Things to do in Ballarat

Book your Australia tour packages to explore the ‘Golden City’ of Victoria, Ballarat. It is a charming city known for its rich culture, fascinating history, stunning art galleries, and Victorian architecture. It is also the largest gold mining city in the region, hence gaining the nickname of ‘Golden City’.

One of the most popular attractions in Ballarat is the Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that will take you back to the 1850s. You can also explore other well-known attractions like Ballarat Botanical Garden, Ballarat Wildlife Park and Lake Wendouree.

Apart from sightseeing, you can go on food and wine tours to taste the region’s best culinary delights. Last, but not least, one of the most fun things to do in Ballarat is a ghost tour. This tour takes you through underground buildings and alleyways while narrating the ghostly encounters of the locals.

Here are some of the best things to do in Ballarat:

1. Take a heritage walking tour:

Ballarat is a beautiful small city which is best explored on foot. It is a 60-90 minute walking tour that takes you through some of the most iconic landmarks of the city, narrating their fascinating history. The tours can be private or group as per your preferences, and they generally start from the well-known Lydiard Street. Some of the popular attractions that you will come across include the Gold Monument, Historic Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel.

2. Visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat:

Located in the heart of the city, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and the largest regional art gallery in Australia. It boasts a wide range of Australian art collections, ranging from colonial times to contemporary ones. Its Victorian architecture also showcases a blend of traditional and modern designs. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions and educational programs, making it an ideal place to learn about the art and culture of Australia.

3. Take a trip back in time to Sovereign Hill:

One of the most popular things to do in Ballarat is to visit the multiple award-winner attraction, Sovereign Hill. This open-air museum is sometimes referred to as a time machine that transports you back to the 1850’s gold rush era. Everything on the site, from buildings, streets, and shops to costumes of the workers is a replica of the 19th century Ballarat. Here, you can attend the live demonstrations of gold smelting, candle making and blacksmithing too.

4. Take a history lesson at the Eureka Centre:

Eureka Centre is another fascinating museum that tells you the history of mass rebellion, social justice and democracy in Australia. Through various artefacts, paintings, multimedia displays and official documents, you will get to learn how the miners fought for their rights. The highlight of the museum is the Eureka Flag which is one of the nation’s most significant cultural artefacts.

5. Sample Ballarat’s wine region:

One of the most fun things to do in Ballarat is to go wine tasting and try out some of the finest wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There are several well-known boutique wineries in Ballarat, the most prominent being Eastern Peake Vineyard. The vineyards are set in the serene countryside with the backdrop of stunning hills, making your wine-tasting experience more magical. They also offer small bites and snacks prepared with fresh ingredients from the farm to complement your wine.

6. Explore Ballarat Botanical Gardens:

If you are a nature enthusiast then make sure to add Ballarat Botanical Gardens to your list of things to do in Ballarat. The garden is home to free-roaming kangaroos and koalas, along with a variety of trees like Blue Gum, Yellow Pine, and English Oak. The highlight is the Robert Clark Conservatory which houses several seasonal flowers like Begonias and Pelargoniums.

7. Discover La La Falls:

Skip the hustle and bustle of the city and set out on an exciting journey in the countryside to witness the stunning Lal Lal Falls. Located only a 30-minute drive from Ballarat, the waterfall is not only a beautiful sight but also holds great cultural significance. Here, you can enjoy picnicking and birdwatching with your loved ones.

8. Enjoy at Wildlife Park in Ballarat:

Ballarat Wildlife Park houses some of the rarest wild animals like Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, and Wombats. One of the best things to do in Ballarat is to feed the beautiful Kangaroos and Wallabies from your hands here. There is also a Reptile House, housing snakes, crocodiles and tortoises. Here, you can closely observe these animals in their natural habitats and learn interesting facts about them from the caretakers.

9. Have Fun at Kryal Castle:

Kryal Castle is an exciting theme park in Ballarat, offering a blend of fantasy, history and thrill. It is a Mediaeval theme park, featuring drawbridges, towers, dungeons and even live sword fights. It offers several interactive activities like archery, exploring maze, axe throwing, blacksmithing and castle tours. Meeting mythical creatures and listening to fascinating stories of the Kryal castle is one of the top fun things to do in Ballarat.

10. AURA: Light and Sound Show:

Another popular activity without which your tour is incomplete is attending the AURA Light & Sound Show. It takes place at the popular Sovereign Hill and is one of the best ways to illustrate the scenario of the 1850s gold rush. It is a 90-minute show with high-quality graphics, 360-degree projections, advanced sound systems and captivating light effects.