Things to do in Ballarat

Activities, attractions and tours

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

If Ballarat Base Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat.

Ballarat Base Hospital

St John of God Hospital Ballarat

If St John of God Hospital Ballarat is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Ballarat.

St John of God Hospital Ballarat

Areas of Ballarat

Ballarat in Autumn Heritage Weekend Event #Culture

Ballarat Central

While visiting Ballarat Central, you might make a stop by sights like St Patrick's Cathedral and Ballarat Town Hall.

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 Union Jack Education Area are top sights worth seeing.

Buninyong
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)
Crested Pigeon #wildlife

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 Lake Wendouree and Ballarat Botanical Gardens, a few notable attractions nearby.

Newington
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Canadian

Travellers like the parks in Canadian, and Lake Esmond is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Canadian

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from central Ballarat is Soldiers Hill and Golden Point is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ballarat with kids?
Whether you're travelling 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 neighbourhoods, 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 travelling adventures.

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