Ballarat Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ballarat showing night scenes and heritage architecture
Ballarat showing a sunset and street scenes
Sovereign Hill
Ballarat showing street scenes
Ballarat

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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Delacombe

Delacombe is well liked for its shopping. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Ballarat area, you might plan a trip to Ballarat Tramway Museum or Ballarat Golf Club.

Delacombe
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)
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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
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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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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
Quest Ballarat Station
Quest Ballarat Station
4 out of 5
Nolan, 11, Soldiers Hill, VIC
The price is ₹11,869 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹11,869
₹13,081 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (456 reviews)
"We were given a room upgrade. It was huge, like being in a very spacious one bedroom apartment. Thank you."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Quest Ballarat Station
Mid City Ballarat
Mid City Ballarat
4 out of 5
19 Doveton St North, Ballarat, VIC
The price is ₹5,862 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
₹5,862
₹7,060 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Ballarat. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great service, comfortable & clean room. Close to everything in town centre."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Mid City Ballarat
Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre
Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre
4 out of 5
613 Main Road, Golden Point (Ballarat), VIC
The price is ₹8,105 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹8,105
₹8,915 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (995 reviews)
"great location"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre
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.
Quest Ballarat Station
Quest Ballarat Station
4 out of 5
Nolan, 11, Soldiers Hill, VIC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ballarat. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (456 reviews)
"We were given a room upgrade. It was huge, like being in a very spacious one bedroom apartment. Thank you."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Quest Ballarat Station
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (920 reviews)
Good.
"My second stay here. Very nice country style hotel Comfortable and clean. Excellent and friendly help at check in. Since it was winter, air con heated the room well. However the bathroom is FREEZING cold and without heating. Needs attention."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Provincial Boutique Hotel
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (542 reviews)
"Set right back, a separate unit, very private and quiet. A nice little private courtyard. The bed is so comfy A very nice unit"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

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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