A day out in Ballarat
Ballarat is in Victoria. Hopalong knows 7 things to do and 8 places to eat here. Prices are approximate adult prices in A$.
Top things to do in Ballarat
Sovereign Hill
A$60 · Sovereign Hill · about 240 min
A living 1850s gold rush town. Pan for real gold.
Ballarat Wildlife Park
A$40 · Eureka · about 120 min
Kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles.
Eureka Centre
Free · Eureka · about 60 min
The story of the Eureka Stockade and the original flag.
Lake Wendouree walk
Free · Lake Wendouree · about 75 min
A six-kilometre lap of the lake.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Free · Lake Wendouree · about 60 min
Statues, conservatory and the begonia festival in March.
Yarrowee River trail
Free · City · about 60 min
An urban trail through parks, bushland and along the river.
Victoria Park, Ballarat
Free · Lake Wendouree · about 45 min
Big parkland beside the lake, good for an afternoon stroll.
Free things to do in Ballarat
- Lake Wendouree walk (Lake Wendouree): A six-kilometre lap of the lake.
- Ballarat Botanical Gardens (Lake Wendouree): Statues, conservatory and the begonia festival in March.
- Eureka Centre (Eureka): The story of the Eureka Stockade and the original flag.
- Yarrowee River trail (City): An urban trail through parks, bushland and along the river.
- Victoria Park, Ballarat (Lake Wendouree): Big parkland beside the lake, good for an afternoon stroll.
Where to eat
- Café lunch on Lydiard Street (City, around A$25): Gold-rush streetscape with cafés.
- Dinner on Sturt Street (City, around A$45): Restaurants and pubs in the centre.
- The Turret Cafe (City, around A$25): Heritage-listed café, Victoria's best licensed café in 2024.
- Cobb's Coffee (City, around A$15): Named for the best coffee in Ballarat.
- Johnny Alloo (City, around A$25): A Drummond Street brunch regular.
- Hydrant Food Hall (City, around A$45): Shared plates in a heritage laneway warehouse.
- Meigas (City, around A$60): Spanish share plates.
- Babae (City, around A$120): A 26-seat fine diner using regional produce.
Step-free and pram-friendly ideas
- Sovereign Hill · step-free · pram-friendly
- Ballarat Wildlife Park · step-free · pram-friendly
- Lake Wendouree walk · step-free · pram-friendly
- Ballarat Botanical Gardens · step-free · pram-friendly
- Eureka Centre · step-free
- Yarrowee River trail · step-free · pram-friendly
Access information can change. Check with the venue if access is essential.
Typical weather in Ballarat
| Month | Low | High | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 25°C | 5 |
| April | 7°C | 18°C | 10 |
| July | 3°C | 10°C | 15 |
| October | 7°C | 18°C | 10 |
Approximate long-term averages, not a forecast.