12 epic Ballarat pubs and bars to quench your thirst

Stylish cocktail bars, independent breweries, otherworldly speakeasies, stalwart gastropubs – the best Ballarat pubs and bars are all-too inviting.

A storied city with glorious heritage buildings and a burgeoning cafe culture to boot, Ballarat often tops Melburnians’ weekend getaway hitlists. But there’s plenty more to this former gold rush town, particularly when it comes to finding a great spot for a tipple. Add these Ballarat bars and pubs to your next itinerary to ensure you tick off the hottest spots.

1. Ellington’s Wine Bar & Rooftop

You may stumble across it in search of top-shelf vino to devour while on tour, but Ellington’s Wine Bar & Rooftop is so much more than a bottle shop. A divine neighbourhood wine bar in the heart of the city, the Ballarat bar is an old hand at unearthing some of the most delectable local and international drops. Inspired by the irresistible hole in the walls of Europe, the space is moody downstairs as candles flicker and rich timbers evoke warmth. Upstairs, views across the street cement an easy, breezy vibe that’ll keep you topping up those glasses again and again. A menu of masterfully crafted dishes made from seasonal ingredients — think pâté, cheese plates and a produce plate full of olives, meats and pickled vegetables sourced locally — is also ready to be devoured.

Address: 405A Sturt St, Ballarat

2. Itinerant Spirits

alfresco drinking spot at Itinerant Spirits, Ballarat — Sit at one of the al fresco tables and imbibe premium liquors. (Credit: Itinerant Spirits)

A striking dark brick facade amongst the Goods Shed events space houses the wonderful Itinerant Spirits , an outstanding Victorian distillery knocking up the likes of Gallivanter Wild Botanical Gin, Vansetter Vodka and Vansetter Coffee Liqueur — three standout creations found in good liquor stores nation-wide. Sample the deliciousness straight from the source inside this sophisticated space, which nails crafty cocktails in addition to its core spirits range. Additionally, there’s a menu of pizza, charcuterie and other share plates including shoestring fries and heirloom tomatoes with stracciatella. Got little ones tagging along? A dedicated kids’ menu will sort them out, too.

Address: Inside The Goods Shed, 200 Lydiard St North, Ballarat

3. Sip Champagne Bar

holding two glasses of cocktail at Sip Champagne Bar, Ballarat — Sip your way through the extensive cocktail menu at Sip Champagne Bar. (Credit: Edwina Willox)

Paying homage to Paris’ famed bohemian bar scene, Sip Champagne Bar is a wonderful spot to toast your next Ballarat escape. Art Deco-influenced and boasting an all-important ‘Fancy Pants’ champagne menu filled with the fizzling bubbles of your dreams (Taittinger, Moet, Veuve, Bollinger, Pol Roger — the gang’s all here), the Ballarat bar is the place to go if you’ve got something to celebrate. Wash down your decadence with caviar bumps, oysters, dips, dumplings and other share dishes. Plus, if you’re not a fan of champagne, rest assured the extensive cocktail and wine menu will sort you out.

Address: 428A Sturt St, Ballarat

4. Grainery Lane

clinking cocktail glasses at Grainery Lane, Ballarat — Cheers to flavoured gin tipples at Grainery Lane. (Credit: The Common Wanderer)

Nestled in the thick of one of Ballarat’s main strips, Grainery Lane is a drama-filled distillery and cocktail bar you won’t forget. Step through the dark wood facade and into another era, dotted with chandeliers and roaring 1920s-inspired furnishings, as prohibition speakeasy vibes completely transport you. Sample the team’s house spirits, including eight flavoured gins, with your favourite mixers, or dive right into the cocktail menu to experience further creativity. Food-wise, there’s a surprisingly long list of internationally inspired dishes including curries, plus much smaller bites.

Address: 35 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

5. Roy Hammond

burgers and a glass of cocktail at Roy Hammond, Ballarat — Pair Asian-inspired plates with a refreshing beverage. (Credit: Roy Hammond)

Just a few doors down from Grainery Lane lies Roy Hammond , an equally alluring spot to sample a tipple or two while visiting beautiful Ballarat. While the vibe is warm and friendly, it’s the glowing procession of liquor bottles standing behind the bar that’ll rope you in. Stacked six rows high, the selection is outstanding and stretches all the way from the grassy fields of Scotland (this Ballarat bar’s whiskey game is strong) to the canteens of Mexico where mezcal soars. A tight edit of Asian-inspired plates ensures there’s really no reason to leave anytime soon.

Address: 24-28 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

6. Renard

a look inside Renard cocktail bar in Ballarat — Sink into one of the cosy forest-green velvet banquettes at Renard. (Credit: Lachlan Phyland at MediaProvided)

A super sleek spot that wouldn’t feel out of place in Melbourne’s inner north, Renard is a must-visit while you’re touring Ballarat’s best. Pull up a pew at the terrazzo bar counter or sink into one of the cosy forest-green velvet banquettes, below whitewashed brick walls. A self-proclaimed ‘cocktail bar & social club’, Renard is, quite frankly, a go-to for any occasion, however big or small. Almost every cocktail on the menu features a splash of native ingredients, from Davidson plum gin to river mint syrup, wattleseed and macadamia liqueur, or anise myrtle. While you’re there, snack on some continental-inspired small plates (mussels in Spanish sauce, a revolving door of house made terrines or Meredith Dairy goat’s cheese doughnuts drizzled with truffled honey, perhaps?) and maybe throw in a larger dish (let’s say the 250-gram porterhouse steak with red wine jus) for good measure.

Address: 209 Mair St, Ballarat

7. Hop Temple

A cavernous, industrial-chic ode to frothy creativity, this Ballarat brewery has the largest range of craft beer and cider in all of Victoria, with more than 220 brews available either on tap or by the bottle. Set in a converted stables and hidden down a laneway adorned with a canopy of umbrellas and string lights, Hop Temple has plenty of personality: bicycles hang from the ceiling, a cluster of antique doors makes for a feature wall, an indoor trellis is draped with greenery, and murals dot its exterior. Order a handful of comfort food (we’re talking ‘hopcorn’ chicken, mac and cheese, fried chicken burgers, tacos and more) before settling in with one of the 17 beer blends served on tap at any given time.

Address: 24 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

8. The Crypt

crafting cocktails at The Crypt, Ballarat — The Crypt shakes up killer cocktails from more than 600 superb internationally sourced spirits.

A completely fabulous gothic bar found inside the space that once housed The 18th Amendment Bar, The Crypt shakes up killer cocktails from more than 600 superb internationally sourced spirits. Some will smoke, others will shimmer, but no matter what you order, you can expect something truly special. A backlit bar and Chesterfield sofas remain from the previous fit out, but there’s now a rotating roster of events to get stuck into, including spooky games nights, cocktail classes and live music spanning all genres.

Address: 14 Camp St, Ballarat

9. Aunty Jacks

Hankering for a fuss-free cold one? The team at this Ballarat brewery, led by Peter Aldred who is widely considered a doctor of beer, know what’s up. Aunty Jacks consistently offers a stellar line-up of unfiltered lagers, pale ales, and IPAs. Curious drinkers thirsty for more knowledge of the brewing process can sign up for a brewery tour or beer education class. There’s also plenty of indulgent foods on the menu here, including pizzas, fried chicken burgers and loaded fries with chipotle chicken, avocado and sour cream.

Address: 315-317 Mair St, Ballarat

10. Piano Bar Ballarat

two glasses of cocktails at Piano Bar Ballarat — Step into the soulful ambiance of Piano Bar Ballarat. (Credit: Peter Foster)

Get those pipes thoroughly lubricated at Piano Bar Ballarat —its unique sing-a-longs will demand serious enthusiasm. Attracting a mix of locals and out-of-towners, the Ballarat institution stages regular events including Drag Bingo, bottomless brunch and, of course, piano by request every Friday and Saturday. Drink-wise, there’s an extensive wine, beer and spirits menu to peruse, plus cocktails. Meanwhile, locally sourced produce is transformed into sharable dishes to sufficiently line tummies for the night ahead.

Address: 31 Sturt St, Ballarat

11. Royal Hotel

Though it’s not strictly in Ballarat, but rather a 20-minute drive down the road, The Royal Hotel Snake Valley still more than merits mention. A character-filled old country pub, this roadhouse has a beer garden for hot summer’s days, and a dining room with an open fire for escaping winter’s chill. Sit down for a filling pub meal and gaze around at all the knick-knacks, trophies and photos that line the walls while enjoying a crisp pint of Carlton Draught.

Address: 886 Linton-Carngham Rd, Snake Valley

12. Royal Oak Hotel

the bar counter at Royal Oak Hotel — Crack open a can of craft beer at this old-fashioned pub. (Credit: Royal Oak Hotel)

When only a good old-fashioned pub will do, make a beeline for this great all-rounder and local’s favourite dating back to 1866. The Royal Oak Hotel , a dog-friendly establishment, has made a name for itself based on the friendly service, solid food options (pub classics like fish and chips, burgers and 10 individual Parma varieties, for example), convivial atmosphere and an ample selection of beers on tap.

Address: 402 South St, Ballarat

Originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Discover the best things to do in Ballarat

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.