Exploring Ballarat: A Guide to the City’s Must-See Attractions

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Ballarat, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s must-see attractions, from its historic gold rush landmarks to its vibrant cultural scene.

Introduction

 

Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s Central Highlands region, Ballarat is a city that seamlessly blends its rich gold rush history with modern-day charm. Once the epicentre of Australia’s gold rush in the 1850s, Ballarat today is a vibrant regional hub known for its well-preserved heritage architecture, thriving arts scene, and picturesque gardens.

With a population of just over 100,000, Ballarat offers visitors a laid-back atmosphere coupled with a wide array of Ballarat attractions to explore. From immersive living museums to serene botanical gardens, there’s something to captivate every type of traveller in this historic city.

If you’re planning a trip to Ballarat, here’s a guide to the top places you won’t want to miss:

 

1. Step Back in Time at Sovereign Hill

 

No visit to Ballarat is complete without experiencing the living history of Sovereign Hill. This award-winning open-air museum brings the Victorian gold rush era to life, allowing visitors to walk the streets of a meticulously recreated 1850s mining town.

 

Key highlights of Sovereign Hill include:

 

• Panning for real gold in the stream

• Descending into an underground mine

• Watching skilled craftsmen at work in their shops

• Riding a horse-drawn carriage down Main Street

• Enjoying old-fashioned treats like raspberry drops and homemade fudge

Sovereign Hill is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Adult tickets cost $59.50 while children’s tickets (5-15 years) are $27.20. Family passes are also available.

 

2. Admire the Collections at the Art Gallery of Ballarat

 

Established in 1884, the Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest regional art gallery in Australia. Housed in a stunning heritage-listed building, the gallery boasts an impressive collection of Australian art spanning from colonial times to the present day.

 

Some of the standout works you can see at the gallery include:

Artist	Artwork
Tom Roberts	“Shearing the Rams”
Jane Sutherland	“Obstruction, Box Hill”
Arthur Streeton	“Golden Summer, Eaglemont”

In addition to its permanent collection, the Art Gallery of Ballarat also hosts regular temporary exhibitions showcasing both local and international artists. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.

 

3. Enjoy Family Fun at Kryal Castle Ballarat

 

For a fun-filled day out with the family, head to Kryal Castle Ballarat. This unique attraction is a replica of a medieval castle complete with drawbridges, towers, mazes and even a torture dungeon.

 

At Kryal Castle Ballarat you can:

 

• Watch live jousting tournaments and knight battles

• Take an archery lesson or throw a tomahawk

• Get lost in the Giant’s Garden Maze

• Witness a magic show or puppet theatre performance

• Dress up in medieval costumes for a memorable photo

The castle is open every weekend and daily during Victorian school holidays from 10am to 4pm. Tickets cost $35 for adults and $25 for children aged 4-16.

 

4. Meet Native Wildlife at the Ballarat Wildlife Park

 

Animal lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Set amidst 37 acres of natural bushland, this park is home to a wide variety of native Australian animals including:

 

• Kangaroos

• Koalas

• Wombats

• Emus

• Tasmanian Devils

One of the highlights of the Ballarat Wildlife Park is the opportunity to hand-feed the free-roaming kangaroos. You can also book close-up encounters with koalas, wombats and other animals for an additional fee.

The wildlife park is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $35 for adults, $17.50 for children aged 5-15, and free for children under 5.

 

5. Stroll Through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

 

For a peaceful escape in nature, make your way to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Established in 1857, these sprawling gardens cover 40 hectares on the western shore of Lake Wendouree.

 

Some of the key features of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens include:

 

• The heritage-listed Avenue of Prime Ministers

• The Robert Clark Conservatory showcasing seasonal floral displays

• The Sensory Garden designed to engage all five senses

• Themed garden beds like the Monet Garden and Arid Garden

• A charming wooden tram that runs through the gardens

The gardens are open daily and entry is free. Guided tours are available on weekends for a small fee.

 

6. Discover Local History at the Gold Museum

 

To dive deeper into Ballarat’s fascinating gold rush history, pay a visit to the Gold Museum. Located directly across from Sovereign Hill, this museum houses an extensive collection of gold nuggets, mining artefacts, photographs and multimedia exhibits.

 

Highlights of the Gold Museum include:

 

• The Bradshaw Gallery showcasing gold nuggets and jewellery

• The Ballarat Gallery exploring the city’s development and social history

• Trapped, an underground theatre experience about the mining life

• Changing temporary exhibitions on various local history themes

The Gold Museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5.20pm. Entry is included in the Sovereign Hill ticket or you can visit the museum on its own for $13.60 per adult and $7.70 per child.

 

7. See Vintage Trams at the Ballarat Tramway Museum

 

For something a little different, stop by the Ballarat Tramway Museum located at the edge of the Botanical Gardens. This volunteer-run museum is dedicated to preserving Ballarat’s tramway history dating back to 1887.

 

At the Ballarat Tramway Museum you can:

 

• View a collection of heritage trams from Ballarat and other Australian cities

• Take a ride on a restored vintage tram along the shore of Lake Wendouree

• Learn about the history and workings of Ballarat’s trams through exhibits

• Visit the tram depot workshop to see trams being repaired and restored

The museum is open weekends and public holidays from 11.30am to 4.30pm. Tram ride tickets cost $5 for adults and $2 for children.

 

8. Soak Up the Scenery at Lake Wendouree

 

Last but not least, no Ballarat itinerary is complete without some time spent at the beautiful Lake Wendouree. This man-made lake in the centre of Ballarat is a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike.

 

Some of the top things to do at Lake Wendouree include:

 

• Walking, jogging or cycling the 6km Steve Moneghetti track around the lake

• Hiring a rowboat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the waters

• Enjoying a picnic or BBQ in one of the many lakeside parks and gardens

• Spotting swans, ducks and other birdlife that call the lake home

• Grabbing a coffee or bite to eat at one of the nearby cafes

Lake Wendouree is accessible 24/7 and is free to enjoy. Boat and bike hire are available from several operators around the lake.

 

Stay Connected on Your Ballarat Adventure with Airtel

 

With so many Ballarat attractions to discover, you’ll want to stay connected to share your experiences with family and friends back home. Consider investing in an international roaming plan like Airtel’s Prepaid IR Packs.

These cost-effective plans offer generous data allowances and coverage across 184 countries, ensuring you can use navigation apps, make online reservations, and post all your Ballarat holiday snaps without worrying about bill shock. Plans start from as low as Rs. 649 for 24 hours.

From the living history of Sovereign Hill to the natural beauty of Lake Wendouree, Ballarat offers a wealth of experiences to delight every traveller. Use this guide to plan your own Ballarat adventure and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this captivating Victorian city.