Ballarat

Travel Guide
Ballarat showing a sunset and street scenes
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

A cool peir overlooking Lake Wendouree in Ballarat. Great for long exposures.

#BvSBlue

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
The Buninyong botanical gardens are one of the oldest in Victoria and are so beautiful to visit. It feels like you've gone back in time 

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Buninyong

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

Buninyong
Roo snooze at Ballarat Wildlife Park.  

Great place for children to enjoy kangaroos and other Australian wildlife.

The kangaroos are very familiar with visitors and will happily steal sandwiches from picnic tables - Yogi Bear style.

Ballarat East

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

Ballarat East
Sovereign Hill which includes interior views

Golden Point (Ballarat)

Golden Point (Ballarat) is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Gold Museum and Sovereign Hill while you're in town.

Golden Point (Ballarat)
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Wendouree

While visiting Wendouree, you might make a stop by sights like Eureka Stadium and Flax Mill Swamp Wildlife Reserve.

Wendouree
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Sebastopol

The spas and theaters are a few reasons travelers visit Sebastopol. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Sovereign Hill and Gold Museum, a few notable attractions nearby.

Sebastopol
The Provincial Boutique Hotel
The Provincial Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
121 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat, VIC
The price is P5,039 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
P5,039
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (767 reviews)
"The bed was very comfortable The door into the bathroom was a bit of a tight squeeze in Room 18, other than that all good. Thank you"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

The Provincial Boutique Hotel
Craig's Royal Hotel
Craig's Royal Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Lydiard St South, Ballarat, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,099 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P5,099
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (440 reviews)
"It has been well maintained despite its age. Enjoyed our stay and would definately go back."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Craig's Royal Hotel
Quest Ballarat Station
Quest Ballarat Station
4 out of 5
Nolan, 11, Soldiers Hill, VIC
The price is P8,298 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
P8,298
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (265 reviews)
"Very comfortable room and proximity to station is very handy."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Quest Ballarat Station
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.
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 and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (492 reviews)
"Management was informative and friendly and the property quiet with easy parking."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2024

Seymours on Lydiard
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 restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (767 reviews)
"The bed was very comfortable The door into the bathroom was a bit of a tight squeeze in Room 18, other than that all good. Thank you"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 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, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (265 reviews)
"Very comfortable room and proximity to station is very handy."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Quest Ballarat Station
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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