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Want to get close to nature? Table of contents Things to do in Ballarat 1. But in no way is it any less fascinating. Choose from one of the many masterclass and artisan workshops on offer in Ballarat. is $5/adult or $2/child and took like 30min including lots of information about Ballarat's tram history. Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill, 4. This handsome memorial pays tribute to all those men and women who were held captive, since the Boer War. The Ballarat Wildlife Park strives to give the best interactive experience with some of Australia's most unique animals. Sovereign Hills has everything you need for a perfect itinerary. If you're wanting insider knowledge on where to eat, drink, stay, play, shop and explore in Ballarat, you've come to the right place. If you are someone who is still a child at heart, then go-karts and laser tags have a different kind of effect! Wandering through the gorgeous ambiance of the Botanic Gardens is one of our favorite things to do in Ballarat. Ballarat has a good bus service, the Visitor Information Centre can provide timetables and maps. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. 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. Lydiard Street. Besides being Victorias commercial center, Ballarat is also home to the states great heritage and culture. Established in 1884, the gallery boasts an iconic collection of art that represents the countrys heritage in its purest form. 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. Consequently, the lake got transformed into a tourist hub with numerous recreational activities. The best tours in Ballarat are: Ballarat: Kryal Castle Theme Park Entry Ticket. 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. Wait no more for we might have an ideal location just for you. The best way to learn the art form is through attending a workshop with local crafters. Tap into Ballarats rich history of craftsmanship by signing up for a workshop or masterclass with one of its local artisans. 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! Enjoy your day filled with fun activities at Kryal Castle. The entry fee is only $12. Thousands of peasants and laborers traveled miles to Ballarat to make a living. Reasonably priced. The castle has a lot of activities for you to do. 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. What a fun way to learn about the gold rush, the underground mine tour was amazing, as was the self guided . Amplify your 7107 International Music Festival Experience with Smart and SPINNR . Furthermore, the Eureka Center enlightens visitors about the iconic Eureka Stockade. There are a lot of running and cycling trails here inside the park. This tourist attraction has a heritage and celebrates the essence of Ballarat. The property also has its own on-site accommodation, Tuki Retreat, which offers cosy stone or weatherboard cottages with open fires. Pontiac is famous for its museums and historical homes located within a one-mile loop within the city center. You can visit the depot to inspect the fleet and a trove of tram memorabilia before climbing aboard for a 20-minute ride through the Botanical Gardens. There are so many things to do in Ballarat, and it's only just over an hour's journey from Melbourne. Classics include the Mining Exchange, Art Gallery, Old Colonial Hall, Reid's Coffee Palace and the Provincial Hotel. 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. Visit this place with your friends and family to discover other fun things to do in Ballarat. Trust us! Are you planning a getaway in Ballarat? Book your hotel and flights, get those bags packed and get ready to explore this vibrant city. Good bedding and mattresses, a huge air conditioner, a cool kitchenette, free WiFi, a continental breakfast, and private parking are all available. 100 Things To Do In Australia Youve Never Heard Of. 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. While you're in the area, find time to visit its spas. Your email address will not be published. Victoria Park has meandering walkways, shelters, barbecues, and picnic tables in addition to a well-liked "inclusive play zone" that is designed to be utilized by kids of all abilities. It attracts people of all ages. Frequently Asked Questions about Ballarat. Sovereign hill is the citys only live museum, telling tales about the life of Ballarat in the 1850s. Fortunately, Ballarat has a flourishing wine region specializing in chardonnay, riesling, pinot noir, and other wines. If you visit the falls after a heavy downpour, you will encounter majestic views that will melt your heart. Ballarats vineyards are famous for its subtly fragrant pinot noir, chardonnay, and elegant sparkling wines. Surprisingly, tourists can also find lodging options in the form of Tuki Retreat. Most Viewed. Top Things to Do in Ballarat, Australia: See Tripadvisor's 43,633 traveller reviews and photos of Ballarat tourist attractions. The following won't cost a thing. Ballarat is surely going to win over your hearts with its colonial architecture and historic charm. It has kangaroos and emus that roam freely around the park and can be hand fed. Harnessing a rich heritage from the famous Gold Rush history, Ballarat is one of Australias most historically significant cities. You can do so by catching a sunset at Lake Wendouree, listening to live music, eating outdoors, and many more. Tours. lessons - I painted a picture which Jane is going to stretch for me. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. It also houses one of the most revered cultural artifacts of Australia for you to see, the Eureka flag. When it comes to food, this place has endless options for you to choose from and it is not going to disappoint you. 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. There's live music every Sunday afternoon. It features a moat and drawbridge, a maze, castle towers, stocks, and an armory. 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. One can make their list using our list of top 10 fun things to do in Ballarat this weekend. Ballarat is perhaps the most appealing of Australia's gold rush towns. Itineraries. Ballarat Tramway Museum Travel back in time through the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens alongside Lake Wendouree. The park houses about 400 species of animals. Ballarat is approximately 90 mins from Melbourne by car or via V/Line trains from Southern Cross Station. You can enjoy the Australian art and culture at the gallery in a very relaxed and peaceful environment. 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. 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. 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 The list of fun things to do in Ballarat is enormous. Let your kids enjoy themselves in all the free space around too. And keep an eye on colourful ceramicist Ruby Pilvens website for upcoming workshops. About The Host: Guf is your center for all things gaming and Internet. Hotels near Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Ballarat, Ballarat Botanical Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Eureka Stockade Memorial: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Ballarat Railway Station, Things to do near Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, Things to do near The Titanic Memorial Bandstand, Things to do near Ballarat's Sanctuary Day Spa, St. Lucia Ladera Resort VIP Tour - Couples Only, Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay, Costa Mujeres Private Transportation From-To Cancun Airport, Camel Outback Adventure with Mexican buffet and Tequila tasting, Travel From Jerusalem To Bethlehem and Dead Sea - Daily Group West Bank Tour, Tamao Mountain and Tonle Bati Private Day Trip from Phnom Penh, Review of: Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial, Review of: Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground, See all attractions in Ballarat on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Ballarat on Tripadvisor, See all day trips from Ballarat on Tripadvisor. Have a casual bite at the Yacht Club, admire the quaint and historic Lake Wendouree boat sheds and then take to the water for a trip back in time onboard the replica Golden City Paddle Steamer. 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. Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. Other Ballarat attractions include the Art Gallery, Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Park. Eureka Centre 404 Get the latest travel news, reviews, offers and more, direct to your inbox. Established around 150 years ago, Ballarat Botanic Gardens have been one of the citys top attractions for decades. The best part about this spot is its intense history and its location. If you want to enjoy Ballarats history and culture, this event is a must for you. If you happen to be in town during one of those- do go and enjoy the experience. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums. The gift shop is great, too, selling art books and products by local artisans. At the start of Australia's longest memorial avenue of honor is the Arch of Victory, one of Ballarat's most recognizable structures. Stand on the Birthplace of Australian Democracy at the Eureka Centre 3. Located at Coghills Creek, the vineyard has won numerous awards, including Gourmet Travellers Australian Young Winemaker 2018. Visiting the monument is one of the best things to do in Ballarat today, as it will teach you a lot about Australias history! They have many animal encounters, I didnt have time to do but next time I will be! Ride the Ballarat - Skipton Rail Trail 5. 4. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground 8. Opened more than a century ago, the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum is one of the oldest observatories in Australia. You can also visit wineries like Captains Creek Organic Wines, Mount Buninyong Winery, or Eastern Peake Winery to appreciate the art of wine making. Things do in popular destinations worldwide, Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific, Alices Journeys Guided Walking Tours of Daylesford, Creswick Woollen Mills with Alpaca Exhibit & Store Credit, Kryal Castle Adventure Park Admission Ticket, Kiteboarding Lessons in St Kilda - Passport to Ride Course, Kiteboarding Lesson in St Kilda (2 Hours), Hotels near St John of God Hospital Ballarat, Hotels near Federation University Australia, Vacation rentals in United States of America, Vacation packages in United States of America, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking. Culinary promises. Fun Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. With some of the best pub culture along with an equally historic story- Pub with Two Names attracts a lot of tourists. Kryal Castle is an Adventure Park & Resort in Ballarat, Victoria. Lake Wendouree is a man-made and maintained shallow urban lake that has been a community destination for over 150 years. Finally, even a 1-day trip is enough if you desire to get a taste of the city by visiting the heritage centers. Lake Wendouree Adventure Playground is adjacent to the Ballarat Botanic Gardens. BREAD GANG. This 45-minute cruise takes in scenic views and the history of the lake, operating on Sundays from November to May each year. 8 Unmissable things to do in Airlie Beach How to make your holiday great? Ballarat Wildlife Park is a family-owned, interactive wildlife park that specialises in native Australian animals and exotic reptiles. 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! If you love fishing, Tuki Trout Farm is where you ought to be. Port Fairy. Don't think we forgot about nature! There are also a lot of exhibitions that are always going on in the gallery. Our first choice will be theMakers Studio,offering workshops to make jewelry. Discover for yourself why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. Especially Ballarat, it has some of Australia's finest architecture and streetscapes. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Ballarat. You can eat at Underbar where Derek Boath, formerly of New York's three-Michelin, offers a menu that changes every week. Look no further. Ballarat is the third-largest city of Victoria with a population of over 100,000 people. In addition, Ballarat houses an impressive number of art galleries and museums that will keep you engaged in wanting to learn more. Review of: Raintree Art. 1. Tickets are $173 per person. A new immersive theatre experience, Aura, launched last year to add to the experience. Collected over a vast span of time- these objects each have a different story to tell. Certainly should include a visit if you're going there. Whats the point of visiting an Australian city and not tasting its delectable wine? You can even click a picture with a red-tailed black cockatoo at 11:00 am, 2.00 pm and 4:00 pm at no extra charge, just use your own camera. 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. Well, for space lovers and for those who are really invested in astronomy- we might have something of a surprise for you! In Ballarat, Carboni's Italian Kitchen offers genuine Italian hospitality. Finally,Sovereign Hillis where your heritage tour should end. The best annual events for families in Ballarat & Bendigo. It is located approximately 120km (74m) from Melbourne. From Melbourne: Sovereign Hill Gold Mining Town Day Trip. Livvi's Place Ballarat - Victoria Park Inclusive Playspace 3. Well, here at Ballarat Indoor Go-Karts & Laserforce Entertainment Centre, there are a lot of activities to enjoy. 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. Would have been lovely to have a picnic in the grounds if the weather allowed. Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australias biggest and oldest regional art gallery. You can eat breakfast all day at Yellow Espresso. It is located at the historic site of the Eureka Stockade Rebellion, on the grounds of the Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens in Ballarat. Here are some of the best Ballarat attractions and things to do in Ballarat. Being Australias oldest regional gallery, visiting it is one of the best things to do here. Take the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together: Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ballarat? Lots of details about the Eureka stockade events, many of which are glossed over in simple histories. Ballarat is just over an hour by train from Melbourne, The heart of the city is within walking distance from the train station. Are you into aircrafts and airplanes? In town, the elegant blue-stone and hand-made brick historic buildings jolt you back in time to the gold rush days. The museum provides a fun learning experience with characters in costumes, horses, cats that displays what life was back then in the Victorian Goldfields. Being located on the actual site of the stockade made it even more special. Take a walk around Ballarats picturesque Lake Wendouree, originally a swamp and now one of the nicest ways you can spend a sunny afternoon. This is one of those flashy modern places, but the take is that they create some of the most delicious foods with a twit. On the major Victoria Street in Ballarat East, the Victoriana Motor Inn provides 4-star lodging. To spend a day here is a fun day with your family or friends. Contents [ hide] 1. Lots of bird life hanging around as well. Well worth a visit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); From fine-dining to Asian fusion and from boutique wine to craft cider: Ballarats foodie scene is booming. See all in Ballarat on GetYourGuide. The Ballarat Visitor information Centre is in the Town Hall, which is in Sturtt St, the main street. The festival has a lot of fun activities planned for the visitors to do. The museum also has a tram that takes you on the tour of the mines. Fabulous, friendly and informative. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest regional Australian gallery. on display and they have demonstrations regularly. 1, literally Ballarat's first horse-drawn tram, discovered being used a sleepout in the 1980s and then restored. Learn more about life in the goldfields at award-winning Sovereign Hill. See all Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne 219 Bus Tours from $99.36 per adult Private Ballarat and Sovereign Hill Tour from Melbourne 1 Full-day Tours from $515.66 per adult (price varies by group size) 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne 1 This month, 17th March, 06:30 pm, Guf Ballarat Outsiders Prerelease in Ballarat. The quickest way to meet compatible people in Ballarat for free is to use an app like We3. Moreover, visitors can snap selfies with majestic knights mounted on horses, take sword fighting and archery lessons, or participate in arts and crafts classes. Toilets are clean and accessible easily. Firstly,Prime Ministers Avenueis for people who want to walk down the historical lane of Australia. Our $8.00 concession entry fee included a tram ride. Nice to look around other trams too. A look at some of The Art Gallery of Ballarat's collection. Find the best things to do, eat, see and to visit in Ballarat with kids, couples and friends. It is near the shores of Lake Wendouree, which is an activity centre for Ballarat. There are names and history too. St John of God Hospital Ballarat - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. A great place to see Indigenous art and to have fun, Read more. Are you looking for a quaint exotic spot to have your picnic and observe some good scenes too? the gardens are exceptional and we were lucky enough to catch the. Some of them might have a significant historic past., while others have a mining past. Their wines provide you a clear picture of what characterizes the central and western wine-growing areas of Victorian so unique. The park its self is very clean. This former gold mining town has some amazing Australian colonial architecture for you to gaze at. Ballarat locals commemorated Victoria's first Arbor Day in May 1890, and several of the park's tree trunks were planted. LABOUR DAY WEEKEND Feat. The railway station showcases the architectural and historical magnificence of Ballarat. It is an award-winning interactive wildlife park situated on 37 acres of natural bushland. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in June. Looking for calm waters to test your SUP skills? This gorgeous property will take care of everything you may need during your stay. The gardens were so pretty and the glasshouse well stocked. There are also a lot of spots where you could have a picnic along with a BBQ option. The park is home to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, eagles, giant tortoises, crocodiles and alligators, as well as lizards and snakes - just to name a few! You can extend this period to 4 days if you mostly rely on public transport. Today its collection is presented alongside touring and temporary exhibitions across its elegant 19th-century rooms and contemporary architectural additions. Are you looking for some awesome shopping scenes in Ballarat? Head over to the Ballarat Municipal Observatory & Museum to discover some exciting things. Ballarat's best-known attraction, Sovereign Hill is an epic living museum that has meticulously recreated life on the gold diggings in the 1850s. Lake Wendouree is one of the best places in Ballarat to spend a sunny afternoon. Also, there are a lot of unknown wildlife species along with some of the exotic migratory birds nesting right here. With its renowned wineries and exciting restaurant scene, Ballarat is an established foodie destination. 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. After a botanic garden was laid out on its western shore in the 1850s, the lake itself saw a transformation and by the 1870s it had two rowing clubs and pleasure craft to recommend it as the recreational hub it remains to this day. 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. Eureka Aquatic Centre 5. Formerly known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, the Eureka Centre is a museum dedicated to democracy. This Ballarat travel guide will outline some amazing places I got to experience, with even more possibility in the surrounding areas as well. Understand the goal. Through art installations and digital technology at this modern museum, youll hear the stories of the men and women who fought for miners rights and helped inform the development of modern democratic Australia, as well as learning about the cultural impact of the gold rush. You can buy clothes, antiques, souvenirs all over the city. The downtown portion of this upscale neighborhood has been revitalized, notably Main Street. Ballarat. A 10 minute drive from the centre. Get to know the history of this gold-rush town through its architecture by signing up for a 90-minute walking tour with Ballarat Heritage Tours or take a Heritage self-guided one via Ballarat Revealed. As aforementioned, the best way to end your heritage tour of Ballarat is through Sovereign Hill. Explore the great outdoors at Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Ballarat. 2023 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. 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. Tourists visit the city for its modern art, cuisine, beverages, and artists, in addition to its historical attractions. While Whidbey Island is renowned for its unspoiled natural areas, it also holds substantial historical and cultural value. Fabulous, informative, with friendly staff. Dishes here include such pond- and paddock-to-plate offerings as fresh-baked rainbow trout served bone-free with crushed green peppercorn dressing, roast potatoes and locally baked bread, and cut-of-the-day lamb. 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. Look at the great surface of the moon too! You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. You can also enjoy fishing, local catches include rainbow trout and redfin. 8. For the lover of unconventional things, there are some very interesting weekend getaways lined up for celebrating the 31st December 2023. There's also more to Whidbey Island than meets, A delightful discovery awaits visitors to Pontiac, Illinois. Beyond Ballarat. The gallery has one of the best regional collections in the country. Find out why Ballarat is the culinary capital of . An Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation 4-week Course Ballarat. It was later renovated to commemorate the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. Have a history lesson at the Eureka Centre, 12. All rights reserved. From group Ballarat tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 5 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. Lovely way to spend an hour or 2. Your email address will not be published. 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. . There is also a gift shop and a cafe for you to buy souvenirs and enjoy treats while visiting. It is held over the Labour Day long weekend in March. For more of the best in travel sign up to our newsletter! Written 22 . The Ballarat Tram Museum is run by volunteers dressed in authentic uniforms and runs most afternoons. 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.