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. Worth a visit, especially if you don't know much about the history. Are you looking for some awesome shopping scenes in Ballarat? 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. You can attend talks, or enjoy the line-up of entertainment with delicious food and celebrity guests. Pan for gold at the iconic Sovereign Hill, indulge in some retail therapy, explore the great outdoors, or wander through Australia's oldest regional gallery. Wandering through the gorgeous ambiance of the Botanic Gardens is one of our favorite things to do in Ballarat. Ballarat was built on the wealth derived from the gold found there, as the preserved heritage streetscape reflects. Besides manufacturing, Ms Hawker said the health, aged care, hospitality, and trade sectors are finding employment particularly difficult in regional areas, and employers should be head-hunting. You'll soon figure out why travelers love staying in Ballarat. 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. We have reviews of the best places to see in Ballarat. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Top attractions The Ballarat Pass Itineraries Art & culture Family fun Markets 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. 8. Firstly,Prime Ministers Avenueis for people who want to walk down the historical lane of Australia. After a long day of roaming, you can quench your thirst by local wines. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden 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. Get yourself familiarised with Ballarat by taking a walk down Lydiard St. As previously mentioned, Ballarat was once one of the richest alluvial goldfields and this wealth can be easily be seen in the city's ornate buildings, and stately hotels and homes. Other notable attractions include Craigs Royal Hotel, the Former Mining Exchange, and theArt Gallery of Ballarat. The first thing you will stumble upon on Lydiard Street is Her Majestys Theatre, one of Australias oldest theatres. Are you looking for a place to relive your childhood after exploring all of Ballarat? Fun Things to Do in Ballarat with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Ballarat is a very popular tourist destination. So, dont miss out on the Midlands Reserve and Water Park when you are here in Ballarat. We pay our respects to their Elders past, prese nt and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. This is one of those flashy modern places, but the take is that they create some of the most delicious foods with a twit. Lake Wendouree is a man-made and maintained shallow urban lake that has been a community destination for over 150 years. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. The list of the best things to do in Ballarat above demonstrates how this city is the ideal blend of modern and traditional. Formerly known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, the Eureka Centre is a museum dedicated to democracy. 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. . You can walk around the well-maintained lawns of the beautiful Botanical Garden and learn about history at the same time! In Ballarat, Carboni's Italian Kitchen offers genuine Italian hospitality. Reasonably priced. Be it something as simple as chicken wings- you can always find a twist in the flavors! Admire the Beautiful Art Gallery of Ballarat, 5. For the lover of unconventional things, there are some very interesting weekend getaways lined up for celebrating the 31st December 2023. When it comes to food, this place has endless options for you to choose from and it is not going to disappoint you. Get the latest travel news, reviews, offers and more, direct to your inbox. It is held over the Labour Day long weekend in March. Even the fours moons and four rings of Jupiter. While you're in the area, find time to visit its spas. 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. We have done the research for you and present the activities you will love and enjoy. 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. Ballarat is just over an hour by train from Melbourne, The heart of the city is within walking distance from the train station. 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. All rights reserved. Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill 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. Hence, the perfect solution for this problem is to create a list of fun things to do in Ballarat to avoid similar situations. A 10 minute drive from the centre. St John of God Hospital Ballarat - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If cuddling koalas have been your lifelong dream, !you can fulfill it in Ballarat Wildlife Park. Watch out for . Also, there are a lot of tours available. Next from the founders of Moon and Mountain came another gem in Ballarat- Winner Winner. If you are looking to spend your money, Ballarat is not going to let you down. Yorkdale Estate Central Park As Victoria's largest inland city, Ballarat is a major commercial center, but it's also rich in culture and history. There are so many things to do in Ballarat, and it's only just over an hour's journey from Melbourne. Discover for yourself why Ballarat is renowned for its award-winning attractions and unique visitor experiences. Read on! Learn more about life in the goldfields at award-winning Sovereign Hill. Established around 150 years ago, Ballarat Botanic Gardens have been one of the citys top attractions for decades. There are boutiques, local brads, and even a lot of branded stores.Bridge mall can officially be a heaven for shopaholics. Cafe was very good too. Sovereign hills are known an original mining site with shops, theaters, hotels, gold diggings and factories to explore. This Australian gem has a lot of spicy places you can hit when you are feeling that hunger. Ballarat Wildlife Park is for Animal Lovers, 7. Contents [ hide] 1. . Covering 40 hectares, its also home to the Robert Clark Conservatory, a striking modern build harbouring an oasis of seasonal displays thats a hub for the Ballarat Begonia Festival held each March. Besides its history, Ballarat also has unique natural attractions such as the Lal Lal Falls and Lake Wendouree. Did you know they give out swimming lessons too? The vibrant colors will calm your heart as you complete your list of things to do in Ballarat. This nationally acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1970. Furthermore, it is also where the key event of the Eureka Stockade occurred. Some of them might have a significant historic past., while others have a mining past. Gold Rush Mini Golf Come rain or shine, you can get lost in the fun at Gold Rush Mini Golf in Ballarat. It was later renovated to commemorate the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. With its renowned wineries and exciting restaurant scene, Ballarat is an established foodie destination. 8. Themed around the begonia flower, Ballarat Begonia Festival is an annual carnival and community cultural festival held at Ballarat. Ballarat is the perfect blend of modern and old. The 140-year-old building, which was formerly a produce store, tentmaker, and mechanic shop, now exhibits wines and other regional gems while offering a complete wine bar and dining adventure in the middle of Ballarat. The list of fun things to do in Ballarat is enormous. 1, literally Ballarat's first horse-drawn tram, discovered being used a sleepout in the 1980s and then restored. Wanna swim like a professional? Whats the point of visiting an Australian city and not tasting its delectable wine? We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and put your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation. Toilets are clean and accessible easily. 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. St Patrick's Cathedral is the principal Catholic church for Ballarat. Explore the great outdoors at Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Ballarat. The Provincial Hotel's beautiful dining room Lola is a standout for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a great wine list . 16 Best Things To Do in Ballarat with Kids in 2022 1. There's also more to Whidbey Island than meets, A delightful discovery awaits visitors to Pontiac, Illinois. It is built of local stone. Will be back. Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city. Port Fairy. Lydiard Street & Ballarat's Gold Rush History. 1. - lots to see, especially if you like swans. Eureka Centre 404 The historic houses are open for viewing, Hackensack is a large city and seat of Bergen County, New Jersey. The most popular vineyard in Ballarat is theEastern Peake Vineyard. Regardless of your interests or age, there are countless experiences and attractions to dive into. There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Ballarat. From Kangaroos and penguins to the Tasmanian devils, one can find their favorite animals here. Things to do, Events, and What's on in Ballarat Popular Articles Trentham Falls Waterfalls and gold rushes, in the middle of Wombat Forrest 79 The Turret Cafe 14 Gordon Hat Shoppe 16 Radio Springs Hotel Journey to The Centre Of The Universe 9 The House of Bespoke Couture Where beautiful princesses and evil stepmothers come to life 18 Ballarat is perhaps the most appealing of Australia's gold rush towns. ). 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour. It is run by passionate and dedicated volunteers and trams operate every weekend. Free as well!! Costumed characters, theatres, horses, goldfields, factories, underground mines, shops, and whatnot! Have a history lesson at the Eureka Centre, 12. It is located in the cultural district of Ballarat, and gives off a unique vibe. You can also dress-up and take photographs with your friends in the old-timey photography studio. 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! The hotel has served many famous people including Mark Twain and Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria's second son), and Dame Nellie Melba. Costumed characters populate a gold rush town at Sovereign Hill, a living outdoor museum. From the very swish to the very old, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing accommodation in Ballarat. Their wines provide you a clear picture of what characterizes the central and western wine-growing areas of Victorian so unique. Ballarat Town Hall. 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. 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. It is recognized as a representation of Ballarat across Australia, but it has also gained prestige and respect abroad. Ballarat is a terrific destination for a family escape. In this center, you can have both of them! Amplify your 7107 International Music Festival Experience with Smart and SPINNR . Kudos to the volunteers who work there. This show showcases the Australian history of gold from its origins and takes you on a historical journey to the current day. The Prime Ministers Walk is one of the most interesting things to check out in Ballarat. 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. Also, there are a lot of hiking trails inside that you could check out if you want to explore more. Ballarat has some of the best scenes for you as you have seen by now. Suitable for all ages - this is a must-visit attraction for anyone who's fascinated by knights, wizards and castles - an experience that is completely unique to Ballarat.