Ballarat‘s iconic pie competition has a winner & it’s a cookie dream

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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Roll up to Ballarat this August to taste one of the best pies in Australia.

There are very few things Australians can agree on when it comes to food. Is it a potato scallop or a potato cake? A parmi, or a parma? Was the pavlova invented here or in New Zealand? Is the Shortbread Cream the best biccie to exist, or is it some other, lesser biscuit? Yet, what we can all agree on is the fact that the humble pie is an elite Aussie staple. Of course, then we can all continue to fight about which pie is best – or we can save face and head to Ballarat’s Best Pie competition to find out.

Feral Pie at The Shared Table
Taste the award-winning Feral Pie at The Shared Table. (Image: littleBIG)

Every August, this beloved competition turns the city of Ballarat into a pie haven for the whole month. The competition pits 36 pies against each other for the winning title, from local chefs, restaurants, cafes and venues. And no, they’re not all beef. From savoury to sweet, everyone will have a favourite.

“Whether it’s a pie with purpose or one that pushes the flavour boundaries, this event is all about celebrating our local producers, chefs and hospitality operators – and giving people a delicious reason to visit Ballarat this August," said Hon. John Pandazopoulos, Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair.

This year, winners were chosen in seven categories (because one just isn’t enough), with three brand new ones: Brilliantly Unexpected Pie, Pie with Purpose (rewarding a low-waste or local-produce approach) and People’s Choice Pie (with the public voting for their favourite).

creator holding Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie at Naomi & i
Mrs Browne Bakes’ won for her dessert pie entry. (Image: littleBIG)

This year’s full list of winners, for your planning pleasure (taste them all month by following the Ballarat Pie Trail (maps available from the Ballarat Information Centre, or downloaded from the city’s website ):

  • Ballarat’s Best Pie grand prize winner: Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie
    at Naomi & i
  • Best Savoury Pie: Lechon paksiw pie at Hotel Canberra’s Stables Cafe & Bar
  • Best Sweet Pie: Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry goldfields cookie pie at Naomi & i
  • Best Bakery Pie: Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse
  • Brilliantly Unexpected Pie: Lechon paksiw pie at Hotel Canberra’s Stables Cafe & Bar
  • Pie with Purpose: Feral Pie at The Shared Table
Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse
Beef rendang pie at Turret Bakehouse won Best Bakery Pie. (Image: littleBIG)

While in Ballarat, discover the city’s old world charm with these 15 things to do, and book into our top picks of accommodation options.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Win a $5270 three-night Luxury Ballarat Getaway

    Joanne MillaresBy Joanne Millares
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    Here’s your chance to win a luxurious three-night getaway in historic Ballarat.

    Entries close at 11.59pm AEDT on 8 February 2025

    Discover the elegance of Ballarat with a three-night indulgent getaway — worth up to $5270! Enter now for your chance to discover this brilliantly unexpected destination. Where the past, present, culture and creativity collide.

    Read the general competition terms and conditions  before you enter.

    What’s included?

    The elegant green interiors of Hotel Vera set the tone for a luxurious stay included in the Ballarat Giveaway.
    Discover modern luxury during your three-night stay at Hotel Vera. (Credit: Visit Victoria)
    • $1600 voucher for a three-night stay at luxe Hotel Vera, including daily breakfast and a dinner at Babae, the hatted onsite restaurant
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    • $200 voucher for Johnny Alloo cafe
    • $200 voucher for dinner at speakeasy-style Grainery Lane
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    About the prize

    A serene moment at Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa, part of the indulgent experiences in the Ballarat Giveaway.
    Relax and recharge at the acclaimed Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa. (Credit: Einwick)

    Today, Ballarat is a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art and a thriving regional centre filled with charm, energy and originality. From eclectic architecture to world-class arts and culture, vibrant artisanal offerings to a lively restaurant and bar scene, there’s truly something for everyone. Open your mind to Ballarat – it will create unexpected moments and uplifting experiences for every visitor.

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    A gourmet spread from Black Cat Truffles showcasing the region’s finest flavours, featured in the Ballarat Giveaway.
    Savour Ballarat’s rich flavours. (Credit: Einwick)

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