Best Things to Do in Ballarat This Weekend
Planning a weekend in Ballarat? From Gold Rush history and beautiful gardens
to local markets, wildlife, food and hidden gems, here are some of the best
things to do in Ballarat on Saturday and Sunday.
Ballarat is a bona-fide tourist destination in Victoria with great places for overseas tourists and locals alike.
One-Day Ballarat Weekend Itinerary
If you have never been to Ballarat there are one of a kind places that you should have on your tick list agenda. While some places are not for everyone I'd put the following in the list of places to consider if you've never been to Ballarat before:
- Visit Sovereign Hill and learn about the broader Gold Rush story of Ballarat. It's a bit like a theme park so its great for the kids too.
- Walk the iconic Lake Wendouree. You can't visit Ballarat without going to the lake.
- If you have kids then the famous Kryal Castle is not too be missed. With special events throughout the year it's worth trying to plan ahead for one of the event days if you are time flexible.
- Have lunch at the old-school yet hipsterish Aunty Jacks. It's a bit eclectic and that's what makes it special.
- For avid planners time your visit for the Ballarat Heritage Festival or Begonia festival. The Begonia Festival in particular is also great for selfies if you can dodge the crowds.
Two-Day Ballarat Weekend Itinerary
If you've got more time up your sleeves or are staying overnight then you can expand your itinerary to include:
- For animal lovers or those travelling with kids then the Ballarat Wildlife Park is sure to please.
- For a casual wander the Art Gallery of Ballarat may be a perfect spot. This is a handy option if the weather caves in.
- Learn some more local history at the Ballarat Tramway Museum. Another easy activity for the inquisitive.
- If you like nature but not necessarily a lot of hard work then the Mt Buninyong Walk and Tower is a nice dviersion and something a bit more active.
- Befitting Ballarat's history a little shopping excursion or window shopping at Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market might just be the order of the day.
- On the way home back to Melbourne a visit to the Lal Lal Falls can make a nice little family excursion especially if there has recently been a bit of rain.
Getting to Ballarat From Melbourne
While you can take a V/Line train to Ballarat most will travel by car and that makes the most sense. It takes about 2 hours from Flinders Street Station by car but if you live in the west drive times can drop substantially. It's only 1:30 from Werribee for instance and down to 1:12 drive from Tarneit making it especially feasible for a day trip from the outer west.
Tips for Planning a Weekend in Ballarat
While Ballarat has enough going on all year round as mentioned earlier there are a host of special events throughout the year so if you are the planning type person think about the regular festivals (Ballarat Heritage, Begonia Festival, Ballarat Winter Festival or the International Foto Biennale) held every seciond year or special events at Kryal Castle.
Is Ballarat Worth Visiting for a Weekend?
Ballarat is an easy and rewarding escape, whether you are visiting for a few hours or settling in for the whole weekend. Its mix of historic streets, gardens, museums, cafes, markets and family-friendly attractions means there is plenty to enjoy without feeling rushed.
It is close enough to Melbourne for a simple day trip (especially if you live in the West), but staying overnight gives you more time to explore at a relaxed pace, while a full weekend lets you experience Ballarat’s history, food, local events and outdoor attractions properly.
Ballarat's unique gold mining history is literally on the streets and is what makes a visit here special.
1. Sovereign Hill:
Overview: Sovereign Hill is a living museum that offers a deep dive into Australia's gold rush history. Review: Step back in time with a visit to Sovereign Hill, where the 1850s gold rush era is brought to life with meticulous detail. From gold panning to horse-drawn carriage rides, the interactive experiences here are unparalleled. The staff, dressed in period costumes, enhance the authenticity, making it a memorable experience for both adults and children.
Ballarat is best well known for its alluvial gold mining history and Sovereign Hill proudly celebrates this history. Pan for a bit of gold while you are there and keep the kids happy! Sovereign Hill has special events throughout the year including a highlight in winter called the Winter Wonderlights. If you've been to Ballarat before it might be good to time your next visit for Winter Wonderlights to experience something that bit different.
2. Ballarat Wildlife Park:
Overview: This park is home to a wide range of native Australian animals, including the iconic kangaroo and koala. Review: A true gem for animal lovers, Ballarat Wildlife Park offers close encounters with some of Australia's most beloved creatures. The well-maintained habitats and knowledgeable staff ensure that visitors not only enjoy their visit but also leave more educated about Australia's unique wildlife. This is great for the kids as you get to feed the kangaroos and the Ballarat Wildlife Park is centrally located if travelling by car.
3. Lake Wendouree & the Ballarat Botanical Gardens:
Overview: A picturesque lake surrounded by beautiful gardens and play areas. Review: Perfect for a leisurely day out, Lake Wendouree offers serene boat rides and a reasonably long walk 5.9km if you want to tackle the complete perimeter walk.
The adjacent Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a treat for botany enthusiasts with its lush landscapes and the striking Prime Ministers Avenue. The combination of the lake and gardens provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
4. Art Gallery of Ballarat:
Overview: Australia's oldest regional gallery, housing a rich collection of Australian art. Review: The Art Gallery of Ballarat is a testament to the city's appreciation of art and culture. The collection, ranging from historic to contemporary pieces, is thoughtfully curated. Regular exhibitions ensure there's always something new to explore, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Free and paid exhibitions with the International Foto Biennale a two yearly highlight.
5. Ballarat Tramway Museum:
Overview: This museum celebrates the city's tramway history with a collection of vintage trams and memorabilia. Review: Transporting visitors to a bygone era, the Ballarat Tramway Museum is both informative and nostalgic. The highlight is undoubtedly the tram rides, allowing visitors to experience the charm of vintage trams firsthand. The dedicated volunteers enhance the experience with their insights and anecdotes. The Ballarat Tramway Museum celebrated its 50th year in 2021.
6. Aunty Jacks:
Aunty Jacks is our favourite dining establishment in Ballarat. Cosy fireplace, multiple levels, cool vibes, great design, very hipster, laid back yet cool warehouse-ish feel, we love coming to this place. Definitely recommend coming here if you are on a day or weekend trip to Ballarat.
7. Hop Temple:
Hop Temple is another cool dining establishmant and beer hall. Not as unique as Aunty Jacks but still great nevertheless. Warehouse industrial feel with modern pub fare. A great place to chew the fat and have a cool beer or two!
8. Kryal Castle:
Kryal Castle is a medieval-themed adventure park and resort located near Ballarat. It offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors, transporting them back to the days of knights, wizards, and mythical creatures. Great for the kids the park is divided into different sections, each representing a different aspect of medieval life, such as the royal courts, the village, and the dungeons.
Kryal Castle offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Kids will love trying their hand at archery, channeling their inner archer just like in medieval times. There is also a live jousting tournament, falconry displays, and other performances to provide entertainment and showcase a glimpse of historical medieval sports.
9. Mt Buninyong Walk and Tower:
Mt Buninyong is 22 minutes drive from Ballarat or just over 17km. If you've been to Ballarat before and are looking for something new to do then a visit to Mt Buninyong might be in order. You can choose to do a longer walk up the mountain from the base carpark (215 Blackberry Lane) to the lookout tower that can be great entertainment and give the kids something to do. If you are feeling lazy you can drive directly to the top of the mountain and just climb the tower.
The tower offers great panoramic views.
10. Lal Lal Falls:
Lal Lal Falls is worth a visit if you are looking for some new things to do in Ballarat. If coming from Melbourne it's best to either visit here on the drive to Ballarat or on your way home. Of course, timing it for when there has been a bit of rain will definitely make it more worth while. Lal Lal Falls are approximately 28km from Ballarat.
11. Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market:
Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market is definitely worth a visit if you love your vintage or second hand shopping. A huge array of vintage, retro collectables with over 80 stalls offering something for everyone. Antiques, furniture, vinyl, toys, clothes and more!
12. Anderson's Mill (Smeaton):
Anderson's Mill in Smeaton is 35 minutes drive from Ballarat and worth a visit if you are a history buff or like pretending to be a tourist in your own country. Time your visit for the Anderson's Mill Heritage Weekend and enjoy all the festivities as well. Lovely iconic heritage building with its own sense of grandeur.
13. Brunch at Yellow Expresso:
Enjoy a lovely brunch and get your caffeine fix at Yellow Expresso cafe. Centrally located with all your modern cafe classics in a nice vibrant environment with a bit of charm and cool design thrown into the mix.
14. Ballarat Begonia festival:
The Ballarat Begonia festival is an annual festival celebrating all things begonia. The festival is one of the biggest annual events in Ballarat with great community support, large crowds and positive vibes. It's a great event if you love selfies plus there is a huge market as well. Well worth a visit each year.
15. Ballarat Heritage festival:
The Ballarat Heritage festival is an annual festival celebrating Ballarat's colourful history from goldmining, Eureka stockade, Sovereiegn Hill and more. Well worth a visit each year.
