15 culture-steeped things to do in Ballarat

From enthralling portals into a bygone era to cutting-edge creativity, the best things to do in Ballarat are pure gold.

History is never far from your fingertips in Ballarat thanks to grand architecture instantly transporting you back to the heady days of the gold rush. But there’s a new energy pulsing through the wrought-iron-trimmed streets today as Victoria’s third-largest city undergoes a cultural renaissance. Experience its thriving dining scene, join a maker’s workshop, or lose yourself in surprising odes to the past — the most gratifying things to do in Ballarat are listed below.

1. Take a heritage walking tour

heritage buildings along Sturt, Ballarat — Discover heritage buildings along Sturt St. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Built on gold wealth, Ballarat was the wealthiest city in the world at one point during the 1850s and its wonderfully preserved heritage streetscape reflects this. Get to know the history of this gold-rush town by signing up for a walking tour with Hidden Lanes or take a Heritage self-guided one via Ballarat Revealed .

Learn about the beginnings of Ballarat from the corner of Sturt and Grenville streets and take in buildings ranging from the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, which has been edifying and entertaining locals for more than 150 years, to sites including Ballarat’s very own Turkish Bath House – now a skate ramp.

2. Catch a performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat

the exterior of Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat — World-class acts are sure to enchant viewers at Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat. (Image: Michael Pham)

Whether you’re stirred by the theatre, awed by world-famous mentalists or craving a night out to the sound of live music, Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat is the place to let your hair down. Sitting ever-so-pretty as Australia’s oldest continuously operational live theatre (it opened in 1875), these spectacular bones play host to a revolving door of world-class acts. In 2025, Sarah Blasko will be enchanting audiences, as will the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s James Ehnes and a production of Kinky Boots. But no matter when you visit, the calibre of what’s on always impresses. Check the website regularly to tee your visit up with a dream show.

3. Indulge in me-time at Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa

Venture into the gardens of the Mercure Hotel to unearth Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa , a self-care destination you’ll struggle to part with. Enveloped in lush greenery, the facilities span six treatment rooms, a floating pedicure lounge, a relaxation lounge with an open fireplace (hello, romantic winter treat), a heated hydrotherapy pool and a sauna. It’s enough to get you there without a booked treatment but don’t miss the chance to pamper yourself with the spa’s impressive list of massages, body therapy and wraps, facials and beauty services.

4. Visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat

a look inside the Art Gallery of Ballarat — The Art Gallery of Ballarat is Australia’s oldest regional gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another of Ballarat’s truly grand heritage buildings, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is, in fact, Australia’s oldest regional gallery. Opened in 1884, it boasts an impressive collection of Australian art history from the early colonial period to the present day. While the beloved attraction will be closed from March 3, 2025, for at least 18 months as it undergoes extensive renovations, the gallery’s permanent collection will be presented alongside touring and temporary exhibitions. Showcased throughout elegant 19th-century rooms and contemporary architectural additions (plus all-new plans, yet to be revealed), this is a Ballarat bucket list item. And, of course, the gift shop is great, too, selling art books and one-of-a-kind products by local artisans.

5. Take a trip back in time at Sovereign Hill

locals during 1850s Ballarat at Sovereign Hill — Travel back in time to the gold rush era. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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. A living outdoor museum built on a former gold-mining site, today it’s a Ballarat icon: costumed characters and horse and carts populate a goldfields town full of shops, hotels, schools, factories, a gold diggings and underground mines.

Its immersive theatre experience, Aura, is a standout. The light and sound show unfolds through hundreds of projections that follow the story of gold from its very beginnings, incorporating the Wadawurrung creation story, right up until the current day. Stay on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel for the whole package.

6. Take a history lesson at the Eureka Centre Ballarat

two young boys with their father exploring the artefacts at the Eureka Centre Ballarat — Learn about the gold rush town through cultural artefacts. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Visit the Eureka Centre Ballarat to experience another important part of Australian history: the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade Rebellion and the home of the Eureka Flag – one of the nation’s most important cultural artefacts. Through art installations and digital technology, you’ll hear the stories of men and women who fought for miners’ rights and helped inform the development of modern democratic Australia, as well as learn about the cultural impact of the gold rush.

7. Lose yourself in a Ballarat festival

a performer wearing a costume at the Ballarat Begonia Festival — Join the vibrant and colourful Ballarat Begonia Festival. (Image: Supplied)

Ballarat hosts a roster of arts and cultural festivals, so time your visit accordingly. The Ballarat Begonia Festival , staged annually across the March long weekend, is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll gasp at the sheer volume of those delicate blooms — we’re talking thousands on display spanning more than 500 varieties — inside the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and find joy in the interactive workshops, roving entertainment and food trucks. Meanwhile, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is another noteworthy consideration, presenting a showcase of photographic exhibitions, talks, workshops and events every two years in spring.

8. Take a foodie masterclass

a hand holding a glass of crafted gin at Kilderkin Distillery, Ballarat — Concoct your own gin with expert distillers at Kilderkin Distillery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Tap into Ballarat’s rich food culture by signing up for a hands-on workshop or masterclass. Kilderkin Distillery offers DIY gin classes with expert distillers and, at Aunty Jacks , you can learn how to brew your own craft beer. When your tummy starts to rumble, head on over to Italian ristorante Carboni’s for a fresh pasta masterclass or try one of Flying Chillies ‘ Indonesian and Malaysian cooking experiences.

9. Marvel in the Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades

women joining the SAORI Weaving Workshop with Prue Simmons — Sign up for the SAORI Weaving Workshop with Prue Simmons. (Image: Supplied)

Speaking of getting your hands dirty with the experts, carve out significant time to dabble in whatever’s going on at the Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades during your visit. An inspiring hub of imagination and cultural appreciation, the beloved attraction runs masterclasses, events and workshops to immerse visitors in the creative spirit of the region. 2025 will see 150 individual workshops led by 60 admired artists, so whether it’s silversmithing, dry stone walling, water colouring, wood turning or something else that lures you in, there’s fresh learning for everyone.

10. Sample Ballarat’s wine region

a man holding a wine bottle at Eastern Peake, Ballarat — Eastern Peake is a leader in boutique wines. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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.

Don’t miss a tasting at Latta Vino , 20 minutes north of town at Coghills Creek, where winemaker Owen Latta makes waves with his mostly natural creations. His old stomping ground, the nearby Eastern Peake , is also worthy of significant swilling as Owen perfected his craft on the winery still owned by his dad.

There’s also Wayward Winery , located about 30 minutes’ drive from the thick of town, which nails pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay and shiraz grapes: covering all good bases, really.

11. Discover unforgettable Ballarat dining experiences

Underbar is a 16-seat fine-dining restaurant — Head chef Derek Boath previously worked at New York’s three-Michelin-starred “Per Se".

So many standouts, so little time. Foodies will struggle to craft an itinerary that covers all the best restaurants in Ballarat — but it’s plenty fun trying. Underbar , located in an unassuming space with no sign at the door, is a superb 20-seat fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal tasting menu shaped by the surrounds courtesy of chef Derek Boath. Reservations open on the first day of each month and get snapped up quickly.

Then there’s the talk of town in early 2025, Babae , fixed firmly on shining a light on the most exceptional regional produce and ingredients. You’ll find it lighting up the already stunning Hotel Vera on Sturt St, one of Ballarat’s best accommodation picks.

12. Spend an afternoon at Lake Wendouree

boats lined up at Lake Wendouree, Ballarat — Admire the quaint and historic Lake Wendouree boat sheds. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Take a walk around Ballarat’s picturesque Lake Wendouree, originally a swamp and now one of the nicest ways to spend a sunny afternoon. 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.

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 . This 45-minute cruise takes in scenic views and the history of the lake during the warmer months.

13. Explore Ballarat Botanical Gardens

a couple walking along Ballarat Botanical Gardens — Stroll along colourful flowerbeds at Ballarat Botanical Gardens. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the western side of Lake Wendouree. Regional Victoria’s oldest inland botanic gardens is a medley of mature trees and marble statues set within colourful flowerbeds. Covering 40 hectares, it’s also home to the Robert Clark Conservatory, a striking modern build harbouring an oasis of seasonal displays that’s a hub for that Ballarat Begonia Festival we discussed earlier.

The gardens are also home to the Ballarat Tramway Museum , one of the best Ballarat things to experience with kids, which invites you to ride in one of the 100-year-old trams that provided Ballarat’s public transport until 1971. A 20-minute ride, it journeys through the gardens and alongside Lake Wendouree.

14. Sample farm-to fork specialities at Tuki Restaurant

dining at Tuki Restaurant, Ballarat — Taste the paddock-to-plate offerings at Tuki Restaurant.

Whether you’re an avid fisher or not, a trip to Tuki offers a unique experience, just 40 minutes from Ballarat and set at the end of an unsealed road on top of a hill with verdant valley views.

The ponds here are stocked with rainbow trouts and visitors are guaranteed a catch, but there’s also a fine-dining restaurant to prioritise. Dishes include such pond- and paddock-to-plate offerings, including its famed trout done with the likes of fennel, orange and native ingredients, and we highly recommend letting the experts steer your journey by diving into a five-course tasting menu.

15. Meet true locals at Ballarat Wildlife Park

a meerkat at Ballarat Wildlife Park — Have a close encounter with a meerkat. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Family-run Ballarat Wildlife Park is home to a large variety of native Australian animals and other far-flung creatures, including free-roaming kangaroos, wombats and a colony of little penguins. Meet Kai and his little sister Akasha, the park’s resident Sumatran tigers, and choose from several animal encounters with meerkats, koalas and even a giant tortoise who’s over 80 years old.

Discover the best things to do in Ballarat

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach , the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road . Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park , which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae , helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream , Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.