Things to Do in Ballarat

Top Things to Do in Ballarat

Things to Do in Ballarat


Book these experiences for a closer look at the region.

Top Attractions in Ballarat

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

What travelers are saying

  • Morroyce
    Sydney, Australia61 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went to Sovereign Hill on a week day with a toddler and had the best time.

    We expected to be done after 3hours max but ended up staying for longer. Everyone is so lovely and we had the best tour guide for the mine tour.

    My toddler loved panning for gold and the playground.

    The only think I would say is, would be great to be able to book experiences at the start rather than having to run through to book everything for early in the day. I was also a bit overwhelmed with everything we could watch and didn't plan that out very well, so we missed a heap of demos.
    Written March 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simon B
    City of Greater Geelong, Australia2,784 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Busy Saturday on edge of Lake Wendouree as looked like a rowing tournament happening.
    Heaps of teams, boats and even food trucks and portaloos for big crowd.
    Nonetheless, had a good walk on part of nice garden circuit.
    Interesting to watch action close to shore however lose sight of most races.
    Written January 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • N0rmalee
    Bossier City, LA674 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We saw cassowary birds (descended from dinosaurs), lots of koalas and kangaroos, a large crocodile.a Tasmanian devil. Got to feed a kangaroo, and they have the run of the zoo.
    Written December 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maryann B
    Basel, Switzerland302 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were not expecting such a wonderful art gallery outside of the big Australian cities. We were lucky enough to time our visit with the free guided tour which was very enjoyable and informative. We learnt a lot about both the art works and the history of the local area. The staff were all extremely helpful. One can easily spend 2+ hours here if exploring all the exhibits. And it's all for free!
    Written February 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia65,001 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gardens are a magnificent place to reset the mind, body and soul... they can bring you peace when you are in turmoil and are struggling to find your way. A garden accepts and offers its beauty up selflessly giving you a place of solace.

    A recent visit to these Botanical Gardens reminded me how stunning they truly are... they offer colour and symmetry ... they shelter birds and insects ...and these gardens also offer you a glimpse into history with its statues and information boards.

    The garden is accessible to everyone and the paths are wonderfully maintained. On the recent trip they offered me somewhere peaceful. I enjoyed walking through the gardens late in the evening... they have something of interest at every turn.
    Written February 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John T
    318 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the Ballarat Tramway Museum today, on a bright, sunny, picturesque day.
    Looking at the many historic trams, from horse-drawn versions, through to later ones was a look back into the history of transport.
    We had a wonderful time, and the Motorman and Cibductor had so many interesting stories as well.
    Written March 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roy v
    Traralgon, Australia4,822 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lydiard Street is well worth walking down and taking in all the great architecture of the historic buildings that called Lydiard Street home .
    There are many beautiful buildings to enjoy , the George Hotel, Craig’s Royal Hotel, The Regent Multiplex Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre.
    Ballarat Art Gallery, Churches to name just a few. We enjoyed our time there.
    Written December 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • C...
    Victoria, Australia65,001 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Together at this location is the Arch of Victory and the beginning of the Avenue of Honour, they are here because the community wanted to create a tangible and fitting memorial in recognition of service and sacrifice during WW1.

    The Avenue was officially opened in 1929 by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales ( later Edward VIII). Both the Arch and the Avenue are listed by the Victorian Heritage Register.

    William Birdwood, 1st Baron Birdwood of Anzac and Totnes, field marshal was born in India. Birdwood was appointed K.C.M.G. (1914), K C.S.I. (1915), K.C.B. (1917), G.C.M.G. (1919), and was created a baronet and granted £10,000 (1919). He was mentioned in dispatches frequently and awarded many foreign decorations. In the Australian Military Forces he was made a general (1920), field marshal (1925), and honorary colonel of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the 16th Light Horse; he also received further British honours. In 1920 he toured Australia and one of his duties was to lay the stone for the arch.

    The Arch of Victory is the largest commemorative arch in Australia. The world’s most significant arches are displayed at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Ballarat’s Arch of Victory has its place amongst those world arches.

    It is a very grand structure, but to really appreciate it... you do need to get out and walk around... there are many information plaques at it's base and information boards in this precinct.
    Written February 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maryann B
    Basel, Switzerland302 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took the local bus from the city centre to the Eureka Centre which is set in lovely grounds on the outskirts. The museum was smaller than we expected but it provided us non-Australians with a good historical overview of events we had not heard about before. The onsite cafe was also very good for a coffee break.
    Written February 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Wendy O
    Brisbane, Australia173 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband and I attended the Anzac Day service here. Was a very good service, lots of people including the police. We attended this one due to that my dad was a POW in Changi, meant a lot us. It’s a shame there’s not more places like this around Australia.
    Written May 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Scenic27072712097
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This building is very beautiful and big. And the inside is wide, so there are many spaces to see. There were few people, so it was easy to sightseeing. Also, I could take some photos. There were many stained glasses. That was beautiful. I have never seen such a beautiful sight.
    Written February 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roy v
    Traralgon, Australia4,822 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the railways station a couple of times while in Ballarat.
    A terrific set up with all platforms being covered.
    Lovely architecture inside and out.
    Reminds me of stations in England, lots of character.
    Busy place , trains coming and going all the time.
    Just outside is the bus terminal where buses go to lots of nearby towns,
    Well worth going for a look when in the area
    Written December 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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