Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it. The gallery has one of the best regional collections in the country. Prices are like normal cafe prices. Certainly should include a visit if you're going there. There are also a lot of exhibitions that are always going on in the gallery. Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! Head over to the most fun part of Ballarat to give your kids a treat! Located on the banks of lovely Lake Wendouree, and just across the road from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, lies the Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground. These things contain all the historic and necessary details about the places you are about to visit. Since Ballarat is a relatively small city, a 3-day itinerary is enough to explore it. It is a living museum with running displays through costumed characters and 40 horses. 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. You can attend talks, or enjoy the line-up of entertainment with delicious food and celebrity guests. Hence, if you desire to learn new things, visiting Sovereign Hill is one of the best things to do in Ballarat this weekend. Ride the Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail 5. facebook; twitter; instagram; pinterest; youtube; But, often you do not get to have a pizza that matches your standards. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package. The Ballarat Tram Museum is run by volunteers dressed in authentic uniforms and runs most afternoons. Tag Archives: unusual things to do in Ballarat. The gardens were so pretty and the glasshouse well stocked. It is placed in the north of Ballarat, and children love this park! Tourists visit the city for its modern art, cuisine, beverages, and artists, in addition to its historical attractions. unusual things to do in Ballarat. Experience the area's museums and art scene. There are some fine old buildings in this historic street. The best things to do in Ballarat, Victoria, are Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum. Today its collection is presented alongside touring and temporary exhibitions across its elegant 19th-century rooms and contemporary architectural additions. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. Visiting Botanic Gardens is one of the best free things to do in Ballarat, especially during winter because of theBegonia Festival. Lots of bird life hanging around as well. Your two guides will teach you to surf for a few hours, guide you through all the beautiful sites and have you listen to fun music before camping overnight in a . Eureka Aquatic Centre 5. After a long day of roaming, you can quench your thirst by local wines. Located at the top of a hill, get ready to have a unique experience in the countryside of Ballarat. But, here in Forge Pizzeria in Ballarat- you do not have to worry about that, for the pizza of this place is easily one of the bests of Ballarat! Spend a day at Sovereign Hill. Beyond Ballarat. Ballarat is a terrific destination for a family escape. 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. With a collection of more than 16 different varieties of wine- you can surely feel good here. Fish for rainbow trout at Tuki Trout Farm. 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. 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. 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. It portrays the first 10 years of Ballarat after gold was discovered there in 1851. 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. This gorgeous property will take care of everything you may need during your stay. If you desire to cruise on the water, ensure that you board theGolden City Paddle Steamer. Yorkdale Estate Central Park This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The quickest way to meet compatible people in Ballarat for free is to use an app like We3. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. Wrap up your Ballarat short break with a casual drink and dinner at Hop Temple. Trip Original. Ballarat is just over an hour by train from Melbourne, The heart of the city is within walking distance from the train station. There's also more to Whidbey Island than meets, A delightful discovery awaits visitors to Pontiac, Illinois. . Rum Jungle | Back Home Tour | Ballarat. This tourist attraction has a heritage and celebrates the essence of Ballarat. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums. 12 Shares. This Botanical Garden features a few fascinating areas worthy of exploring. Ballarat is an amazing destination for all the foodies out there. $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. The landscapes are amazing with granite rock formations. Likewise, theParker Knivesare famous because of their knifemaking masterclasses with Adam Parker. 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 The hosts were knowledgeable at a high standard and answered all our questions. The ponds here are stocked with rainbow trouts and visitors are guaranteed a catch; you can then have it cooked in the restaurant. Finally, without wasting more time, lets look at the fun things to do in Ballarat! Being located on the actual site of the stockade made it even more special. And keep an eye on colourful ceramicist Ruby Pilvens website for upcoming workshops. 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. We highly suggest adding this activity to your list of fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend! This former gold mining town has some amazing Australian colonial architecture for you to gaze at. 5. 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. Cafe was very good too. Sovereign Hills Winter Wonderlights brings similar illumination to the depth of winter. Here are the best things for you to do in Ballarat. Traveller favourites. more, Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia - Ballarat Attractions. If you are someone who is still a child at heart, then go-karts and laser tags have a different kind of effect! Making sure it's a good place to work with a good culture.". 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. 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. Art Gallery of Ballarat 6. Ballarat Bird World Consequently, the lake got transformed into a tourist hub with numerous recreational activities. 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. This handsome memorial pays tribute to all those men and women who were held captive, since the Boer War. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground 8. 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. Having some of the best collections of aircraft engines, different aircraft models, and various kinds of memorabilia regarding aircraft- this museum is one of the most exclusive ones in Australia. See Tripadvisor's 43,677 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Ballarat attractions. Lovely staff and zoo. Looking for calm waters to test your SUP skills? Our favorite thing to do here is to relax at theYacht Clubwhile admiring the exquisite views of Lake Wendouree. Filters 1. True to its name- this restaurant won the hearts of tourists and locals equally in a very short span of time. It portrays the first 10 years of Ballarat after gold was discovered there in 1851. Secondly, theRobert Clark Conservatoryshowcases beautiful & kaleidoscopic flowers. Since Ballarat has gorgeous nightlife, experiencing it is one of the 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. Plenty of parking is available, and there's good amounts of green spaces to have a picnic. Wait no more for we might have an ideal location just for you. Discover why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. A 10 minute drive from the centre. 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. Sovereign Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ballarat, people come from all over the world to visit it. Are you looking for some awesome shopping scenes in Ballarat? You can enjoy architectural and history walking tours or theatrical performances, along with a great range of local food and wine. Well, for space lovers and for those who are really invested in astronomy- we might have something of a surprise for you! Tours. The number of historical attractions of Ballarat may overwhelm you. St John of God Hospital Ballarat - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. So, go and have a fun day for you and your kids as well. Located in central Ballarat next to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the lake offers many recreational activities. 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! As a result, thousands of tourists worldwide come here to relax and relish the beauty. Do try to catch one of those if you want to experience art better. Other notable attractions include Craigs Royal Hotel, the Former Mining Exchange, and theArt Gallery of Ballarat. Top 10 Things to Do in Daylesford Spa retreats, scenic walks and much more. Collected over a vast span of time- these objects each have a different story to tell. 1. 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. However, both times were as a day trip from Melbourne.This is a shame as Ballarat has more to offer than Sovereign Hill and it is a great place for a short, easy trip. Enter dates. Other great city break destinations within 2 hours of Melbourne are Bendigo, Geelong and Warrnambool. Interesting history of Ballarat gold rush. Well, those scenes are the best in Bridge Mall. Sturt StreetandCamp Streetare also worth exploring due to the iconic stock route and architectural styles. Sovereign Hill 2. It is a very popular tourist attraction in the city. On the major Victoria Street in Ballarat East, the Victoriana Motor Inn provides 4-star lodging. The Ballarat Visitor information Centre is in the Town Hall, which is in Sturtt St, the main street. Whats the point of visiting an Australian city and not tasting its delectable wine? You can find some amazing vintage pieces in the independent boutiques down any lane. Most likely would return. Tickets are priced at $35 and $22 for adults and kids respectively. Admire the Beautiful Art Gallery of Ballarat, 5. Ballarat Job Fair - Ballarat Career Fair. Just a 7 minutes drive away from Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Bird World showcases the colorful Australian birdlife. 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. This Saturday, 4th March, 12:00 pm, Guf Ballarat One Piece OP-02 Paramount War Pre-Release in Ballarat. With its renowned wineries and exciting restaurant scene, Ballarat is an established foodie destination. From wildlife parks to museums, this city has it all. Food & drink. Find the best things to do, eat, see and to visit in Ballarat with kids, couples and friends. . Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? A true art lover would never miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat. You also pass by the Olympic memorial and a children's playground as you make your way around the lake. Understand the Gold Rush History & Heritage of Ballarat, 3. Itineraries. 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. You can extend this period to 4 days if you mostly rely on public transport. Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here. Make your way to one of Ballarats first class wineries. Discover for yourself why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. From Kangaroos and penguins to the Tasmanian devils, one can find their favorite animals here. This 19th-century relic showcases the industrial movement of the area. 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. It is near the shores of Lake Wendouree, which is an activity centre for Ballarat. Each year, the program portrays different parts of Ballarats history. From family sword fights in a medieval castle to 'pond to plate' trout fishing, there's way more to Ballarat than meets the eye. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. The prospectors had revolted against the government forces to abolish mining licenses. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarats collection. Sadly, some 4,000 POWs lie in unmarked graves. Go for a walk to appreciate Ballarat. 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. Want to get your spirits up at one of the best wineries in all of Ballarat? It is located on the Yarrowee River in the Central Highlands of Victoria in Australia. This was a lovely relaxing yet cold walk. Instead, focus on finding the right people. Our $8.00 concession entry fee included a tram ride. 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. Due to this, many tourists have come to taste the delicious wines and even buy some! Nice to look around other trams too. Watch out for . The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and largest regional gallery. It features a moat and drawbridge, a maze, castle towers, stocks, and an armory. Would have been lovely to have a picnic in the grounds if the weather allowed. Ballarat Wildlife Park Victoria Australia Mar 04 The Mother Wound and it's healing Bermingham Farm AUD 595 Mar 04 Open Morning Ballarat Grammar Mar 04 Sat 9.30am weekly Vic Park Walking Group Victoria Park, Gillies St, Ballarat Mar 04 Ballarat Produce Swap March 2023 Ballarat Community Garden Mar 04 Ballarat Art & Culinary Journey The Lost Ones Its vibrant culture and iconic buildings make up the best things to do in Ballarat, attracting people. Also, there is plenty of greenery around where you can lie down and just enjoy the view. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is one of the best playgrounds in all of Ballarat. Formerly known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, the Eureka Centre is a museum dedicated to democracy. If you were wondering what to do in this historically rich town, the following is a 'to-do' list consisting of the top attractions in Ballarat. The Regal is in. We check in to find out. 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. Eureka Centre 404 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. is $5/adult or $2/child and took like 30min including lots of information about Ballarat's tram history. Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard 7. 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}. Have a history lesson at the Eureka Centre, 12. Good bedding and mattresses, a huge air conditioner, a cool kitchenette, free WiFi, a continental breakfast, and private parking are all available. During an exciting winter weekend trip this year, Ballarat really did prove to be a worthwhile travel destination in Victoria. Ballarat's best-known attraction, Sovereign Hill is an epic living museum that has meticulously recreated life on the gold diggings in the 1850s. Kudos to the volunteers who work there. Ballarat is a perfect mix of contemporary and old-fashioned. The park houses about 400 species of animals. There are also a lot of spots where you could have a picnic along with a BBQ option. Visitors will get to experience a close up encounter and also mingle with kangaroos, emus, koalas and the Tasmanian devil in their natural habitats. Well, here at Michael Unwin Wines- there are some of the best things that will help you unwind yourself. As aforementioned, the best way to end your heritage tour of Ballarat is through Sovereign Hill. I came here twice as a kid even though I grew up in Tasmania and only left the state four times. 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. Sebastopol Water Play Park 4. 3. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. 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. Due to the establishment of the Botanic Gardens, Lake Wendouree has seen a significant spike in tourists. 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. 'Stockade' style children's playground on site. The following won't cost a thing. 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. See all this and more at Ballarat Wildlife Park, featuring a range of beloved Australian animals like kangaroos and saltwater crocodiles amongst Sumatran tigers, friendly meerkats, giant tortoises and even a Komodo Dragon. The heritage-listed Gallery building also hosts a diverse range of temporary exhibitions and puts together shows inspired by the works in the gallery. Frequently Asked Questions about Ballarat. Unfortunately visited on a rainy day in Ballarat. You can eat gourmet pizzas straight out of the wood-fired oven at Forge Pizzeria. Lets head over to one of the best art galleries in town! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Ballarat Indoor Go Karts 13 Game & Entertainment Centres Open now By aussietravel1977 Such great fun. Lots of details about the Eureka stockade events, many of which are glossed over in simple histories. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene. In addition, Ballarat houses an impressive number of art galleries and museums that will keep you engaged in wanting to learn more. Most Viewed. The city was built on the back of the gold rush of the 1850s and 60s, and today it offers an array of heritage attractions and things to do. Ballarat is approximately 90 mins from Melbourne by car or via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station. The monument, Arch of Victory, was erected shortly after World War I close to Prince of Wales Park's southwest corner. Mitchell Harris Wines are surrounded by the world-renowned wine districts of Western and Central Victoria. Toilets are clean and accessible easily. However, before starting your heritage walk, grab a brochure and map from the visitor center. When it comes to food, this place has endless options for you to choose from and it is not going to disappoint you. The best part about this spot is its intense history and its location. 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. At the start of Australia's longest memorial avenue of honor is the Arch of Victory, one of Ballarat's most recognizable structures. Do you want to see all the moons and stars of Jupiter? If you are looking to spend your money, Ballarat is not going to let you down. Are you looking for a place to relive your childhood after exploring all of Ballarat? 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. This four-season destination may puzzle you to decide when to visit Ballarat. There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park. The park is open to the public and has even been established by the people of the town for others to enjoy. A dilemma of choosing what to do and what not! If you visit the falls after a heavy downpour, you will encounter majestic views that will melt your heart. Deliciously, one can dine in these fabulous places to feast on delectable artisan foods. Take a Self Guided City Walking Tour with Ballarat Revealed 6. It is an award-winning interactive wildlife park situated on 37 acres of natural bushland. 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. ). There's live music every Sunday afternoon. 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? Ballarat was built on the wealth derived from the gold found there, as the preserved heritage streetscape reflects. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. 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. But in no way is it any less fascinating. A new immersive theatre experience, Aura, launched last year to add to the experience. All of these items reek of history. Read on! The gallery houses Australian art, with works of artists from colonial to the contemporary periods. Also, there are a lot of tours available. You can visit RJMs Wine bar or Mitchell Harris Wine Bar to dive in some amazing wine. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. 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. It's also a beautiful small city, just a quick trip from New York City. Opened more than a century ago, the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum is one of the oldest observatories in Australia. It is run by passionate and dedicated volunteers and trams operate every weekend. Lake Esmond Botanical Park is one of the top tourist attractions in all of Ballarat when it comes to finding a peaceful location to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.The best part of this park is the amazing lake.