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The discovery of gold near Ballarat in 1851 led to a dramatic transformation of the small Victorian settlement.
In little more than a decade it became an aspirational regional city with grand hotels, theatres, and galleries. Today, Ballarat is famous for its period architecture and rich colonial heritage. With a thriving arts scene, great eateries and prized gardens to explore, this destination has plenty to offer visitors — and is easily reached by road or rail from Melbourne.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Ballarat.
1. Travel back in time on a walking tour
As a consequence of the Gold Rush and the wealth it brought to the city, Ballarat offers no end of opportunities to step back in time — thanks to its stunning Victorian-era architecture. Put on your walking shoes and join Ballarat Heritage Tours on a guided stroll around the city centre. Local historian Andrew Sharpe leads the 90-minute tour, which focuses on historic Lydiard Street and the heritage railway precinct that surrounds Ballarat train station.
2. Explore the story of the Eureka Stockade
A million ounces of gold was extracted from the Ballarat goldfields, yet very few miners actually got rich. Most found nothing. The harsh conditions, lawlessness on the goldfields and widespread corruption helped trigger the famous Eureka Stockade rebellion. In 1854 a group of miners took up arms against the colonial government over the high cost of mining licences. The only armed civil uprising in Australian history was quelled by soldiers in just over 15 minutes. The original Eureka flag is on display at the Eureka Centre, which is situated in the Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens in Ballarat East.
3. Spend a day at Sovereign Hill
Learn more about life in the goldfields at award-winning Sovereign Hill. This historical town recreation has been transporting visitors back to 1850s Ballarat for more than 40 years. It’s one of Victoria’s premier tourist attractions. The open-air museum features realistic streetscapes, shops and eateries, manned by costume-clad staff. Try your luck at panning for gold, ride in a horse-drawn wagon or take an underground mine tour.
The Sovereign Hill experience continues after dark with Aura — a night time show, which was launched in 2019. A series of spectacular projections trace how gold ‘changes everything’ — from the creation story of the Wadawarrung (the region’s First People), through to the Eureka rebellion.
4. Admire the work of the Australian Impressionists
Culture vultures should head for the Art Gallery of Ballarat — one of Australia’s oldest and largest regional galleries. It houses a wonderful collection of 19th and 20th century Australian, British, and European art. Don’t miss seeing the gallery’s holding of works by the Australian Impressionists, including Streeton, Dobell, McCubbin, Heysen, and Roberts. The gallery’s free guided tour is a must-do.
5. See a show at ‘Her Maj’
Ballarat’s main venue for live performance is the beautifully preserved Her Majesty’s Theatre, which first opened its doors in 1875. The annual programme at ‘Her Maj’ encompasses everything from musical theatre and ballet to jazz and classical music. It’s worth booking a ticket just to see the splendid period detail inside the building!
6. ‘Take tea’ in old world splendour
Craig’s Royal Hotel is arguably the best loved landmark in Ballarat and has hosted many a famous face in its day. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, splash out on a traditional high tea (which is served every Sunday from 2pm). The Corner Bar is a fine spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail after a hard day of sightseeing.
7. Try a local tipple
Fancy something a little stronger than tea? Make your way to Kilderkin Distillery — the home of Larrikin Gin. The tasting experience showcases a number of gins, ranging from the classic London Dry to the uniquely Australian Sunburnt Country (infused with ‘bush tucker’ botanicals). The friendly staff offer informal distillery tours and will be happy to explain the gin making process.
8. Shop at the markets
Get a taste of the region’s fabulous fresh produce at the Ballarat Farmers Market, which is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. The market brings many growers and makers to town, and is a great way to mingle with the community. It’s held by lovely Lake Wendouree (more on that in a mo).
9. Meet PMs past in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Part garden and part outdoor gallery, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens are superb. The 40-hectare precinct is renowned for its many statues — including bronze busts of every Australian prime minister since federation. Keep an eye out for twelve stunning Carrara marble statues of figures from classical mythology. Created in Italy, they were gifted to Ballarat by wealthy local Thomas Stoddart in 1884.
Horticultural highlights include the giant redwoods, the rose garden, and the lovely Robert Clarke Conservatory (with its stunning floral displays). Guided tours are offered seasonally on Sunday mornings, courtesy of Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Volunteer guides share their knowledge of the gardens and spin some good yarns about those who made the gardens what they are today.
10. Walk around Lake Wendouree
Situated right next to the Botanical Gardens, Lake Wendouree is another outdoor space treasured by residents. In 1956 the Melbourne Olympic Games rowing, canoeing, and kayaking events were held here, and the lakeside Olympic precinct commemorates Ballarat’s involvement. The six-kilometre circuit around the lake is popular with joggers and those who prefer a scenic stroll.
The writer travelled as a guest of Ballarat Heritage Tours.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.visitballarat.com.au.
Browse our range of Ballarat tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Ballarat? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Louise Reynolds made up her mind at the age of about four that she would one day travel the world — and has so far visited around 30 countries across five continents and the Pacific. A hopeless Francophile, she has a particular love for France, its language and pretty much all things French. Louise’s favourite way to see the world is on foot and her boots have taken her walking on famous trails in Europe, South America and New Zealand. She also has a passion for her home state of Victoria and loves exploring its diverse regions.
