What Are The Best Things To Do In Ballarat Melbourne?

Ballarat is a great weekend destination if you're interested in Australian democracy, mediaeval history, or panning for gold. Discover hidden gems in this heritage-listed city like the beautiful Botanic Gardens, Lake Wendouree, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park. This weekend, take a trip to a historical centre of dominion in the north-west.

Ballarat became famous around the world as a major gold-producing city during the era of the great gold rush, when Victoria produced 80 million ounces of gold.

That's $80 billion if the price of gold stays around its recent level of around $1,150 per ounce. Holy cow! And promise that if You had that kind of money, We would never again grouse about how expensive avocado on toast is in Melbourne.

Ballarat is more than just a city built on gold; the precious metal certainly contributed to the city's development, but the city offers much more than just that. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including rolling green hills, and it has many attractions that people of all ages may enjoy, as well as some delicious restaurants that will leave you wanting more.

Things To Do In Ballarat 

Ballarat was hailed as the "Richest City in the World" during the Victorian Gold Rush. Even though it has been almost 150 years since the gold rush died down, Ballarat is still a fantastic site to visit.

Over the past few decades, the city has grown into a mecca for those in the arts and crafts industries. Sovereign Hill's historical spectacle (and raspberry drops!) are unrivalled.

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill, one of Victoria's most visited landmarks, is an interpretation of the city's 1850s gold rush. The outdoor museum first opened in 1970 and boasts 60 historically accurate reconstructions and a dedicated cast of costumed actors who never break character.

Explore the deep workings of Red Hill Mine on your own, marvel at the artistry on display at the Gold Smelting Works, and learn about the 1854 Eureka Uprising in the multi-million dollar sound and light spectacle "Blood on the Southern Cross." There are six different dining options at Sovereign Hill, as well as a four-star hotel.

Kryal Castle

Since 1974, Kryal Castle has been delighting guests with its impressive recreation of a mediaeval castle. The castle has seen many transformations, but in 2013 the drawbridge was finally dropped again, allowing visitors to once again step inside a world where dragons, queens, monarchs, knights, and wizards live.

You can begin your day in The Dragon's Labyrinth, where you can visit the Torture Dungeon and Museum, witness courageous knights joust for dominance in the main arena, get lost in the maze, and see the wizard at work as he concocts potions, all before testing your mettle with the Sword in the Stone. A variety of packages including dinner and a show are available to guests staying at the castle.

You want to know what really blew my mind about this location? Put away the cheap masks and fake swords. In terms of authenticity, the combat is high. In the Tournament Arena, you may see groups of knights fighting it out and a Royal Joust in action, complete with spectacular warhorses charging and striking their opponents with lances.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families and anybody else interested in mediaeval history and culture to share in a really one-of-a-kind Ballarat experience. In addition, guests can take pictures with noble knights while riding horses, learn the skill of swordplay and archery, or get their hands dirty in arts and crafts workshops.

Get ready to spend a day full of adventure as you explore mysterious towers, labyrinths, and torture cells. Kryal Castle has 21 suites within the castle walls with modern conveniences, so true castle fans can spend the night if they so desire.

Eastern Peake

Ballarat's soil may no longer be rich in gold, but it still possesses everything else that's needed to produce world-class wine. We have been creating wine with a beautifully ad hoc attitude for the last 30 years at the Eastern Peake (closed till late November 2020)vineyard and winery, which is located only 20 minutes outside of Ballarat.

Owen, their son, is now in charge of making the wine, and he is a seasoned pro; in 2018, he was named Gourmet Traveller's Australian Young Winemaker of the Year. Thus, Eastern Peake's wines are considered "natural" since they undergo minimum processing during vinification.

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Many natural Australian animals, such as koalas, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats, and reptiles, make their home in Ballarat Wildlife Park. Greg and his family have operated this park since its inception in 1985, with the goal of educating visitors about animals via hands-on encounters.

The park offers daily guided tours, as well as animal displays and meet-the-keeper events. There is also a souvenir shop and a covered café with both hot and cold refreshments. Also, you can adopt a pet through the service.

With over a hundred roving kangaroos, koalas, scaly turtles, wombats, and even beautiful penguins, this magnificent Wildlife Park is a family-run enterprise that is sure to please interested young animal lovers.

The hisroos and wallabies here are really sociable, so it's highly recommended you pick up a bag of seeds from the ticket booth and try your hand at hand feeding them. See adorable Joeys exploring their mothers' pouches, laugh at the antics of llamas, and marvel at the size of a 60-year-old, 5-metre-long crocodile named "Crunch." Oh, and don't forget to visit the reptile exhibit if you're interested in seeing the genuine deadly animals of Australia.

Arch Of Victory

The Arch was first formally established on February 7, 1920, when General Sir William Birdwood laid the cornerstone. In just four months, with the help of 70,000 bricks supplied by a local Selkirk company, a crew of thirteen bricklayers, plasterers, and carpenters got the job done. The 17.5-meter-tall, 19.7-meter-wide Arch features the AIF's insignia, the Rising Sun, atop its structure.

On June 2, 1920, the Arch was dedicated by HRH Prince Edward, Prince of Wales. On the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Arch of Victory / Avenue of Honour, the now Duke of Windsor responded to an invitation from the President of the Committee, recalling with fondness his time spent in Ballarat as a young prince.

Art Gallery Of Ballarat

Ballarat's Art Gallery is not just the country's oldest regional gallery, but also one of its most dynamic. The Gallery, which can be found in Ballarat's historic core district, houses an impressive assortment of works by Australian artists.

Different types of exhibitions, including cutting-edge contemporary art displays, themed displays culled from the Gallery's enormous collection, and special interest ticketed displays, are on display at any given time. Located in the heart of Ballarat's central area, which is home to fantastic cafes and book restaurants and antique shops, and commercial galleries, this building serves as a hub for the city's thriving arts community.

The Gallery's impressive collection of Australian visual art spans time periods from colonial to modern, and includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and works on paper that are among the most significant examples in their respective mediums.

The Gallery's magnificent and exquisite nineteenth-century chambers stand besides stunning contemporary additions in this historic structure, which has been renovated and expanded over the years to house the growing collection.

Art books, souvenirs, presents, and toys are also available, in addition to the work of local artists and crafters. Visitors with mobility impairments will find no barriers to entry at the Gallery.

Lake Wendouree

Recreational usage of this urban lake began as early as 1864, albeit before that time it had been a stream and subsequently a marsh. Rowing and canoeing competitions have been held on Lake Wendouree since then, during both the 1956 Summer Olympics and the 2014 World Masters Rowing Championships.

There are now many things to do around the lake, including walking and cycling on the 3.7-mile (6.0 km) path, watching birds, playing on the playground, and grilling out. Alongside the lake is where you'll find the Ballarat Botanic Gardens.

A stroll around Ballarat's Lake Wendouree should take no more than two hours out of your day. Before being dammed up during the gold rush, the artificial lake was a marsh. These days, the tiny lake is off-limits to swimmers, but it remains a popular site for boating, kayaking, and fishing.

The lake is home to a huge population of ibises that do not feed on trash, in addition to ducks, waterfowl, and swans. It takes around two hours to walk the six kilometres around the lake.

Take A Look At Ballarat Central

Upon arriving at your hotel or Airbnb, what is the first thing you do? Examine the surroundings. Develop your R&D capabilities immediately. Take care. Explore the downtown area, marvel at the city's century-old architecture, and try to imagine how busy it must have been during the gold rush.

Take pictures with the monuments and find out who they depict along Sturt Street. You're probably at the right spot and moment to pull up your selfie stick and take that perfect Statue Selfie. Explore the 140-year-old Her Majesty's Theatre, take pictures of the magnificent Town Hall, fuel up on caffeine at one of the many cafes, and refuel at one of the many restaurants lining Sturt Street.

Sovereign Hill's Aura Sound & Light Show

AURA is a 90-minute 3D theatrical experience that begins with gold's inception and continues through its discovery in the modern day. The Sensation of Many Senses: Witnessing the birth and discovery of the world's most precious metal will have you feeling the vibrations of star explosions, seeing the land transformed by the gold rush, and plunging headfirst into the pandemonium of the Eureka Rebellion.

Atmospheric Narrative: Hundreds of breathtaking projections spread across 64 acres provide an immersive narrative experience that takes you back in time. Through projections on a beautiful lake, the Wadawurrung creation narrative comes to life, gunfights and demonstrations break out under the stars, and the gold rush is brought to vivid life.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Ballarat Botanical Gardens, one of Australia's most impressive cool climate gardens, spans 40 hectares (99 acres) on the western sides of Lake Wendouree, about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the city centre. The Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial stands in the midst of these gardens, which were opened in 1857 and a modern conservatory, are home to mature trees, and a heritage statuary pavilion.

There are three distinct areas to explore in the gardens, beginning with the Victorian-style pleasure garden and ending at the Prime Ministers Avenue, which displays bronze busts of every Prime Minister serving since the Federation. In 1884, Thomas Stoddart presented the museum with a collection of 12 statues made of Italian marble.

The lakeside gardens of Ballarat Botanic Gardens were created and planted with historical significance in mind, and they currently include magnificent old trees, statues, and ever-evolving plantings and glasshouse exhibits.

This celebration takes place in March and centres on begonias. The Tramways Museum, the Avenue of Prime Ministers, and the Ex-Prisoner of War Memorial are some of the highlights. Additionally, other events are held regularly. The Ballarat Botanic Gardens Friends offer a wide variety of services to the public, particularly on weekends. Guides lead tours and Ambassadors provide information and recommendations.

There are illustrated pamphlets available at the Glasshouse. In addition to the books and magazines sold in the George Longley Building, visitors can buy plants from the trolley or nursery. The Organization also produces shows and events, as well as the Botani Kids series.

Mitchell Harris Wines

Wines is the best watering hole in Ballarat proper. This 140-year-old structure has served as a variety of businesses throughout the years, including a grocery store, a tent factory, and a garage. After working as the head winemaker at Yarra Valley's Domaine Chandon for a while, John Harris moved back to Ballarat and started Wines with his wife, her brother, and his wife.

They saw a need for a more direct route to market for their wine, so they opened a wine bar, making them an early pioneer in Ballarat's culinary revolution. The bar, which has a casually cool grunge vibe typical of Fitzroy, is usually packed with residents on a Friday afternoon, drinking wine and snacking on small plates.

Eureka Centre

The Eureka Centre tells the stories of the people who battled for democracy in Australia through interactive exhibits, art pieces, and artefacts from the period. The Eureka Flag, flown in December 1854, is on display at the Eureka Centre, which is located on the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade.

The museum's overarching mission is to address the questions, "What is democracy, and why do we care?" "Why have we battled for it, both yesterday and today?" The centre of the insurrection in 1854 occurred at the Eureka Stockade, the location of which is now commemorated by Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, which is on the list of National Heritage Places. Australia's most fascinating textile artefact, the Eureka Flag, is kept there.

The events at the Eureka Stockade have lasting significance in Australia's history. It was a revolutionary social movement that shaped the emergence of democracy in Australia. Here at the Eureka Centre, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought for miners' rights during the Victorian gold rush by studying their stories and learning from their sacrifices.

You can think about what happened in Eureka at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. Significant trees, educational plaques, and memorials honouring people involved in the Eureka Stockade are only some of the many facets of Eureka's multilayered commemoration.

Ballarat Bird World

You can visit Ballarat Bird World from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Also open on weekends and some Victorian school holidays; closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and days of Total Fire Ban.

If you want to see the birds on display, you can do so by strolling along the elevated boardwalk that goes past the arranged waterfall and gardens. The black cockatoo, the Major Mitchell parrot, and the Gang-gang parrot are just a few examples of the bird species that may be found here.

At 11:00 in the morning and 2:00 in the afternoon, you can have your picture taken with a black cockatoo. Only so many spots are available, therefore visitors should call ahead to reserve theirs.

The animatronic baby Triceratops, adult Triceratops, and T-Rex dinosaurs are just icing on the cake. In addition, there is a timber maze and a fossil dig table for the kids to explore. Prizes are awarded for locating the three-hole punch stamps hidden around the maze. Next to the maze is a nice grassy space perfect for a picnic.

Cake and coffee are available at the cafe all day long. There are also hot chips, cold drinks, and ice cream to choose from. Enjoy the sounds of the nearby waterfall while getting up and personal with some of the local birdlife on the terrace. Lots of wonderful dinosaur and bird-themed souvenirs may be found in the shop's gift section.

Indoor Go Karts, Laserforce, and Entertainment Centre in Ballarat

Go-Karts, Laserforce, and Arcade Games may all be found in the same building at Ballarat's Family Entertainment Centre. There are slowed-down karts for kids and doubles, and faster karts for adults.

Ballarat is home to the world-famous Laserforce, the most reliable laser tag company in the industry. Come witness why Laserforce Ballarat is the fifth longest running centre in the world with its 30 state-of-the-art Gen7 suits and 400 square metre arena.

The Arcade Entertainment Zone, the newest addition to the venue, is fully equipped with state-of-the-art arcade games. To test your reflexes and your aim, there's an air hockey machine, a pair of basketball hoops, three virtual driving games, a 2claw game, and a pair of virtual steering wheels. The only indoor Go Kart and Laserforce arena in Ballarat, now under new management and completely renovated.

Gold Museum

Ballarat, a magnificent provincial city based on the wealth acquired from the great Australian gold rushes of the 1850s, is the focus of the Gold Museum, which expands on the story told by Sovereign Hill. Learn about the history and allure of gold by perusing a treasure trove of real gold nuggets, historic artefacts, and modern coinage.

The Gold Museum, housed in a beautiful glass structure with commanding vistas, features a gift store that has won numerous awards for selling gold nuggets, Australian-made gold jewellery, and other great gifts.

Mount Buninyong

You probably didn't know that Ballarat is home to a dormant volcano. Twenty minutes' driving south will bring you to Mount Buninyong, which is 745 metres tall. Wow, that's pretty awesome, right?

If you want to see breathtaking vistas of Ballarat, you have to go to the top of the tower. It's the first site where snow falls every winter, so if you're visiting during the colder months, bring the kids up for a snow fight.

Conclusion

Ballarat was the "Richest City in the World" during the Victorian Gold Rush. The city attracts creatives. Visitors love Kryal Castle's historical fortress replica. Kryal Castle offers 21 beautiful apartments with home amenities. The Tournament Arena may host events like the Royal Joust.

Eastern Peake Winery makes "natural" wine. The family-run Ballarat Wildlife Park attracts animal-loving kids. HRH Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, placed the Arch of Victory foundation stone in June 1920. The Ballarat Art Gallery has a great Australian art collection. Walk around the six-kilometre Botanic Gardens or the 3.7-mile urban lake.

AURA, a 90-minute 3D film, takes audiences from gold's discovery to its present. The 40-hectare Ballarat Botanic Gardens is situated on Lake Wendouree's western coast (99 acres). The Avenue of Prime Ministers and Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial are must-see grounds. Wines, Ballarat's oldest pub, opened in 1868. Australia's Eureka Centre has democratic movement artefacts, interactive exhibits, and more.

"What is a democracy, and why do we care?" is the museum's goal. Ballarat, Australia, a beautiful provincial city established on the richness of the 1850s Australian gold rushes, is an example. The Gold Museum is housed in a beautiful glass tower with commanding views, and its gift store has won awards for its gold nuggets and other superb items.

Content Summary

• Ballarat is a great weekend destination if you're interested in Australian democracy, mediaeval history, or panning for gold.
• Discover hidden gems in this heritage-listed city, like the beautiful Botanic Gardens, Lake Wendouree, and the Ballarat Wildlife Park.
• Ballarat became famous worldwide as a major gold-producing city during the great gold rush when Victoria produced 80 million ounces of gold.
• Ballarat was hailed as the "Richest City in the World" during the Victorian Gold Rush.
• Even though it has been almost 150 years since the gold rush died, Ballarat is still a fantastic site.
• Sovereign Hill's historical spectacle (and raspberry drops!)
• Sovereign Hill, one of Victoria's most visited landmarks, interprets the city's 1850s gold rush.
• You can begin your day in The Dragon's Labyrinth, where you can visit the Torture Dungeon and Museum, witness courageous knights joust for dominance in the main arena, get lost in the maze, and see the wizard at work as he concocts potions, all before testing your mettle with the Sword in the Stone.
• Various packages, including dinner and a show, are available to guests at the castle.
• This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families, and anyone interested in mediaeval history and culture to share a really one-of-a-kind Ballarat experience.
• Kryal Castle has 21 suites within the castle walls with modern conveniences, so true castle fans can spend the night if they desire.
• We have been creating a wine with a beautifully ad hoc attitude for the last 30 years at the Eastern Peake (closed till late November 2020) vineyard and winery, which is located only 20 minutes outside of Ballarat.
• Owen, their son, is now in charge of making the wine and is a seasoned pro; in 2018, he was named Gourmet Traveller's Australian Young Winemaker of the Year.
• Many natural Australian animals, such as koalas, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats, and reptiles, make their homes in Ballarat Wildlife Park.
• The Arch was formally established on February 7, 1920, when General Sir William Birdwood laid the cornerstone.
• The 17.5-meter-tall, 19.7-meter-wide Arch features the AIF's Rising Sun symbol atop its structure.
• On June 2, 1920, the Arch was dedicated by HRH Prince Edward, Prince of Wales.
• Ballarat's Art Gallery is not just the country's oldest regional gallery but also one of its most dynamic.
• Visitors with mobility impairments will find no barriers to entry at the Gallery.
• Recreational usage of this urban lake began as early as 1864, albeit, before that time, it had been a stream and, subsequently, a marsh.
• Rowing and canoeing competitions have been held on Lake Wendouree since then, during both the 1956 Summer Olympics and the 2014 World Masters Rowing Championships.
• There are now many things to do around the lake, including walking and cycling on the 3.7-mile (6.0 km) path, watching birds, playing on the playground, and grilling out.
• Alongside the lake is where you'll find the Ballarat Botanic Gardens.
• A stroll around Ballarat's Lake Wendouree should take no more than two hours out of your day.
• Before being dammed up during the gold rush, the artificial lake was a marsh.
• It takes around two hours to walk the six kilometres around the lake.
• Atmospheric Narrative: Hundreds of breathtaking projections spread across 64 acres provide an immersive narrative experience that takes you back in time.
• Through projections on a beautiful lake, the Wadawurrung creation narrative comes to life, gunfights and demonstrations break out under the stars, and the gold rush is brought to vivid life.
• Ballarat Botanical Gardens, one of Australia's most impressive cool climate gardens, spans 40 hectares (99 acres) on the western sides of Lake Wendouree, about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the city centre.
• The lakeside gardens of Ballarat Botanic Gardens were created and planted with historical significance in mind. They include magnificent old trees, statues, ever-evolving plantings and glasshouse exhibits.
• The Tramways Museum, the Avenue of Prime Ministers, and the Ex-Prisoner of War Memorial are some of the highlights.
• The Eureka Centre tells the stories of the people who battled for democracy in Australia through interactive exhibits, art pieces, and artefacts from the period.
• The Eureka Flag, flown in December 1854, is on display at the Eureka Centre, located on the site of the 1854 Eureka Stockade.
• The centre of the insurrection in 1854 occurred at the Eureka Stockade, the location of which is now commemorated by Eureka Stockade Memorial Park, which is on the list of National Heritage Places.
• The events at the Eureka Stockade have lasting significance in Australia's history.
• It was a revolutionary social movement that shaped the emergence of democracy in Australia.
• Here at the Eureka Centre, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought for miners' rights during the Victorian gold rush by studying their stories and learning from their sacrifices.
• You can think about what happened in Eureka at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park.
• On weekends and holidays, you can visit Ballarat Bird World from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Indoor Go-Karts, Laserforce, and Entertainment Centre in Ballarat Go-Karts, Laserforce, and Arcade Games may all be found in the same building at Ballarat's Family Entertainment Centre.
• Ballarat is home to the world-famous Laserforce, the industry's most reliable laser tag company.
• The Arcade Entertainment Zone, the newest addition to the venue, is fully equipped with state-of-the-art arcade games.
• The only indoor Go Kart and Laserforce arena in Ballarat is now completely renovated under new management.
• The Gold Museum, housed in a beautiful glass structure with commanding vistas, features a gift store that has won numerous awards for selling gold nuggets, Australian-made gold jewellery, and other great gifts.
• You probably didn't know that Ballarat is home to a dormant volcano.
• Twenty minutes of driving south will bring you to Mount Buninyong, 745 metres tall.