Things to do in Ballarat

Activities, attractions and tours

Ballarat featuring night scenes and heritage architecture
Ballarat featuring night scenes and heritage architecture
Ballarat showing a sunset and street scenes
Sovereign Hill
Ballarat which includes street scenes
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Ballarat

Popular places to visit

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill

Strike gold at this open-air museum, which tells the story of Ballarat’s first decade as a gold rush town with recreated buildings, goldmine tours and workshops.

Sovereign Hill
Summer nights

Lake Wendouree

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Wendouree during your travels in Ballarat. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums.

Lake Wendouree
Ballarat featuring night scenes and heritage architecture

Ballarat Town Hall

Ballarat Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Ballarat, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander around the gardens or experience the area's art scene.

Ballarat Town Hall
Ballarat Fine Art Gallery featuring interior views

Art Gallery of Ballarat

Follow the history of Australian art from colonial to contemporary when you peruse the collection of Australia’s biggest and oldest regional art gallery.

Art Gallery of Ballarat
Gold Museum featuring interior views

Gold Museum

Find out about the treasured metal that enticed thousands of prospectors to find their fortune in the gold rush of the mid 19th century at this intriguing museum.

Gold Museum
St Patrick\'s Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral

You can find out about the history of Ballarat with a trip to St Patrick's Cathedral. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's art scene.

St Patrick's Cathedral
Mount Buninyong is an extinct volcano near Ballarat. This is the view from the scenic reserve #localgem

Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Ballarat.

Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve

Ballarat Base Hospital

Though Ballarat Base Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat while you are here.

Ballarat Base Hospital

St John of God Hospital Ballarat

Though St John of God Hospital Ballarat might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat while you are here.

St John of God Hospital Ballarat

Areas of Ballarat

Ballarat in Autumn Heritage Weekend Event #Culture

Ballarat Central

If you're spending some time in Ballarat Central, St Patrick's Cathedral and Ballarat Town Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Ballarat Central
Dramatic Sunset, Lake Wendouree Ballarat City Victoria Australia

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
Mount Buninyong is an extinct volcano near Ballarat. This is the view from the scenic reserve #localgem

Buninyong

If you're spending some time in Buninyong, Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve and Buninyong H18 Bushland Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Buninyong
Crested Pigeon #wildlife

Newington

The bars and spas are just a few features travelers like about Newington. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Lake Wendouree and Ballarat Botanical Gardens are a few top places to visit.

Newington
Sovereign Hill featuring interior views

Golden Point (Ballarat)

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

Golden Point (Ballarat)
Lake Wendouree in Ballarat with a picturesque lakeside view, local wildlife and lush greenery. It is a popular tourist attraction and sightseeing spot in the regional town of Australia.

Ballarat East

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

Ballarat East

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballarat worth visiting?
Ballarat offers a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Ballarat?
Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park are two excellent places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Ballarat while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ballarat?
Don't leave without checking out Sovereign Hill, rated the top tourist attraction in Ballarat.
Is three days enough to stay in Ballarat?
Three days in Ballarat is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and Her Majesty's Theatre are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Daylesford.
Is Ballarat a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Ballarat, like Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometers from central Ballarat is Soldiers Hill and Golden Point is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Ballarat with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our ideas for what to do in Ballarat with kids.

What to do in Ballarat for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Ballarat, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Ballarat Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Ballarat?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Ballarat. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Lake Wendouree is a must for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.