Ballarat Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ballarat showing night scenes and heritage architecture
Home to the famous Eureka Stockade, this historic gold rush city has fascinating museums, fresh local produce, wildlife parks and a tribute to Australian democracy.

Visit Ballarat to experience the story of Victoria’s historic goldfields and see where the famous Eureka Stockade miners’ revolt took place. The city’s history as a gold rush town is woven into its architecture, museums, parks and public monuments. Go to Lake Wendouree, Victoria Park and nearby wildlife parks to see some of Australia’s fascinating native animals.

Explore historic downtown Ballarat and take a stroll down the wide streets. See lavish buildings from the mid-19th century gold rush era, complete with cast-iron lace verandas and ornate façades. Highlights include the Ballarat Railway Station, the Ballarat Centenary Hotel and Her Majesty’s Theatre.

The open-air museum at Sovereign Hill recreates a historic gold mining village. You can speak with informative tour guides in period dress and pan for gold. Admission to Sovereign Hill includes entry to the Gold Museum and the sound-and-light show, Blood on the Southern Cross. Learn about the Eureka Stockade and its historical significance at the Museum of Australian Democracy, located on the site where the miners’ rally against licence fees took place in 1854. 

Some of Australia’s finest artwork, from colonial to contemporary, is on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. For a trip back to medieval times, head to Kryal Castle, a theme park and resort.

At Ballarat Wildlife Park, hand feed kangaroos or see native waterfowl come in to roost at Lake Wendouree. Stroll or cycle along the lake’s trails or visit the sprawling Botanical Gardens.

Take advantage of Ballarat’s great dining scene, with casual cafés, upscale restaurants and a string of local wineries and breweries. Sample regional produce in local restaurants or purchase direct from the city’s fresh produce markets.

Ballarat is accessible by regional train or shuttle bus from Melbourne International Airport at Tullamarine. Melbourne city is a 1.5-hour drive from Ballarat. Visit during one of the city’s exciting festivals, such as the Ballarat Cabaret Festival or the SpringFest Market Weekend.

Where to stay in Ballarat

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Lake Wendouree

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Lake Wendouree. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Wendouree or Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Lake Wendouree
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Buninyong

If you're spending some time in Buninyong, Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve and Union Jack Education Area are top sights worth seeing.

Buninyong
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Ballarat East

Ballarat East is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Eureka Aquatic Center and Ballarat Wildlife Park.

Ballarat East
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Newington

The bars and spas are a few reasons travellers visit Newington. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Ballarat Tramway Museum and Lake Wendouree, a few notable attractions nearby.

Newington
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Wendouree

While visiting Wendouree, you might make a stop by sights like Eureka Stadium and McNulty Drive Reserve.

Wendouree
Sovereign Hill showing interior views

Golden Point (Ballarat)

Travellers come to Golden Point (Ballarat) for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Gold Museum and Sovereign Hill while you're in town.

Golden Point (Ballarat)
Mid City Ballarat
Mid City Ballarat
4 out of 5
19 Doveton St North, Ballarat, VIC
The price is AU$142 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$142
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this 4-star motel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great location and great staff..
"Wonderful stagg"

Reviewed on 26 Oct. 2024

Mid City Ballarat
The Provincial Boutique Hotel
The Provincial Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
121 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, VIC
The price is AU$163 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$163
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (859 reviews)
"The room was quaint and beautifully decorated."

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

The Provincial Boutique Hotel
Craig's Royal Hotel
Craig's Royal Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Lydiard St South, Ballarat, VIC
The price is AU$140 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
AU$140
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (524 reviews)
"Yes"

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

Craig's Royal Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Provincial Boutique Hotel
The Provincial Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
121 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, VIC
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (859 reviews)
"The room was quaint and beautifully decorated."

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

The Provincial Boutique Hotel
Quest Ballarat Station
Quest Ballarat Station
4 out of 5
Nolan, 11, Soldiers Hill, VIC
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (345 reviews)
"Perfect location for train travel. Great for walkable restaurants and our needs."

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Quest Ballarat Station
Seymours on Lydiard
Seymours on Lydiard
4 out of 5
210 Seymour Street, Soldiers Hill, VIC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (520 reviews)
Will be back
"It was a nice clean place, with a large space. I only had two concerns: On one of the wooden rails of the stairs wood is being rotted away underneath the paint, leading into the railing to move under my hand. Some of the metal covers was missing in the spa bath. Was a lovely place and very close ..."

Reviewed on 23 Oct. 2024

Seymours on Lydiard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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