Most likely would return. Moreover, visitors can snap selfies with majestic knights mounted on horses, take sword fighting and archery lessons, or participate in arts and crafts classes. You can only appreciate Ballarat's culture properly while walking on its well-maintained footpaths. The museum has a large research collection, an archive of information, and more than 3,500 items about the Ballarat tramways. Ballarat International Foto Biennale presents a showcase of photographic exhibitions, talks, workshops and events every two years in spring. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground 8. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor 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. They have many animal encounters, I didnt have time to do but next time I will be! The ponds of Tuki Trout Farm fill themselves with loads of rainbow trout, ensuring you will get a catch. Certainly should include a visit if you're going there. From the very swish to the very old, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing accommodation in Ballarat. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package. In this center, you can have both of them! 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. Go for a walk to appreciate Ballarat. Discover why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. 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. 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. . During an exciting winter weekend trip this year, Ballarat really did prove to be a worthwhile travel destination in Victoria. If you are someone who does not know how to use a telescope properly- the staff here is quite friendly and helpful! Gold Rush Mini Golf Come rain or shine, you can get lost in the fun at Gold Rush Mini Golf in Ballarat. Food & Drink. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarats collection. 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 Classics include the Mining Exchange, Art Gallery, Old Colonial Hall, Reid's Coffee Palace and the Provincial Hotel. 80 Things to Do in Ballarat: Points of Interest + Activities - Inspirock Lots of bird life hanging around as well. 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour. Are you into aircrafts and airplanes? 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. 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. About 28 bronze portraits of the Australian Prime Ministers are there to commemorate their work for the nation. Ballarat is a popular destination thanks to being an easy 100 kilometres from Melbourne and home to the fantastic Sovereign Hill. 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. The hosts were knowledgeable at a high standard and answered all our questions. The Ballarat Wildlife Park is a privately owned business run by The Parker family. Itineraries. Well, for space lovers and for those who are really invested in astronomy- we might have something of a surprise for you! Image: Visit Victoria. Tickets are priced at $35 and $22 for adults and kids respectively. If you want to learn more about the art and culture of Ballarat, just head over to the Post Office Gallery as it is filled with some of the finest pieces that are hung up on its walls. However, if you are swaying towards retail then you can check out Bridge Mall, Central Square Ballarat, Mill Market, or Stockland Wendouree. This handsome memorial pays tribute to all those men and women who were held captive, since the Boer War. Discover for yourself why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. Our favorite thing to do here is to relax at theYacht Clubwhile admiring the exquisite views of Lake Wendouree. Have you done a lot of sightseeing and just want to relax for a bit now? Lasting 45 minutes, the cruise is best to understand the lakes history. The most famous dish among tourists is the freshly-baked rainbow trout served with locally made bread, potatoes, peppercorn, and others. Also, the interior is charmingly decorated. Mitchell Harris Wines are surrounded by the world-renowned wine districts of Western and Central Victoria. 16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2023 - Trip See Do Visiting in the warmer weather meant we observed lots of families and pets taking a dip in the water, fishing, paddle boarding and boating. It is organized by the city of Ballarat over the mothers day weekend (7-8 May). Most Viewed. $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. So, dont miss out on the Midlands Reserve and Water Park when you are here in Ballarat. Next, you should walk Sturt Street, it is one of the widest streets, lavishly spreading across six lanes and replete with statue-studded gardens. The downtown portion of this upscale neighborhood has been revitalized, notably Main Street. Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here. You can see a lot of ducks swimming around freely in the waters of Lake Wendouree. Lake Esmond - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath nothing tops being near the water for some rest and restoration. 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. If cuddling koalas have been your lifelong dream, !you can fulfill it in Ballarat Wildlife Park. Head over to the most fun part of Ballarat to give your kids a treat! 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. Being located on the actual site of the stockade made it even more special. Here, our pick of Ballarats timeless and contemporary charms. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat - 2023 (with Photos) 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. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. The Best Things To Do With Kids In Ballarat - Australian Traveller It is located approximately 120km (74m) from Melbourne. It is built of local stone. 5. The centre is surrounded by the lovely Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens. Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. The following won't cost a thing. This is one of those flashy modern places, but the take is that they create some of the most delicious foods with a twit. You can enjoy the Australian art and culture at the gallery in a very relaxed and peaceful environment. As a result, thousands of tourists worldwide come here to relax and relish the beauty. With some of the great Lake Wendouree, the park is even more impressive. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ballarat - Tripadvisor It features a moat and drawbridge, a maze, castle towers, stocks, and an armory. 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 Instead, focus on finding the right people. Step Back in Time at Sovereign Hill 2. Ballarat is approximately 90 mins from Melbourne by car or via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station. Look at the great surface of the moon too! Also, the mall hosts a lot of festivals around the year. From Melbourne: Sovereign Hill Gold Mining Town Day Trip. Known as the county seat of the Livingston County, this thriving mid-western city has much to offer. Look no further. Ballarat Town Hall - Take a stroll around this historic place and uncover a few secrets from yesteryear. Relax by Lake Wendouree GET AN OVERVIEW SEARCH EVERYTHING. A new immersive theatre experience, Aura, launched last year to add to the experience. This four-season destination may puzzle you to decide when to visit Ballarat. Amplify your 7107 International Music Festival Experience with Smart and SPINNR . At the start of Australia's longest memorial avenue of honor is the Arch of Victory, one of Ballarat's most recognizable structures. 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 Provincial Hotel's beautiful dining room Lola is a standout for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a great wine list . What To Do In Ballarat? - A List Of 26 Best Things There is also a gift shop and a cafe for you to buy souvenirs and enjoy treats while visiting. While you go on a run, you shall be surrounded by plenty of wildflowers. Ballarat locals commemorated Victoria's first Arbor Day in May 1890, and several of the park's tree trunks were planted. A 50-minute drive from Ballarat, Cave Hill Creek is one of Australia's best school holiday camps. Tag Archives: unusual things to do in Ballarat. Secondly, theRobert Clark Conservatoryshowcases beautiful & kaleidoscopic flowers. Consider visiting Washington State's biggest island for your future adventure. The gift shop is great, too, selling art books and products by local artisans. Find out about the history of Ballarat when you spend time at Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Especially Ballarat, it has some of Australia's finest architecture and streetscapes. Lydiard Streetis the best way to kick-start your heritage tour of Ballarat. Consequently, the lake got transformed into a tourist hub with numerous recreational activities. The best annual events for families in Ballarat & Bendigo. 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. If you have a sweet tooth or are simply craving for some great bakery items- 1816 Bakehouse should be a slice of paradise for you. If you want to enjoy Ballarats history and culture, this event is a must for you. You can also hit Enter on your keyboard to submit your query. 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. Many of the early Another 4.00pm. The Regal is in. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. If you desire to cruise on the water, ensure that you board theGolden City Paddle Steamer. 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. There are so many things to do in Ballarat, and it's only just over an hour's journey from Melbourne. True to its name- this restaurant won the hearts of tourists and locals equally in a very short span of time. Well worth a visit. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene. A true art lover would never miss the Art Gallery of Ballarat. The Ballarat Tram Museum is run by volunteers dressed in authentic uniforms and runs most afternoons. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. 4. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. Do try to catch one of those if you want to experience art better. Youll definitely find Owen Lattas wines at Underbar, the pice de rsistance of Ballarats foodie renaissance. Fabulous, informative, with friendly staff. Things to do in Ballarat - ThingsPlan Spend a Day with Australia's Cutest Animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park 4. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. We pay our respects to their Elders past, prese nt and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Wait no more for we might have an ideal location just for you. Finally,Aurais a recently launched and enjoyable experience for tourists. 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. Lake Wendouree is a man-made and maintained shallow urban lake that has been a community destination for over 150 years. We have a prime location for you to check out. From family sword fights in a medieval castle to 'pond to plate' trout fishing, there's way more to Ballarat than meets the eye. 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. Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum in Golden Point, Ballarat. 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. 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 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. Informative and interactive experience. Ballarat Town Hall. There are plenty of tales to know from this museum! Ballarat Job Fair - Ballarat Career Fair. 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Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ballarat city is famed for its history and beautifully preserved Victorian-era legacy, which can be seen in every part of this city. 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. 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. After a long day of roaming, you can quench your thirst by local wines. This city was even named one of the most liveable cities in Australia in 2020. This Botanical Garden features a few fascinating areas worthy of exploring. The Ballarat Wildlife Park strives to give the best interactive experience with some of Australia's most unique animals. Ballarat Events | Upcoming Events & Things To Do In Ballarat, Australia This elegant hotel offers comfort of luxury with the charm of history. Finally, even a 1-day trip is enough if you desire to get a taste of the city by visiting the heritage centers. It portrays the first 10 years of Ballarat after gold was discovered there in 1851.