Ballarat, Victoria, Australia’s largest inland city, is a melting pot of rich history, art and culture and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover or foodie, Ballarat will certainly not disappoint.
Top things to do in Ballarat
If you’re a newcomer to the area, we know exactly what to do in Ballarat to make the most of your trip:
Visit Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill is a living museum that brings to life the gold rush era of the 1850s. Explore the recreated town of Ballarat, try your hand at gold panning and take a ride on an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage! It's a great way to step back in time and experience life during the gold rush.
Explore Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree is a beautiful man-made lake in the heart of Ballarat. It's the perfect spot for a picnic, family BBQ, leisurely walk or bike ride. There are plenty of trails around the lake, and you can even rent a canoe to explore the open water.
See the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Located on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, only 4 kilometres from Ballarat’s CBD, Ballarat Botanical Gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and trees from around the world covering 40 hectares of land. There are several themed gardens, including Prime Ministers Avenue, which features busts of every Australian Prime Minister. It's an excellent spot for a picnic with your loved ones or a relaxing stroll.
Discover the Eureka Centre
The Eureka Centre is dedicated to the history of the Eureka Rebellion, a key event in Australian history. Learn about the miners' fight for better working conditions and democratic rights, and even see the original Eureka Flag for yourself! It's a must-visit for history buffs.
Take a tour of the Ballarat Wildlife Park
The Ballarat Wildlife Park is home to many native Australian animals, including 100 free-roaming kangaroos, over 35 koalas and Tasmanian devils. Take a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their habitats — you can even feed and interact with some of them! It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family — if you have any little ones, they’ll love it!
Embrace Ballarat’s thriving art and culture scene
Ballarat has an incredible arts and culture scene, with several galleries and museums to explore. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia's oldest and largest regional gallery and features an impressive collection of Australian art. The Post Office Gallery is another great spot to visit, showcasing decade-themed exhibitions, ceramic objects and more.
Roll up your sleeves and dig into these delectable delights
Ballarat is home to several great restaurants and cafes, offering a range of cuisines and dining experiences. For a taste of local cuisine, head to the Ballarat Farmers Market, open on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal products and stroll with a fresh coffee in hand from the local coffee van on-site.
Sip on some of the region's most famous wines
Sample some of the region's famous, award-winning wines at the local wineries and cellar doors in Ballarat, from family-owned Michael Unwin Wines to Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, wine experts since 2008.
Shopping
From boutique stores to larger shopping centres, Ballarat covers all your shopping needs. The Bridge Mall is a go-to shopping spot with various local and national retailers. For a unique shopping experience, you can’t miss the Mill Markets, an indoor market selling antiques, vintage clothing and other treasures to commemorate your stay.
Discover Hotels in Ballarat to be near all the local attractions, from Sovereign Hill to Ballarat Wildlife Park, the Eureka Centre, Lake Wendouree and the Botanical Gardens for your convenience.
Book your Ballarat accommodation with Best Western today. From its rich history to its natural beauty and thriving arts scene, Ballarat will keep you on your toes for your entire getaway. From sightseeing to taking in the arts and culture Ballarat has to offer and ending a day of explorations with a divine meal toasting to a memorable trip ahead, we know all the top things to do in Ballarat to make the most of your trip.