committed foodie? It features a moat and drawbridge, a maze, castle towers, stocks, and an armory. Ballarat is an amazing destination for all the foodies out there. Things to do in Ballarat - GetYourGuide Hence, to make you feel relieved from history, there exists the Ballarat Wildlife Park. BALLARAT TOURNEY 2023. THE 10 BEST Fun Activities & Games in Ballarat This Australian gem has a lot of spicy places you can hit when you are feeling that hunger. City Center of Ballarat. Ballarat Botanical Gardens 813 Gardens By JackieWaWa Lovely way to spend an hour or 2. Being Australias oldest regional gallery, visiting it is one of the best things to do here. Mitchell Harris Wines are surrounded by the world-renowned wine districts of Western and Central Victoria. The park is open to the public and has even been established by the people of the town for others to enjoy. Look at the great surface of the moon too! Things to do in Ballarat and surrounds - SIXT Car Rental Magazine Well, here at Michael Unwin Wines- there are some of the best things that will help you unwind yourself. The vibrant colors will calm your heart as you complete your list of things to do in Ballarat. Regent Cinemas Ballarat 108 Cinemas Open now By 619jeffry The seats are comfortable, but it pays to splash out for Gold Class treatment if you can afford it. From wildlife parks to museums, this city has it all. Tap into Ballarats rich history of craftsmanship by signing up for a workshop or masterclass with one of its local artisans. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Finally,Aurais a recently launched and enjoyable experience for tourists. 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 Midlands Reserve and Water Park attracts people of all ages honestly. 5. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it. Finally, even a 1-day trip is enough if you desire to get a taste of the city by visiting the heritage centers. Attractions. Experience this through its thriving dining scene, by sipping some local wine or by joining a workshop with a local maker. A 10 minute drive from the centre. The best annual events for families in Ballarat & Bendigo. In the land of swimmers- swimming is inevitable. Table of contents Things to do in Ballarat 1. You can extend this period to 4 days if you mostly rely on public transport. Ballarat Tramway Museum 192 Speciality Museums By MrDavetheSarks Good value, and good information as well. Due to the establishment of the Botanic Gardens, Lake Wendouree has seen a significant spike in tourists. About 28 bronze portraits of the Australian Prime Ministers are there to commemorate their work for the nation. Ballarat has a good bus service, the Visitor Information Centre can provide timetables and maps. 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 historical town recreation has been transporting visitors back to 1850s Ballarat for more than 40 years. The property also has its own on-site accommodation, Tuki Retreat, which offers cosy stone or weatherboard cottages with open fires. 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. If you want to enjoy Ballarats history and culture, this event is a must for you. 8 Unmissable things to do in Airlie Beach How to make your holiday great? Edward, Prince of Wales, officially opened the first building, which was paid for by the female employees of Eleanor Lucas' lingerie factory who were employed during World War I. Arch of Victory is around 17 meters tall and 19 meters wide. Our first choice will be theMakers Studio,offering workshops to make jewelry. Furthermore, the Eureka Center enlightens visitors about the iconic Eureka Stockade. 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. 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. Lydiard Street also features in ABC television series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, which is set in Ballarat. GET AN OVERVIEW SEARCH EVERYTHING. If you love fishing, Tuki Trout Farm is where you ought to be. Port Fairy. Worth a visit, especially if you don't know much about the history. This is one of those flashy modern places, but the take is that they create some of the most delicious foods with a twit. If you visit the falls after a heavy downpour, you will encounter majestic views that will melt your heart. 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. Things to do and see with your dog in Ballarat - Pooches At Play Eureka Gardens playground 9. 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! Also, if you want to get a full tour of the inside along with their rich history- there are a lot of staff who might be able to help you with that. What a fun way to learn about the gold rush, the underground mine tour was amazing, as was the self guided . Pontiac is famous for its museums and historical homes located within a one-mile loop within the city center. Good bedding and mattresses, a huge air conditioner, a cool kitchenette, free WiFi, a continental breakfast, and private parking are all available. Some of them might have a significant historic past., while others have a mining past. There are restaurants and bars nearby where guests may drop by. The entry fee is only $12. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. It is located approximately 120km (74m) from Melbourne. Their winemaker collaborates closely with producers to create wines that exhibit unusual varietal expression and represent unique vineyard, vintage, and regional characters. Watch out for . 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? Our favorite thing to do here is to relax at theYacht Clubwhile admiring the exquisite views of Lake Wendouree. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest regional Australian gallery. You can eat at Underbar where Derek Boath, formerly of New York's three-Michelin, offers a menu that changes every week. 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. In Ballarat, Carboni's Italian Kitchen offers genuine Italian hospitality. 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. 4. As a result, thousands of tourists worldwide come here to relax and relish the beauty. And, for the best pub experience in Ballarat, head over to the immensely popular Pub with Two Names. 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. 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. You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Melbourne or Geelong. Are there cheap things to do in Ballarat? We highly suggest adding this activity to your list of fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend! 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. Located on the historic Lydiard Street, Craigs Royal Hotel was built during the Victorian gold rush. Top Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 42,845 traveller reviews and photos of Ballarat tourist attractions. Ballarat Heritage Weekend is an annual community cultural festival that is celebrated in Ballarat to showcase the wonderful history and culture of the city. This place is well organised and presents well. Top Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 43,633 traveller reviews and photos of Ballarat tourist attractions. There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Ballarat. Top 10 Best Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia It's also a beautiful small city, just a quick trip from New York City. So, go and have a fun day for you and your kids as well. You can also dress-up and take photographs with your friends in the old-timey photography studio. The ponds here are stocked with rainbow trouts and visitors are guaranteed a catch; you can then have it cooked in the restaurant. Ballarat is perhaps the most appealing of Australia's gold rush towns. Exciting art, cultural and dining experiences are just some of the reasons you should head to Ballarat for your next weekend away. Known as the county seat of the Livingston County, this thriving mid-western city has much to offer. The best tours in Ballarat are: Ballarat: Kryal Castle Theme Park Entry Ticket. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids (Updated 2023) Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. If you head 15 minutes south of the city center, you will enter the gorgeous Buninyong town. You can eat breakfast all day at Yellow Espresso. In this center, you can have both of them! About The Host: Guf is your center for all things gaming and Internet. Come here to experience the traditional tramway experience that once existed on the streets of Ballarat. Ballarat is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. 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