Delivering a mixed bag of heritage builds, swish contemporary design, quaint country retreats and more, the best Ballarat accommodation caters to every adventure.
As an old gold-rush town full of grand Victorian-era architecture, Ballarat has no shortage of beautifully restored heritage hotels to bed down in. Spanning traditional B&Bs and boutique offerings to family-friendly holiday parks and contemporary self-contained apartments, the best Ballarat accommodation provides visitors with all the creature comforts to help explore Victoria’s largest inland city. Here’s our pick of the bunch.
1. Hotel Vera
A masterful homage to Ballarat’s rich history while serving as a sanctuary dedicated to cutting-edge design, Hotel Vera is arguably the cream of the crop around here. Just seven pristine suites are found inside the 19th century mansion’s bones, each tagged with their own moniker to pay tribute to Victoria’s goldfields regions — and it’s pure luxury at every turn. Considered art works, crafted by some of Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary talents, sumptuous sustainable materials, a ton of stunning marble and design-led furnishings create Instagram moments whatever room your key unlocks. Best of all, this Ballarat accommodation is located in the heart of town on Sturt Street, and the on-site one hatted eatery, Babae, is one of Ballarat’s most exceptional restaurants.
3. The Skybarrel
Down for staying just 20 minutes from the centre of town? Good, because The Skybarrel, a world-famous, architectural marvel perched on the edge of an extinct volcano, is worth serious consideration. The egg-shaped Ballarat accommodation, which must be seen to be believed, offers sweeping views right across the region as it sits high atop Mt Buninyong, and then there’s all the magic happening inside. Open-plan living, luxury amenities, a deep wooden bath with convenient peek-a-boo windows to spy that great outdoors, a fireplace, leather lounge, flat-screen TV and a well-stocked kitchenette make this place a remarkable couple’s stay enveloped in natural beauty.
4. Bobby Three One Oh
Free spirits will delight in Bobby Three One Oh, a rock and roll-inspired townhouse where the details are nostalgic (think roller-skates, a Rubik’s Cube and vinyls), the courtyard is basically a second lounge and vegging out with boardgames and a guitar is highly encouraged. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom Ballarat accommodation is located within a short stroll to shops, eateries and bars, while a fully equipped kitchen can house all your supplies if never leaving your digs is all you’re planning to do.
5. Artist’s Cottage Airbnb
Quaint, storybook cottages don’t get much more picture-perfect than the Artist’s Cottage Airbnb located just a quick walk from Sturt Street. A beautifully restored one-bedroom miner’s cottage dressed to the nines with homely furnishings, including a cushioned outdoor setting on the porch, the Ballarat accommodation features a queen bed, smart TV and kitchenette with a coffee machine. Visitors should note that the cottage does sit on the owner’s wider property but a separate entrance off the driveway offers total privacy.
6. The Provincial Hotel
The Provincial Hotel is a boutique offering in a 1909 heritage building that’s listed by the National Trust for its striking Art Nouveau facade. With 23 rooms across the hotel and its corporate wing, it occupies a plum Ballarat spot opposite the railway station that’s within easy walking distance to everything in the CBD. Inside, the heritage bones are treated sensitively and given a contemporary makeover in an elegant blue-and-ivory palette, contrasted with eclectic fabrics and patterns and bold artworks by local artists.
Breakfast is served in The Provincial’s light-filled dining room, Lola (named after the exotic dancer and actress Lola Montez, who caused a sensation when she visited the Goldfields in the 1850s). When drink o’clock strikes, go and meet Clara, the Ballarat accommodation’s cocktail caravan who lives in the courtyard. Paying tribute to the first female editor of The Ballarat Times newspaper, the fun-fuelled bar keeps good times rolling into dusk when fire pits are struck into action if it’s cold out.
7. Mercure Hotel Ballarat
The hotel chain brings its signature top-notch resort facilities to a sprawling property close to Sovereign Hill. Mercure Hotel Ballarat spreads over seven acres of lush, landscaped gardens, a fairy lit chapel and walking trails while facilities include Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa, on-site dining and multiple plush common lounge areas. The rooms are typically wide-ranging, running the spectrum from open-plan suites to two-storey, two-bedroom apartments.
8. Craig’s Royal Hotel
Ballarat’s legendary gold-rush era digs, Craig’s Royal Hotel , is the oldest of its kind in Ballarat. Located on historic Lydiard Street in the CBD, it’s been in business since 1865 and blends historic charm with modern elegance. There are 41 distinctly decorated suites and boutique rooms available, with high ceilings, chandeliers and luxe bedding. The standouts, the Royal Suite and the Royal Suite with Balcony, have four-poster beds, ornate wallpaper and antique furnishings, and overlook the historic Her Majesty’s Theatre — perhaps you’ll share the same view Dame Nellie Melba had when she famously sang from a balcony here in 1908.
There are multiple ways to dine on-site, too, including the glass-roofed Atrium restaurant, with its air of a Victorian conservatory and all-day coffee and cake offering, as well as high tea every Sunday at 2pm in the Grand Dining Room and, of course, the thriving pub downstairs.
9. Quest Ballarat Station
A reliable favourite, Quest Ballarat Station offers a comfortable stay in the heart of Ballarat. Located within the Ballarat Train Station precinct and adjacent to The Goods Shed’s foodie hub (including Itinerant Spirits and Nolans, it offers 76 modern and spacious studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations as well as accessible apartments. Outdoor enthusiasts can also access the 96-kilometre Wallaby Track directly from the hotel.
10. Sovereign Park Motor Inn
Just 800 metres from Sovereign Hill is the cosy Sovereign Park Motor Inn. The property offers modern motel rooms, executive suites and fully self-contained houses as well as an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, fitness centre, and family-friendly games room. Right next door is The Red Lion, serving up an extensive menu of classic pub and modern Australian dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
11. NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park
Got the tribe in tow? Make a beeline for NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park where kids (and facilities) run rife. Tire the whole family out thanks to the on-site swimming pool, e-bike hire, outdoor adventure playground, giant bouncing pillow, go-karts, indoor toddler playground, barbecue facilities, basketball and tennis courts, and even more, before retiring to your choice of cabins and villas, caravan sites or camping sites. If your clan extends to the four-legged variety, you’ll be pleased to learn pets are also welcome at select stays within this popular Ballarat accommodation.
12. RACV Goldfields Resort
This countryside retreat is perfectly situated to soak up the region’s history, arts, culture and outdoor activities. Immerse yourself in nature on the 18-hole championship golf course, walking tracks and mountain bike trails. Or enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre. Dine on local produce and drinks at Three Founders and Springs Bar & Terrace, and take in the latest artist exhibitions at the art gallery ArtHouse.
13. Quest Ballarat
Contained within a handsome heritage building (a former college, in fact) in the heart of Ballarat, Quest Ballarat is home to 53 clean, self-catered studios including one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments. Offering a relaxed and comfortable stay, it’s also close to all the action: just a few minutes’ walk from all the cafes, restaurants, galleries and sights the CBD has to offer.
14. Kryal Castle
Sleep like a king or queen in one of Kryal Castle’s 22 on-site medieval suites, or just outside the attraction’s towering walls is Kryal Castle Holiday Park. Take your pick from cabins, tiny homes and powered camping sites with sweeping views of Ballarat’s hinterland. It’s the perfect base to visit Kryal Castle, explore the region or simply unwind in the scenic surroundings.
15. Sovereign Hill Hotel
If you’re headed to Sovereign Hill’s cutting-edge light and sound show Aura, opt for a sleepover at Sovereign Hill Hotel for total immersion. On the doorstep of Ballarat’s iconic open-air gold-rush museum, Sovereign Hill Hotel is set across a collection of colonial-style buildings in lush gardens and has a range of good-value accommodation to suit couples and families – from the two-person Sovereign Queen Room to the six-sleeper Colonial Family Room.
Dining options inside the Sovereign Hill site span à la carte, a solid timber bar serving up homemade cold ones, and Hope Bakery, famed for its sausage rolls (once voted Australia’s best).
16. BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park
Located in the thick of Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour, BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park is a family-friendly stay serving up a wide range of accommodation. Pick your poison from caravan and camping sites to studio cabins and two-bedroom and three-bedroom cabins built with modern facilities.
The park boasts everything to entertain young children and their parents too, including an indoor heated pool and spa, tennis and basketball courts, a games room fitted with PS4 consoles, hireable pedal karts, a jumping pillow, mini gym and more. Like all good holiday parks, pets are also accommodated.
17. Tuki Retreat
For a true country retreat or romantic getaway, set your sights on Tuki Trout Farm, 40 minutes’ drive out of Ballarat and located at the top of a hill with verdant valley views. As well as being a top fishing spot and restaurant (have the staff cook your catch fresh), the property offers accommodation by way of Tuki Retreat: a collection of stone and weatherboard miners’ cottages complete with open fires and set on a traditional sheep grazing property called Stoney Rises. Some come with corner spas in the bathroom and private lakeside balconies. Pets are welcome on request.
18. Linton Retreat Airbnb
Half an hour out of town on the Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail (a popular cycle trail), Linton Retreat is an architecturally designed cottage in a picturesque bush setting in Linton, one of country Victoria’s best-kept secrets. Accommodating up to six guests, this private and peaceful Ballarat Airbnb features all mod cons including two smart TVs and NBN wi-fi and thoughtful touches throughout.
Originally written by Imogen Eveson with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams
